Serving Revenge

A brother

Tears streamed down Julian’s eyes as he watched his home turn into ashes. Julian watched the flames flickering through the windows and smoke coming from the roof of the house. When he had just arrived, he had tried to go into the building but got held back by the neighbours who had gathered. The smell of everything he owned burning up made his stomach churn. It was something he knew he would never forget.

The flames crackled and the fire intensified. At that moment, the firefighting truck came into the street, heading for the burning house. Julian just stood there, feeling numb. His home, the place he had grown up was gone. It was the only thing his parents had left him.

A few minutes later, his uncle arrived. Uncle Mason screamed when he saw the house burning. His girlfriend stopped the car and they both got out. Julian ran to his uncle and fell into his arms. He had never seen Uncle Mason crying. Mason was a free spirited guy who lived life to the fullest. 

When they pulled apart, Julian was feeling very weak. Everything he had left, even the little dignity he remained with had gone down with the fire. He went and sat down on the grass to watch the firemen do their job. By the time they finished, the house was a shadow of its former self.

Julian wouldn’t have known what to do with himself if Gary had not arrived.

“Let’s go home,” Gary said. Julian allowed himself to be led to Gary’s car. He sat in the car and didn’t say anything until they reached Gary’s home. Gary’s home was in a neighbourhood very different from Julian’s. Everything was better there. The houses were way nicer and the environment was quiet and cool. 

“I’m sorry to be an inconvenience to you,” Julian said to his friend.

“This is nothing,” Gary said. “I’ve been quite lonely around here. My dad is on a business trip and my mother keeps hanging out with her annoying friends. You’re more than welcome to stay for as long as you like.”

Mrs. Dyer was in the living room with another older woman when they entered. Everything in the living room was white and neat. Julian got self-conscious because he felt dirty. 

Mrs. Dyer stood up and came to hug Julian. “Oh you poor dear. I heard what happened and saw the house on TV. I’m so sorry that happened to you.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Dyer.”

“Please know that you are free to stay with us for as long as you’d like. Feel at home.”

“Thank you,” Julian said.

“Please take Julian to the guest room,” she told her son.

“Alright,” Gary said. “Let’s go, Jules.”

Julian glanced at the other woman and saw that she was smiling weirdly at him. He turned away and followed Gary up the stairs. When they were in the guest room, Julian sat down while Gary checked the bathroom to see what was needed. 

“Who was that woman?” Julian asked. The way she had been smiling at him had been quite creepy.

“Oh, that’s Mrs. Sheen. What, was she giving you a look?”

“I don’t want to say anything bad about your mother’s guest.”

“No need. We all know what she’s like. She likes younger men and is always making moves on the staff. I’m not surprised if you noticed something off. My mom doesn’t like her very much but she’s the head of their party planning committee and mom is her deputy so they are usually forced to work together.”

Julian sighed. “Okay.”

“I going to get you some of my clothes,” Gary said. “We will go shopping tomorrow and get you some stuff.”

“That’s not necessary. You can give me some of your old ones. That will be fine.”

“Nonsense. We will get you your own stuff.”

Julian felt so grateful that he had a friend like Gary he could lean on during hard times. Gary invited Julian for dinner but he turned it down because he was not in the mood to eat anything.

He gave Julian everything he needed before leaving to give him some privacy. Julian dragged himself to the bathroom and showered. When he was fresh and clean, he went back to the room and dressed up. a few minutes later, there was a knock at the door and he went to open it.

A beautiful young woman with wild red hair stood on the other side of the door. She was wearing a maid’s uniform and holding a tray.

“Julian, right?” she said.

Julian stared at her luscious lips, transfixed. Gary had never told him that they had such a beautiful maid. He wondered if Gary had something going on with her. She was just too beautiful.

“Julian?”

“Yes,” Julian said, finally. “And you are?”

“Kierra,” she said, stepping in. she went and placed the jug of passion fruit juice on the table. She removed a glass from the tray and placed it next to the jug. She placed a packet of Cheetos on the table as well. “Gary said you might like some passion juice. I’ve already put sugar in it.”

“Yes, I love passion fruit juice. Thank you.”

“Alright,” she said and walked out. “Will you be needing anything else?”

Julian shook his head.

“Good.” She said before leaving. As soon as the door closed, Julian smiled. He was in the middle of a tragedy but he was surely going to enjoy being cared for by that woman.

The next day, he received a visitor after breakfast. It was his uncle Mason. After having a short chat with everyone, Mason told Julian that he wanted to have a serious conversation with him. Julian was scared but he had no choice but to follow Mason to the backyard where they sat on two plastic chairs.

“What happened yesterday was terrible,” Mason said. “The police want to speak to you but that’s not the only reason I’m here. I asked them to give you some time yesterday because I know how big a blow this is to you, after everything that has happened.”

“Thank you.”

“I came to tell you that I’m planning to leave this city,” he said.

“What?”