It felt like an eternity as Mylo stared at the flier. Musical competition he whispered, feeling a sense of awe as his gaze was fixed on it.
Zooming in, the date looked to be quite close—just a week from now. The prize money made Mylo's eyes widen just slightly; 1000 dollars. The money part wasn't what really drew his attention, no, looking further down, another prize was a chance to play at Celestial Stadium—one of the biggest events centers in the state.
"You wanna enter the competition, don't ya." Jake's voice broke Mylo out of his daze.
Blinking, he quickly tore his gaze away from the flier quickly coming up with an excuse, though the stuttering easily gave him away. "I-Ive got no clue what you're talking about. I was just... admiring the lamp post, yeah."
Jake raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by the oh-so obvious lie. "Oh, realyyyy~, cause it doesn't seem like you were just admiring lamp posts." He rebutted, a knowing smirk on his face.
Mylo glanced back at him, throwing the meanest glare he could muster, "It isn't and I'm not going to the competition." He said with as much conviction as he could.
Pausing in his step, Jake observed Mylo before chuckling a few moments later. "Hmm, fine I believe you. C'mon let's go before it gets late."
Mylo sighed in relief, falling into a step beside him, happy that he bought that excuse. Though a mischievous glint could be seen in Jakes eyes as there continued their walk.
'Well looks like I'll have to give him a little... motivation.' he thought as there continued towards their neighborhood.
***
The two quickly reached their neighborhood. Stopping at a two-way road, it was time for them to separate. With Mylo going to the left, and Jake, the right.
Mylo turned towards Jake, "Well, I'll see you tomorr—" but was interrupted as Jake slapped his back hard causing his bag to fall. "Jake, what the he--" Mylo quickly held himself from cursing out.
"Damn, sorry fam, a little too strong on the hit. Haha." Jake apologized, helping Mylo with his bag. "Well, see ya in school tomorrow miles." He quickly said, speeding away.
Mylo raised an eyebrow, "Well, that was totally not suspicious. And when did Jake start caring about...school." He furrowed his eyebrows in thought before ultimately letting it go.
"Oh well, it's good he's finally prioritizing school, maybe my teachings are finally working." He said to himself as he walked towards his house, though, not noticing a familiar blue flier sticking out of his bag.
***
Reaching home after just a few minutes, Mylo's home stood. His home, no, calling it a home would be an insult. A mansion stood— grand and exquisite. And why wouldn't it be; it was his Father—Darius Fletcher's achievements made manifest in physical form for all to bear witness.
Giant black gates stood tall, separating the already wealthy neighborhood from the luxury that lay just inside.
The walls, which seemed to stretch forever, were an exquisite ocean blue color, lined with intricate designs—just like the swirling sea.
Pearing pass the gate, green luscious grass lined the windy stone pathway, as well as smaller houses—which seemed to be for staff, all lead to the main house on a hill.
A lush garden lay just before the main house. Various flowers, from red roses, to white Lily's all surrounded the beautiful fountain just in the middle of the stone pathway. All made to beautify the mansion even more.
A lake situated just at the back of the Mansion added the cherry on top to this already luxurious mansion.
Walking up to the massive gate, which opened up as the security let him in. Mylo, as usual greeted him. "Evening Mr Smith."
A middle aged looking man, wearing a standard looking security clothes smiled, "Oi Mylo, welcome back once again. Hope school was alright for ya."
Mylo smiled, "Thanks, school was...fine thank you." He replied.
Smith chuckled, "Alrighty then, well best to gets in there. Your pops arrived ey while ago."
Mylo's breath momentarily hitched, as his eyes widened. "Y-yeah, I best be on my way." He replied quickly, walking the stone pathway towards the house.
Smith couldn't help but sigh, pitying the boys situation. But nothing he could do, all he could hope was the boy could endure.
Arriving at the entrance, "Welcome back, young master. Hope school today was adequate." an older looking gentlemen spoke. Long white hair filled his head, combed back neatly, ending on a pony tail. A standard butler outfit adorned him. His posture straight, prim and proper.
Mylo smiled, "William...school was fine thank you." He replied.
"Oh well that's splendid, young master."
Mylo couldn't help but sigh, "William, you know you can call me Mylo right." Though that was an impossible task Mylo knew wouldn't happen, William was quite...stubborn.
With a feigned look of shock, "Poposterous, young master. That would be going against all my years of training as a butler sir. So I insist. Besides, you are the young master of this house, and should be called so with the utmost respect."
Mylo couldn't help but chuckle at that. Before remembering that his father was in the house. "Uhm, let me head inside quickly."
"Oh of course young master, wouldn't want to keep your Father waiting. Though, I would recommend 'bracing' for it." Williams said, stepping to the side.
A confused expression made way to Mylo's face, "Bracing for what?"
His question was soon answered as the doors shot open, a figure came barrelling towards him like a force of nature. "Mimiiiiiiiii!!!"
Mylo was immediately thrown back, landing on the floor with a weight on him. Without even looking, he groaned out. "Sis, seriously you said you wouldn't call me that again." Mylo grumbled, blushing in embarrassment.
Mary Fletcher smiled brightly at her brother, squeezing his cheeks together. "I can't help it mimi, you're just too cute. I have the cutest brother in the world, so why wouldn't I adore him." She gushed over, hugging him even more.
Mylo couldn't help but sigh, trying to hide the small smile on his face. She always did this every time there saw each other, she would pounce on him like a puppy. She was—in Mylo's definition—a hyperactive puppy in human form. Long blonde hair, shinny and playful in style. Brown bright and cheerful eyes stared at you, prompting joy in you, and a smile that just made you smile in return. That's who Mary was, a bundle of energy and someone who just lights up a room.
Mary shot up from the ground, pulling Mylo from the floor; she shook him by the shoulders, "Hmm, Mimi, you look like you could fall by just a breeze, let's go eat dinner." Once again, not being able to say or do anything, Mylo was dragged into the house. While all this happened, Williams stood with an amused expression on his face as he followed the duo inside.
***
With no time to change, Mary dragged Mylo into the dinning hall. The room big and spacious enough for a crowd of people to partake in a buffet, but currently eating at the table; where just two people.
"Hmph, stop acting in such an unbefitting manner sister." One of the people spoke, his voice deep and echoing.
His short hair, neatly combed back with not a single strand of hair out of place. He never liked disorder, Mylo thought, and it showed. Slim glasses framed his face as deep blue eyes, always filled with pride and strictness, stared. This was Maxwell Fletcher, the eldest son of Darius Fletcher.
Tearing his gaze away from him. Still no how was your day Mylo, huh? Mylo thought, brows furrowing slightly. At this point, It was just hope expecting...acknowledgment, a reaction, anything! from him brother.
"Yeah yeah Mister I'm.So.Important." Mary stuck her tongue out playfully, as she sat down.
Mylo chuckled slightly, the two have always been like that. He imagined them like a playful cat and a grumpy dog at odds with each other.
Turning towards the end of the table, the sun shown through the floor-to-ceiling windows-it was...their Mother's idea. A wave of sadness passed through him as he remembered her, before he focused at the other person eating at the table.
A refined air of elegance emmanted from him. No wasted movements, no acknowledgement to what happened at the table. Not even a glance as Mylo sat at the dinning table. Nothing. Just coldness.
Deep blue eyes, like the sea. Giving off the feeling like you were never good enough. Much like his brother, Darius was much more...strict, older, and more refined.
Staring down at his food, Mylo quickly dug in. The room now fell into an irry silence. This was the normal mood during dinner.
"Mylo, what's this I hear about you... sleeping during a lecture." Darius's voice broke the silence, his deep voice reverting in the halls.
Mylo felt himself freeze. Like a heavy weight was put upon him and he was sinking into the deep ocean. Bum...bum...bum. Hearing his own heart beating, sweat dripping down his spine sending a chill through his body.
Mylo couldn't help but gulped. O-of course he would know. A panicked thought coursed through him.
Mylo finally spoke,"Father, I...I." but the words were stuck in his throat, almost too heavy to say.
"Dad, it's not that big of a deal." Mary quickly spoke up in defence,"Besides, c'mon don't tell me you haven't done the same when you..." A raised hand quickly silenced her.
Darius stared at Mylo in silence. Observing. It was just like that for what felt like hours even though it was a few seconds. After a few seconds, he tore his eyes away from him, staring down at his food and continued eating. "Make sure such a thing doesn't happen again. Next time, punishment will ensue. Understood" He warned.
"Yes father." Mylo said in relief, his voice coming out a little to high and relieved. The silence returned once again as the family all ate in silence.
Dinner finished a few moments later, though no one stood to walk away from the table. Darius had to leave first before one could—an iron clad rule in the home.
Darius looked towards Mary, "Marylene, your engagement has already been finalized as soon as your studies have concluded, you will get married." He stated, he didn't ask.
Mary smiled, throwing a thumbs up."Okie dokie dadio." She said. Mylo couldn't help but stare at her. He knew she wasn't happy. Her smile didn't reach her eyes and didn't have the brightening effect it usually had.
Feeling his father's eyes on me, Mylo unconsciously straightened his back. "Mylo, your preparations for the upcoming MED exams should be done with utmost perfection. I have a friend who owns a well-known medical hospital, your path has already been layed for you, do well not to get anything less than perfection." He said.
Mylo nodded, but then...Don't look back and regret that you didn't do what u wished.
Jake's voice sounded in his head.
Furrowing his brows at the thought, it's just a hobby! An uncomfortable feeling welled up in his chest once again.
Staring at his Father, who was standing up to leave the hall.
"W-what if I did music." Mylo blurted out.
Silence. Darius paused in his step. Maxwell narrowed his eyes, while Mary sat with a shocked expression.
Jelly, that's what Mylo felt like at the moment, but fortunately or unfortunately for him, his mouth continued to ramble on. "W-what if I practiced music. Y-you know-"
"Silence!" My father shouted out. Mylo reeled back at the voice. "You're path is already decided for you, a Medical Doctor. You will do no such thing as music," the words feeling like disgust to Darius,"do you understand me boy!"
Mylo gripped his knuckles, I know, a doctor is what is good for me, my father has already decided it, so it has to be good. But...but what if...
Mylo's thoughts were chaotic, the feeling of uncomfortableness at the idea of doing any other thing than music, rose up once again.
"But I love music, it's my dream..."
Slam. Darius slammed his hands on the table. The room immediately going silent. Darius stared at Mylo, his gaze sharp. "Dreams won't take you anywhere, pain and suffering is all it brings to you." He closed his eyes, almost as if trying to shut out a long distance memory too painful to recall.
Quickly steeling his eyes, he spoke, "Your path has been decided and that's final. Now kill that dream of yours. Do.You.Understand!"
Looking down, Mylo gritted his teeth slightly, "Yes...Father."
He was silent for a few seconds, before standing up to adjust his clothing's. "Now, off to your room. You're past your study session, double it for spouting such...nonsense." He said, walking off.
The room was quite after he left. Mylo stood up, having lost his appetite as he made his way to his room.
***
Entering his room, Mylo casually threw his bag at his bed and collapsed lazily shortly after. Sigh, why did I say that? He thought, still wondering what had come over him at that moment.
"Woahh, I've never seen dad that...angry before. Like ever." Mary's voice sounded as she walked into the room.
"Yeah," Running a hand through his hair, he sighed. "He's right, I should just focus on my med exams."
"It's that your way of convincing yourself, cause you're seriously not good at it." Mary commented, walking around the room.
Mylo lanced at her, not saying anything, not knowing what to say. "Arrgh!" He huffed in frustration.
Mary smiled, leaning on his desk. "Frustrated, that means you're not willing to give it up, right?" She asked, staring at him with the you-know-i'm-correct.
"But what am I meant to do, I...I can't just do music." He asked, his voice laced in frustration.
Mary smiled, "Of course you can..." She pulled out a flier, "You just need to take the first step."
Mylo's eyes widened, "How did that...?" Jake Mylo couldn't help but chuckle, of course he snuck it into his bag.
Staring at the flier. Thoughts of entering the competition, filled his head. It was stupid, crazy in fact.
Mary sat next to him, gently pulling him into a close hug as she ran her hand through his hair. Due to the height difference, Mylo had to bend a little bit.
Mary chuckled slightly, "When'd you get so tall." She continued running her hand through his hair. Her voice turned soft as she spoke, "Mimi, I..don't want you to regret not following your dream. If you really want to do it, follow it. I know you love music, you've always loved it. So I know it pains you that you can't pursue it."
Her hand paused above his hair as she stared at him, offering a gentle smile. "Ask yourself, what do you want. Remove everyone from the picture—Dad, Bro, and even me. What do you want?" She asked.
What do I want? The question rang in Mylo's head. Replaying. The decision he made would forever change him.