My Little Secret

(Ivan Radcliffe)

"I'm sorry!" I shout at a guy I drove past really quickly. Gave him a mini heart attack to be honest.

I pull into the restaurant Bryan and I usually hung out at. It wasn't anything fancy, almost at the outskirts of the city. Less people who knew us, me specifically. I wear my cap and get out of the car, prepping myself to meet Bryan.

Bryan was four years older to me. He and I, we weren't as close as most siblings with our age difference would be. We had no moments where we actually bonded. He went away to boarding school before me and by the time I came to boarding school, he already had friends. We went home together but even when we travelled together, he was quiet in the car. He'd put his headphones on and look outside, lost in thought. I always respected him and he'd always have my back if I messed up, but in a more mature way. Bryan never made any mistakes.

Years later, he fell in love with a doctor. I was surprised he even had a girlfriend. All through my childhood, I'd never seen Bryan date anyone or be with anyone while I got my heart broken multiple times in high school. Till he introduced me to Catherine at the Alfea ball. It was like he knew we'd get along. And in no time, Catherine and I had bonded. She had just made her debut in one of the famous director's movie and she looked so beautiful in the gown. We danced all night and had dinner later. I dropped her back home and we kissed after I walked her to the door. It felt surreal.

"Hey" I say to him and I reach the table he was sitting at. He was going through his phone and smiled when he saw me. He got up and gave me a hug.

I sit down and the food arrives. Our usual.

"How are things? How have you been?" I ask him.

"Everything is good. Tressy is expecting a second child." He says as he takes a bite of the chicken.

"That's great" I exclaim, "Congrats man."

"Thanks Iv. How are things with Catherine?" he asks. He didn't know?

"Um.. We broke up Bryan. If you haven't seen the news, she .."

"I know what happened, but hasn't she tried to get back with you?" he asked.

"Yeah, but wait. How do you know about that? Did you"

"I spoke to her, yes. It's a minor misunderstanding, she was drunk and things like these happen Iv.

She didn't sleep with him. It was harmless. She makes you so happy, Iv. Are you sure you need to do

this?" he asks.

I was surprised. I didn't imagine him to be as insensitive as he was being right now. I guess people could surprise you.

"I don't think so. I take things like this very seriously Bryan. Besides, I like someone." I say. I was a

little annoyed.

"What?" he asks looking shocked. It was difficult to surprise Bryan but he seemed like it. It was a trivial thing to be surprised about.

"Yeah, she's a great girl and I think I like her." I say.

"Uh-huh." He smiles. "So, who is she?"

"You've met her today. I don't know if you remember her, Sofia Malitz." I say and he chuckles.

"That girl? Over Catherine? Really Iv?" he smiles. "I'm sure it's a passing cloud. You'll realize soon enough that she isn't good enough for you." He says and looks at me like he knows.

"Do you know something I don't Bryan?" I look at him suspiciously.

"Nothing that could harm you Ivan. Well, this was fun. I have to go now, something's come up." He says and gets up to leave.

"Why were you at Madrake Press?" I ask him before he leaves.

He smiles, "Why do you think?" he says.

"Is Dad retiring?" I ask, afraid of what the answer might be.

"And Dad thinks I'm the smart one." He says and walks away leaving me behind, alone with my thoughts.