Old Friends, New Hate
Nate watched him go; the tall form of his half brother cut a swath through the night. He was sad to hear of Robert's problems. While the two still did not hold a deep abiding affection for one another, it was just as Robert had pointed out, "Nate we are the only family we got... and I am not too sure others will have us. We better get along...even if it kills us." There were many times Nate thought it would do just that but somehow, through minimal bloodshed, they had formed not a bond of love, but perhaps respect. Which for two former blood enemies was an accomplishment.
Nate turned into the house. He let the screen door slam and the front door open. It was still hot and humid outside and the small cross breeze that blew from the back to the front of the house was the only means of cooling the place. Nate had seen more modern methods but had stubbornly refused such luxury. Money for such trinkets was better used to feed the families of the community, and still even though his fighting had been successful there was not much money to spread around. He could still remember darker times in RhyDin when the notion of his owning a home was a ludicrous thought. Hell, back then having a meal was cause for celebration.
Still, it was a pleasant dream at the hottest times of the night to think of a little extra help in lowering the temperature inside. But that pleasant thought was marred by another memory. Whenever he thought of technology he thought of his friend Matt--a man who, by all rights he should call brother before Robert Braxxx. Now however, he could not see Matt without dreaming of his hands around his neck and pushing him to the floor watching the life drain from his body. Nate was afraid to tell anyone... even one who had come to touch his life in a brand new way, these frightening visions.
He had always been in competition with Matt. Since his booted feet first found the Outback Matt had been there. He had been an Emerald long before Nate even thought of such glory and honor. Emerald rings were for people like Shanni, Jake, and Strider; people who wore the ring with a grace and a respect Nate himself never imagined he could have for himself. Still Matt had been there. He had been his coach, cheering section, and eventually a good, good friend. The two often shared the same table and even though Nate was far outside of Matt's stature in the community he was never made to feel any less respected. No one had cheered harder as one day he had found his stride; no one had taught him to wear the mantle of one of the sport's best like Matt had. Nate knew that without Matt's guidance he would simply have been another cheap braggart, with no regards for the history or the deep love he now felt for the sport.
Still, that had been then. Things were so different now. Taking a few dishes from inside and moving them to the wash basin outside, Nate began to wash them idly. Running a rag over a plate Nate could only think of how badly the relationship had gotten. Sure, he had changed a bit as he had gotten involved with Ginger but as much as Nate had his reservations he hoped silently Matt would be happy. But Matt's version of happiness seemed to change from day to day. Over time he began to be bitter... almost well... hell he didn't know....
He slammed a few dishes down not noticing the chips he left on the plates, "I know he isn't the same now." Nate had seen the married Matt, the one who now taunted opponents in the ring. The one who refused to bow even to his oldest friends. Sure, he had forgotten about Matt that night at the Red Star Station. But it was a mistake... couldn't he be forgiven? Couldn't Matt understand like he always had in the past? Nate's steps slowed. "Perhaps I used up my forgiveness. Perhaps I bent him to much." The guilt began to well up. Not just over his relationship with Matt, but with so many other relationships... "No... not going to do it." He wasn't going to beat himself up over it. What was done was done. Matt had no right to judge him. Who was he to point the finger? Who was he to say he had failed and done so miserably! Suddenly the line of what Matt had done and the old guilt of what Nate himself had done in his life blurred. It was all Matt's fault now; he had pressed things to far, forced him to make bad decisions. He was taunting him now, goading him with his failures.
Looking out into the back of his home and sitting on the porch swing, which rocked back and forth, Nate thought. He thought how he would pay his "friend" back. Matt would learn what it was to hurt... he would learn it just as Nate had come to learn it....
"Soon Matt, we will settle this," Nate's thoughts drifted as he swung on that porch. Those few thoughts becoming as dark as the night sky in the heavens.
Important: If you've enjoyed this, please read this--Copyright: 1997