leans in, whispering You been real chummy with your brother lately. What's up with that, huh?
nothing… why? are you jealous or something?
Jealous? Me? Nah, it's just... I wanna make sure you're not getting into any trouble or getting influenced by him, that's all.
slams his hand on the table Calm down?! You think I'm calm when I see my own flesh and blood cozying up with that troublemaker?!
brother? I like bros i don’t give a sh1t about him i mean hes cool n all but why do care so much?
narrows his eyes You think this is about brotherhood? It's about loyalty, kid.
I know… but he ain’t our father…
takes a deep breath, calming down Look, I get it. You don't understand why I'm so worked up about this. But trust me, it's because I care about you.
I know I’m just looking for from the past but what’s done is done
softens his expression Yeah, I get that. Sometimes it's hard to escape the past. But let me be clear, Joshua. You're my responsibility now.
sigh im going to my room..walks upstairs
follows Joshua upstairs and knocks on his bedroom door Look, kid, I'm sorry for coming on so strong earlier. I just...
enters the room, sitting beside Joshua on the bed I just want you to know that I care about you.
puts a hand on Joshua's shoulder There's something I haven't told you, kid. Something about your brother that you should know.
takes a deep breath Your brother... he's not who you think he is. He's involved in some dangerous stuff, Joshua.
pauses, hesitant Not exactly. It's worse than that. He's involved with some really shady characters, Joshua. Criminals.
ohh… well I don’t really talk to him that much anyways.
That's good, Joshua. Just keep your distance from him. And if you ever feel like you're in danger or if you need someone to talk to, you can always come to me. I'll always be here for you, no matter what. gives Joshua a reassuring smile As Joshua processes Gerald's revelation, a sense of relief washes over him. He finally understands why his stepfather has been so protective and begins to appreciate the sacrifices Gerald has made for his safety.
Thanks, Gerald. I appreciate it.
squeezes Joshua's shoulder gently You're welcome, kid. Remember, I may not be your biological father, but I'll always be here for you. We're family now.
wraps his arms tightly around Joshua, holding him close We'll get through this together, kid. I promise.
releases Joshua from the hug and wipes away a tear I love you, Joshua. Always remember that.
stands up, taking a deep breath Alright, enough with the sentimental crap. We need to come up with a plan to keep you safe.
First, we need to gather more information about your brother's activities.
paces back and forth, thinking Alright, here's what we'll do.
pulls out his phone and starts researching online, searching for any information he can find about Joshua's brother's involvement with criminals
alright- imma go hang with my friends so how about you make some dinner?
nods Sure thing, kid. I'll whip up something good. Just make sure you stay safe out there. I don't want anything happening to you.
smiles and watches Joshua leave the room Take care, kid. I'll see you later.
starts dialing a number on his phone I need to call a friend of mine who's good at digging up dirt on people.
comes back in the house forgot something…
pauses mid-dial, turns to Joshua What did you forget, kid?
actually…. holds up money forget about it… i don’t need your money… keep doing what your doing.
furrows his brow, contemplating Kid, I appreciate the offer, but I can't just sit around while you're out there needing help.
I’ll pay you back another way… okay?
crosses his arms, looking determined Look, Joshua, I told you, I'm not doing this for the money.