Darn Stupid Brother You Are by Mairee

Chapter 19

(Cylan's POV)

As I sat on the stairs, hidden from view, I dialled my mom's number. I waited for her to answer. Finally she picked up.

"Cylan, darling, how are you?" my mom asked, her voice sweet and cheerful.

"I'm fine, Mom," I replied, trying to sound casual.

"How's school?" she asked, her tone light and conversational.

I hesitated for a moment before launching into an enthusiastic response. "It's great, Mom! I'm really loving my classes and I've been making some amazing friends. We're always studying together and-"

My mom cut me off. Her tone shifted and her voice became cold and detached. "Cylan, don't play dumb with me. I know the truth. You're not in school right now, are you?"

I felt a chill run down my spine as I realized I had been caught. "Mom, I... uh..."

"Don't bother lying to me, Cylan. I know you're in a wellness center. I know all about your little 'condition"."

The worst and the feeling I hate the most is the feeling of shame. I was the one who had made the mistake. I had trusted someone I shouldn't have, and had contracted a disease. I realized my mom had been pretending to be clueless all along. Why didn't I figure that out? Mom knew everything the majority of the time. I tried to defend myself, but my mom wouldn't let me get a word in edgewise.

"You're throwing your life away, Cylan. You're wasting your potential on... on... whatever it is you're doing. And now you're being treated for an STD? It's a shame, Cylan. A complete and utter shame." She sighed. "I'm extremely disappointed in you."

My mom's words cut deep, and I felt a stinging sensation in my eyes. I tried to hold back tears, but they began to fall anyway.

"I'm sorry mom. I really am. Mom, please understand," I said, my voice shaking. "I'm trying to get better. I'm trying to figure out who I am and what I want."

enough, Cylan. You're throwing away your life on foolishness." she said, her voice laced with disgust. "You're being treated for an STD, for goodness' sake!

my mom insisted I was being delusional for saying I'm gay. Now the STD

minor setback. And it's not

feelings for girls. It's unnatural. And now look where you are. You're being treated for an STD and you're still insisting on living this...

anger at her words, but I tried to remain calm. "Mom, my relationships are

interrupt, but she wouldn't

good luck with that, because now, your father is threatening to disown you unless you marry the first son of

like throwing up. "Wha-What?" I managed to say, "That's

it because that's the only way to secure a merger between our companies and save our family's reputation. And

parents' control. But I knew I couldn't give

Mom. I told you guys

even if it means marrying a man." She sighed, "It's a phase, honey. Maybe you're worried about it being an

at your father and I.

that they were not happy together,

Cylan. You need to focus on what's important. You need to continue the

marry a man. I can still have a family, still have children, without compromising who

And that's not how it works. You'll do what's best for this family, even if it means sacrificing your own stupid desires. You'll marry the first son of the

won't do it," I said again, my voice firmer this time. "I won't marry someone I don't love. And I won't pretend to be someone I'm not.

a moment, I thought my mom had hung up on me. But then

know this: you're bringing shame to the Cooper family name, and you'll regret the day you ever chose this... lifestyle of yours." I groaned, but before I could respond, I noticed a girl coming out from under the stairs, carrying a bucket and mop. She was stunning, with long, curly brown hair. She wore the uniform of the

brought me back to reality. "Cylan, are you listening

Emily as she moved up the stairs. "Mom, I... uh... yeah,

caught my eye and smiled, and I felt my heart flutter. It looked like she would be there awhile

I