Date: 8th May, 2019

I hated that my parents did this, why must they bring someone new into the family! They know what just happened! Well, around 5 weeks ago. Yes, they had this for a while. I knew that they were planning to adopt before this fiasco, but I had assumed that they would cancel it what with what happened in the woods. For his safety, you know. But they are still going ahead with it!

“But mother!” I protested, jogging to keep up with her as she toddled down the stairs.

She tutted, her facial expression not changing from a small smile. “Now now Lucian, don’t ‘But mother’ me young man. Baxter is arriving here at 5:30pm today. That’s in 20 minutes. So, I want you to get out of your pyjamas and into some clothes. Respectful ones would be appreciated but clothes nonetheless. Chop chop,” she carried on walking but faltered as she heard me let out a shuddering breath.

“Yes mum,” I whispered, wiping my eyes. Why? Why must she do this? I’m just going to hurt someone! I wish I never went to Charlotte’s house! If I hadn’t then I wouldn’t have felt sick at the thought of being somewhere knew and I would have progressed going out into the woods — during the night of all times! We could have played games inside! Told stories. I let out a shuddering breath and that’s when my mum stopped and turned. I didn’t see her move toward me until I felt her hands on my face.

“Look at me, angel. Luci,” I looked at her, my eyes watering with unshed tears of fear and panic. “Everything will be okay. I promise,”

“You can’t promise that,” I told her with a break in my voice, I let out hiccuping breaths as I tried my best not to cry. But it is true. She can’t promise that. I am unpredictable. Even when I wasn’t a lycanthrope, I was told I can get angry a lot. Now add in monthly irritation and aches — Merlin, I sound like a girl. “You can’t promise I won’t- I won’t hurt him!”

“Lucian Michael Bauer Mornstern! You stop this silliness,” she berated, cupping my cheeks in a motherly fashion. “You are one of the sweetest boys I know. If your father was here he would be agreeing with me,” mhm, but instead he is picking up my new brother. That poor lad. “and I want you to get this nonsense out of your head that you’re a monster. I love you, you’re my eldest and first born. And I will always protect you, even from yourself and these stupid, self depressing thoughts. Where’s my happy boy?”

“In the woods. Dead,” I grumbled out. Sadie sighed, but a slight chuckle to her voice.

“Go. Get ready,” and gently pushed me back up the stairs. With a heavy heart, I trudged back up the stairs and straight to my bedroom. I looked at my attire: pyjama shorts and top. Pft, this is fine. Why do I need to change for him? He will see me in these tonight! Whatever, I scoffed, best get ready.

I looked through my wardrobe, mother must be delusional if she thinks imma wear a suit. It isn’t THAT big of a deal. Hmm, what to wear though. It took me awhile but I found an outfit I liked. I looked in the mirror:


After getting ready, I went to one of the bathrooms to brush my teeth. (What? At least I’m doing it.) By the time I was ready, mother was calling my downstairs. I got there and saw her and saw Elliot too. He is our butler. No one can have too many servants. I’ve know Elliot my whole life, he was my first friend. He is thinking of leaving soon, wants to visit the world, but he promises that if he ever went then he will come back and visit at least a few times a year. Thankfully, I don’t think that will happen any time soon.

“Hello Lucian,” he greeted.

“Hey El,” I replied, jumping down the last three stairs. “Mother,”

“Well done. You look like you actually want to be here,” teased my mum. I rolled my eyes but a small smile creeped on my face. “Now. Be nice,”

“Always,” I said with a grin. Yeah, no, if I have nothing to do with Baxter then maybe he won’t like it here and leave. Or he will be asked to leave. Soon enough, dad walked in with a small boy trailing behind him like a lost… puppy.

“Hi love,” dad gave mum a kiss on the lips and a hug before they pulled away. “Luci, meet your brother,” mum and Baxter have already met. Hell, even one of our house elves have met him. But I haven’t yet.

“Afternoon Baxter,” I greeted formally, reaching my hand out. The boy shied away from me and went behind fathers legs. I held in a sigh, at least getting him to not like me won’t be an issue. “Urm… I’m Lucian,”

“H- hello,” he whispered, practically shaking with nerves. Are we that scary? “Nice- nice to meet- meet you,” I nodded awkwardly.

Sadie sighed, “Angel, why don’t you show Baxter upstairs? Give him a tour. Georg, a word please?” she pulled on dad’s hand and they walked away, probably to talk about me. Turning to Baxter, I could see that he was looking around. Where did he live before this?

“Come on then,” I said offhandedly, walking to the stairs. “You better be following me,” I called, not turning to face him. I could then hear little footsteps following me like mice and I chuckled to myself before steeling my emotions. First I showed him the bathrooms and mum and dads room, Elliot’s room should he need help, and then finally my room and his room. Our room is joined together.

We both walked into his room. “This looks nice,” he said quietly, eyes scanning around.

“Yeah. I mean, it can decorated with whatever you want. It’s a little bare right now,” I replied, laying on his bed. Baxter walked around, getting a feel of the room. Okay, maybe a part of me is curious of his life before here.

“It’s perfect,” I smiled, not that he could see me.

Welcome to my new life. A life with a brother. Hopefully it won’t last long. I hope the best for him though, regardless. This was a true case of (platonic) ‘It’s not you it’s me’.