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I almost chuckle at my brother's obvious discomfort. Sara has always been one to greet new people with warm hugs instead of handshakes. It's one of the many things I love about her open, friendly nature.
Aleksandr pats Sara's back gingerly until she releases him from the hug.
"Sorry, I'm a hugger," Sara says with a laugh. "I've just been looking forward to meeting you for so long."
"Right, yes, of course," Aleksandr says, still looking rather bewildered. He glances at me again.
I smile reassuringly at my brother. "Don't worry, you'll get used to her informal ways soon enough."
Sara links her arm through mine. "I know you prefer your personal space. But I promise I don't bite." She winks playfully.
Aleksandr's eyes widen again at her forwardness. I have to resist the urge to laugh out loud at his reaction.
I glance over at my brother Aleksandr, taking in how much he's grown since I last saw him. He's filled out some, his shoulders broader and jaw more defined. But his eyes still hold that familiar mischievous glint, reminding me of the rambunctious kid he once was. Sarah excuses herself to greet a guest that is leaving.
"So Aleksandr, how have you been holding up?" I ask, my tone turning serious. "I’ve tried contacting you so many times over the months."
Aleksandr shifts on his feet, looking down. "Yeah, sorry about that. I needed time to process everything after you left." He meets my gaze again. "I was angry, I felt like you abandoned me to deal with everything alone. But I understand now why you did it."
I nod slowly
"I'm sorry I thrust all that responsibility on you so suddenly," I say. "I never wanted you to get mixed up in this life."
Aleksandr shakes his head. "Don't apologize, you did what you had to. I'm not a kid anymore, I can handle myself."
"So, training has started?" I ask Aleksandr, trying to keep my voice steady.
Aleksandr nods, his eyes downcast. "Yeah, it's been a few weeks now."
"How are you handling it?" I ask, my voice soft.
Aleksandr looks up at me, his face etched with a ghost smile. "I'm not struggling," he says. "I already know how to handle myself."
I can't help but smile back at him, feeling a sense of pride wash over me. No one knows Aleksandr like I do and underneath his nerdy look, he is housing a devil. I alone got to see that side of him.
"I'm sorry for the things I said that day," Aleksandr continues. "I didn't mean them."
I shake my head. "Don't worry about it. I didn't take it to heart. I never take it to heart."
Aleksandr sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I shouldn't have said that stuff. I was just angry and frustrated."
I nod, understanding where he's coming from. "I know. I had just dumped a lot on your plate."
I notice Aleksandr's eyes linger on Sara for a beat to long. Though his gaze holds only polite admiration, I feel that innate spark of jealousy flare up inside me.
I catch Aleksandr's eye and raise an eyebrow at him. He quickly looks away, a faint blush coloring his cheeks.
"She really is beautiful, Dimitri," Aleksandr says sincerely. "I'm happy for you, you both clearly love each other so much."
I nod, allowing myself to relax. "Thank you. I am very fortunate to have Sara in my life. I hope you find a love like this someday too," I tell Aleksandr.
He shakes his head with a little laugh. "Oh, I wouldn't count on it. That's territory I have no plans to venture into."
I chuckle at his naïveté, remembering my own youthful disinterest in romance.
"Don't be so sure, little brother," I say lightly, patting him on the back. "One day you'll come running to me with your heart pounding in your chest just because you thought about that someone."
Aleksandr snorts in disbelief. "I sincerely doubt that."
