"Now remember, I repeat, and I'll keep on repeating it until you sink it in your heads and accept it in your hearts, you two are brothers... Separated by blood but accepted and brought back by love. Family ain't about blood, gens. Family is, family is..." Jeff lowers his head, reaches for the nasal bridge and grip it tight as he growl in frustration, followed by a heavy sigh. "You know what, you two can make someone age fast. But I ain't gonna let you eccelerate my age, that's the time's job. And, maybe work," he lift his head up to meet their eyes, his hands falling at his sides. With a quick change of expression, his face turns serious, his voice low, yet heavy. "Dave, Chriss. I'm serious. The world as changed, it ain't how it used to no more. People are turning against each other every five minutes without a cause. Families are tearing apart because of lack of support and love. And you think a leader can show mercy? Besides my wife and kid, you two and those close to my heart are the only family I have left. You two, besides your sisters, whoever is your family? That's right, anyone. Don't let blood be the barrier between yourselves and those who cares about you. You're the only ones standing between Right or Wrong, and those choices are yours to make. But as I said, you two are brothers, and you only got each other, no one else. Back each other's backs. A family is stronger when everyone is together. And it always WINS against anything,"
Chriss and Dave lift their heads and look Jeff in the eyes at the same time, as if one could read the other's mind and knew what they were thinking. The two stare into his eyes for a moment, each trying to gauge out anything besides his true words, but the only thing they would see is love, care, and the reflections of their hurting hearts despite their tough exterior. For what feels like an eternity, each turn the other side, their eyes fixated at some point and their expression uncertain. Jeff knew they were battling with their emotions, complicated conflicts to understand and solve before making undoubtedly choices. And though he understood the struggles and situations of the two, he knew nothing about Chriss's childhood history, nor the cause of the Wills family's current state, and he intended not to press into their personal matters, but offer a listening ear, comfort, and support to the two.
The two knew Jeff was right, besides him, they only had each other and those they care about. But, whoever is family? The thought of accepting someone in their lifes, their hearts, let alone trusting or letting them near their beloved ones, clenched their hearts. The two may have different life histories to tell, but their hearts connect at some point and experience the same pain.
"I'm not asking you two to change, but simply to open up. There may be a lot of sea creatures in the ocean, but not every fish eats its own kind. The important thing you have to know is that there are individuals who are going through shit even bigger than ours, but if it's just gonna be a 'hi and disapear', how are you any different? We encounter, we fight, we change and grow from experience. If you're afraid of some shit because you'll get hurt, how are you gonna learn to stand up and protect yourself? Let alone the ones you care about? The world is a big and heavy thing, you don't have to carry it on your shoulders by yourself, there is always someone out there who's willing to offer a helping hand and take turns with you, just... Try to reach out and communicate. If not for yourselves... Then for the sake of your loved ones." Jeff says, his expression relaxing.
After what seemed like forever, Dave slowly turn to face Jeff, his face softening, a light smile tugging on his lips.
"You're right. I'll try. And... Thank you." Dave says.
"What the hell! What do you think my heart is, a freaking bus?!" Chriss blasts as he turn to face Jeff, then continue. "What the crap! What's with the 'whoever is family?! It doesn't even make sense!" Chriss exclaim.
"I know it doesn't make sense, but what is? That's right, nothing is anymore." Jeff says.
"You know what I'm picking up from your preaching, you know what I think, I think you're implying that I'm weak," Chriss says, his expression cold and accusatory. "Come on Dave, let's bounce, I feel like it's been forever since we've been standing outside this gate listening to his bullshit. We've got places to be," Chriss turns and start walking away, his expression crossed with anger. "Now I need a drink after all that shit." He mutters to himself.
Dave turns to Jeff, an awkward small smile forming on his lip.
"Sorry Jeff." He says.
"Nah... Just promise me you're never gonna get tired of his attitude. Of him." Jeff says.
"Never. But I think there's more to his drama than he's letting on. But who am I to question him when I can't seem to open up myself. His my bro, and I think we're're all just trying to figure out how we're gonna take that first step into trust." Dave says.
"Take your time. Go meet the girls, kid, you'll love em. And remember, you don't have to feel like a stranger, and you don't have to fight the battle alone, I'm your bro, your main man. You're free to reach out, whether to talk, or just chill. And yeah, I'll spread the word about that retail shop, one will pop up before you know it." Jeff says, an assuring smile on his lips.
"Cool. Catch you later, men." Dave says, giving Jeff a fist bumb before turning and run after Chriss who's already meters away.
Jeff watch them go for a minute, then turn and disapear through the steel door inside, a warm smile playing of his lips.