Welcome back, loyal readers. Trevor had created a lot of havoc last chapter. His rescue of Matt was dangerous and daring, but he had also violated almost every rule in the cadet handbook, not to mention the Birds of Prey managed to put a big gash in the bottom of Ben's beloved "Wonder Boy. Ben and Trevor had been at odds for some time now. This chapter, written by Ben the writer, is about the rivalries, hurts, fights, redemption, and love that creates the bond so unique to brothers. This chapter was set to post a week ago, but sadly the all too common tale of computer problems got in the way. The problem is solved and posting the chapter was at the top of my list of things to do. Answering mail is right up there as well. Enjoy your read.
The Boys of the Lady Lex Chapter 40 "The Storyteller" Written By Douglas DD and Benjamin TC
"I wanted the turkey leg!!" shouted Caleb, a 10 year old boy. His hair was sandy blonde and a bit on the shaggy side. He had scattered freckles on his cheeks that added to the beauty to his dimples. He was trying to reach for the last turkey leg on the table.
"How's it feel to want?" said Garret in a snooty tone. The 12 year old boy gave a smug look to his younger brother and then bit into the turkey leg emphasizing how good it tasted, teasing his brother with it. Garrett's brown wavy hair accented the brown eyes. It's has been said that a person's eyes are the gateway to the soul and if this was the case, one could see that Garrett's soul originated in Hell.
Caleb didn't like that Garrett was rubbing in the fact that he had the last turkey leg. So he picked up his glass of milk and threw the contents at his brother. Garrett leaped out of his seat tackling his younger brother, causing both of them to crash to the floor. Harsh words of hatred were being thrown with the wild fists as the two boys attached each other on the floor.
"I HATE YOU!!!" yelled Garrett.
"I WISH YOU WERE DEAD!!!" replied Caleb.
Both boys froze instantly as a fist came slamming down onto the table with great force. The glasses shook and the silverware clanked like off key chimes. Both boys looked up to see the stern look of their great grandfather. The frail 97 year old man had immediately come to life. He had been quiet all day, not saying a word or showing any signs of emotion. But hearing those words of hatred had brought him to life. He pointed his long boney finger to each boy and motioned them to sit in their seats. Both boys couldn't fight the force of that finger. They got up quietly, milk still dripping off of Garrett. The old man's family was amazed as to how he could control the two hoodlums without speaking a single word.
Once the boys were seated in their chairs the old man begin to speak. "Eighty-six years ago there were these brothers. Three of them to be exact. But of the three, two of them weren't close even though the younger one wanted to be close to his older brother. Just like his twin brother was close to his older brother. But then something happened that changed the lives of those boys forever."
"Look at it! I can't believe what you did Trevor!" yelled Ben who was fuming and pacing around the Wonder Boy. "You put a dent in my shuttle. You took it to some desert where sand got all in the panels and electronics. That is going to take time to clean out and get her working properly again. And look inside." Ben stomped up the ramp inside the shuttle. "Look!! Were you guys hungry or something? It looks like you were nibbling at the wires and panels." Ben pointed to the control panel that the desert rats had started to feast on before Brian managed to get them off the shuttle.
"But we rescued the ambassador's son," said Trevor who was getting very defensive at this point of time.
"I don't care who you rescued, Trev. You betrayed me. You stoles my pass code and used it to steal my shuttle just so you can get your jollies off and pretend to be something you're not. I'm tired of trying to bail your ass out of predicaments that you get yourself into because you are such a dork. Why can't you behave and be good like Andrew? Damn it Trevor, sometimes I wish we weren't even brothers."
"FUCK YOU!!! I don't want to be your brother anyway." Trevor then punched Ben in the stomach really hard. Ben swung back and the two boys tangled up into each other as they swung fist and rolled around on the floor of the shuttle craft. Blood was beginning to leak out of both Trevor's and Ben's mouth and nose. Their faces were turning red with anger. Both boys cussed and swore at each other as the blows kept coming.
As the brothers' brawl continued to get more violent, the boys rolled onto the ramp that lead to the hangar bay. They rolled down the ramp, grabbing onto each other as they continued to take their anger out on each other.
Trevor, who was on top of Ben, felt something grab onto the back of his pants and pull him up. Trevor desperately gripped onto Ben, but the weight of Ben was too much and he let go.
"Let me go!!!" yelled Trevor as he kicked legs and swung his arms. He was dangling from the grip of Harrison Wolfe.
Ben leaped up and went for Trevor, but his swing was short, because he felt a force pulling him back. Standing behind Ben, holding onto the waist band of his pants was Kalon Masters.
"Let me go, I'll kill that little bastard!!" exclaimed Ben.
"Settle down you two," said Kalon.
"Let me go!!!" yelled Trevor, who was still in the horizontal position swinging his fist and kicking his legs to make Wolfe let go of him.
"Okay, If you insist," said Wolfe. He let go of Trevor, causing him to do a belly flop onto the cold, hard, metallic deck. Trevor let out an oofff, but quickly stood up and went after his brother once again, who was still being held back by Kalon. Unlike Trevor, Ben was calming down somewhat, even if he was still red in the face.
Wolfe reached out and grabbed Trevor once again, pulling him back. "Calm down Master Collins. What seems to be the problem here?"
"I'll tell you what the problem is. Ben is an asshole and I hate him. I wish he was dead. I hate him!!"
"That's not any way to talk about your brother," said Wolfe.
"Brother? He's not my fucking brother anymore. As far as I am concerned, we were never brothers and we will never be brothers." Trevor yanked his arm from Harrison Wolfe and stormed out of the shuttle bay.
Kalon let go of Ben, who was panting some. The anger had built a wall around him so that the words Trevor had shouted just bounced off. All he wanted to do was agree with them. But instead of him being dead, he wished it was Trevor. He yanked his arm loose from Kalon and marched out of the hanger, with anger still radiating from his bloody, sweaty, and red body.
Trevor stormed into his room. He was frustrated, pissed off, and emotional. His anger caused tears to flow. He picked up his pillow and threw it hard against his dresser, causing a picture of his family to fall to the floor. Trevor went over to the broken frame and yanked out the picture. He tore the picture of his large family into two pieces. The first piece had his mom, dad, his brother's Tom and Andrew, his cousin Ray, his sister Maria, and himself on it. The second half had Ben on it. Trevor then tore the half with Ben on it into tiny little pieces and threw them into the toilet and flushed them down the drain. Trevor then lay down on his bed. His anger was subsiding a little bit. Trevor felt his nose and could feel the dried blood from it starting to crust. He then noticed that he had a nice cut on the side of his wrist. He must have cut himself on the glass of the broken frame when he grabbed it and yanked the picture out of it.
He lay in bed thinking on how he had became a hero by saving that boy. But the more he thought about it, the more he hated Ben for not caring about him. He wanted Ben to love him like he loved Andrew, but Ben never cared for Trevor, only Andrew. He wanted Ben to be proud of him like he is proud with Andrew. But Andrew always got the attention. Andrew was the smart one. The lovable one. Trevor's nostrils flared a little as he thought of Andrew. If it wasn't for Andrew, Ben would like him more.
Ian came in and saw Trevor lying on his bed all beaten up. Trevor's lips were swollen and both of his eyes were turning black and blue. Old dried blood was still caked onto his face. Trevor wasn't sure how much time had elapsed from the moment he came into the room to the time Ian came into the room.
"I heard about you and your brother, Ben. You okay?"
Not looking at Ian, but just staring up at the ceiling, Trevor said "I have no brother Ben."
"Huh?" said a confused Ian.
"I disowned Ben. I am no longer his brother and he is no longer mine."
"You can't do that," said Ian.
"Why not? My dad did that to one of his brothers. Why can't I do that to Ben?" Trevor was referring to how his dad and his Uncle Kenny disowned his Uncle Bill. Kenny was the oldest of the three, with Trevor's dad, Mark, in the middle. When Grandpa Teddy had taken ill and couldn't take care of himself anymore, he moved in with Trevor's family until he died. With Mark taking care of his father and Kenny helping from the sidelines, Bill had broken into Grandpa Teddy's house and stolen a baseball card collection that the Collins family had collected over the past 300 years. He also stolen Grandpa Teddy's gun collection that had guns dating back to the American Revolutionary War. Bill took the baseball cards, that were suppose to go to Mark upon Grandpa Teddy's death, and the guns that were suppose to go to Kenny and sold them to pay off some gambling debts, otherwise the loan sharks would have broken both his legs, if not worse. It was at this point Bill was banned from the family.
Ian was stumped. He didn't know how to answer that. So he said the first words that came to his head. "Grown ups don't always do the right things."
"I don't care. Ben is no longer my brother."
"Whatever," said Ian. He was a little hurt, but he was learning how to deal with Trevor's mood swings and temper. At first he would have taken it personally, but he was learning that all Trevor needed was a sounding board. And Ian knew he could do the job for him. He just had to learn how not to take it personally.
Ben lay on his bed in his room. He had his glove on his left hand. He would toss the ball up into the air and catch it. He then repeated the process over and over. Douglas was on his bed, studying his lines for the play "12 Angry Men".
"You should be studying for the play," said Douglas as a matter-of-factly.
"I'll study when I'm ready to study."
"Okay, I know you won't let the cast down."
"Look, I said I will study when I'm ready to study," said Ben, who was getting agitated.
"Okay, I believe you. You don't have to snap my head off."
"I'm not snapping your head off," but by the sound of Ben's tone, Douglas could have been fooled.
"Look Ben. I don't know what happened between you and Trevor, but obviously something happened. Ever since he returned yesterday you been in a very irritable mood. Now I'm not going to tell you what to do or blame either of you, but what I am going to tell you is this. Get over it and move on. There, I said what I am going to say and now I will keep my mouth shut."
"There is nothing to get over. So let's just drop it." Ben continued to throw the baseball up in the air and catching it in his glove.
Douglas let out a disgruntled sigh, which Ben ignored, and continued on with studying his lines.
"I can see why Ben got mad at Trevor," said Caleb. "I mean he did betray him."
"So?" said Garrett who loved to argue with his brother just to argue. "Ben always ignored Trevor. He treated Trevor like poop. I wish I could disown you. My life would be so much better."
"Boys, listen up. I'm not through with the story," said the old man, who hoped the second half of the story would have a better impact on his grandsons then the first half did. The old man continued with his story.
The "Lexington" made it to Earth where Matt and his father were reunited. It was a bitter sweet day. Matt was so thankful to be home. Tears flowed both his eyes as well as his father's. In a private, quiet, ceremony, the Ambassador presented Trevor and the other's Birds of Prey with a citation of heroism.
Douglas came walking into his quarters. Ben was lying on the bed reading his script. Douglas sat down on his bed and kicked off his shoes.
"Trevor received a citation of heroism," remarked Douglas.
"Big fucking deal."
"You should've gone to the ceremony."
"I told you a week ago, that I would study my lines when I am ready. And I was ready today."
"Trevor wished you were there."
"Yeah, right. Don't try to pull the wool over this boy's eyes."
"I'm serious. He wished you were there."
"And did he tell you that?"
"Well...ummm...not exactly."
"Just as I figured."
"But I could tell it in his eyes. He really wanted you there, Ben."
"Look, Douglas. I know you care for Trevor and love him like he was your own brother, and I am cool with that. But please don't try to patch things up between him and me. This has been coming for a long time. Even before I met you."
"But you're hurting, Ben. And Trevor is too. I can tell."
"I'm not hurting. I am studying."
God, Douglas thought to himself. No wonder Trevor and Ben don't get along. They are both too much alike. Both stubborn, bullheaded and hot tempered.
After a few minutes, Douglas spoke again. "Ben, you and Trevor haven't even so much as looked at each other, let alone talk to each other since you got into that fight. Let it go. Go see him. Make amends with him."
Ben slammed down his script in disgust. He was tired of Douglas trying to get him and Trevor back together. He loved Douglas dearly, but sometimes Douglas didn't know when to mind his own business. He knew Douglas wanted them to kiss and make up and become one big happy family again, but Ben felt that the one thing that Douglas didn't know is that there is no such thing as a one big happy family. Ben got up from his bed and walked to the door.
"Douglas, don't take this the wrong way, but I am tired of you talking about Trevor. You're the one who needs to let it go. Trevor is a cocky, hard headed, loud mouthed, idiot juvenile with shit for brains. No I take that back. He doesn't have shit for brains, because if he did, he would be a hundred times smarter then he is now. All the best qualities Andrew got. Either that or it ran down mom's leg. But either way, Trevor isn't worth the air he breathes."
Ben opened the door. Standing in the doorway, holding his citation was Trevor. A look of hurt and anguish was all over his face. He crumbled up his citation into a ball and threw it at Ben. It bounced off of his chest. "I told Douglas you hated me. I should have never listen to him and come here to show you my citation." Trevor then ran down the corridor.
"You just can't leave well enough alone, can you?" shouted Ben. He then stormed out of the room, heading in the opposite direction of Trevor.
Douglas went over and picked up the balled up citation. He sat on his bed and opened it up and cried.
"That was mean of Ben to say what he said, Peepaw," said Caleb.
"Yeah, they were mean. He should have never said it," agreed Garrett.
"That's right. Ben was in the wrong for saying what he said. But anger does that to people. It causes people to say things that they really didn't mean. Words are so much sharper and more painful than a knife stabbing you in the heart. That's why if we're not careful on what we say, our words could cause irreversible damage."
"What happened next? Did Trevor see Ben and punch him again? He deserved it," said Caleb.
"Yeah, I agree with Caleb. He deserved it." Then Garrett realized what he just said. "I mean, what happened next? Did they ever make up?"
The old man had a silent smile hidden upon his face. Whether the boys liked it or not, they were beginning to side with each other. He knew he had to continue his story.
The days flew by. The boys of Lady Lex put an unlimited amount of elbow grease into get themselves ready for the Olympics. Trevor spent time reading old classic novels and getting pointers from Mr. Wolfe on how to be a better Bird of Prey. He also managed to find time to be tutored by Brian. The only reason Trevor continued to go to his tutoring was because it kept him on the baseball team. Everyone encouraged Trevor to keep up the tutoring, because when they saw what he could do on the baseball diamond, they all knew they needed him to win. The only one who didn't say or do anything to help Trevor was Ben. The two boys completely ignored each other. If they saw each other coming down the corridors, they both would turn around and walk away from each other.
Ben and Douglas had made up for the outburst that Trevor had overheard. But Douglas hadn't truly forgiven Ben for the way he was acting towards Trevor. He loved Ben with all of his heart, but seeing this side of Ben hurt him as much as it hurt Trevor. Douglas had taken a silent vow that he would no longer put his mouth in where it didn't belong regarding Trevor and Ben. He wanted to see them make up so bad that it hurt, but he just bit his bottom lip and let nature take its course and hoped that there would be a happy ending in sight.
Ben kept himself busy by attending rehearsals, studying, and getting the "Wonder Boy" space worthy again. He also spent his time crouched behind home plate being Douglas's mound buddy. He loved the time those two played catch together. It was one of the few times, Ben actually was quite content. During this time, Ben tried to put Trevor out of his head. Trying not to think about him at all. But regardless how hard he tried, it just wasn't possible.
Andrew walked into Captain Hatcher's ready room. He was sitting at his desk going over some hockey plays. He looked up and saw his nephew standing there with a concerned look on his face.
"Hello, Andrew," said Hatcher. Normally he would have called him Cadet Collins, but he could tell just by Andrew's facial expression that he wasn't here as a cadet, but he was here as a nephew.
"Uncle Steve?"
"Yes?"
Andrew hesitated and fell silent. He just wasn't sure how to ask what he wanted to ask. He thought long and hard and no words were forming on his tongue. And as if Captain Hatcher could read his mind, Captain Hatcher said "You're worried about Ben and Trevor, aren't you?"
Andrew started to cry. Hatcher pushed himself away from his desk and motioned for Andrew to come and sit on his lap. Andrew crawled up onto his uncle's lap and sobbed into his shoulder. "I don't like them like this. I can't stand them hating each other. I tried talking to them but they are acting like butt heads and not listen to me."
"I know it's tough seeing two people you love not get along. But there is nothing you can do."
"Can you talk them? They might listen to you."
"Andrew, I could, but I don't think it will do any good. My words would just go in one ear and out of the other. They are both stubborn boys who have lots of pride in themselves. You, me, and everyone else can tell them what we think they should do, but until they are ready to listen, they won't hear what we say. As painful as it might be, it's best we just let this run its course."
"But it hurts," cried Andrew even harder.
"I know, Andrew," whispered Hatcher as he started to pet the back of Andrew's head. "I know."
Ben was in his quarters alone. He was pulling things out of his drawers. He couldn't find what he did with the shirt he was going to wear for the play. The performance was a week away and they would be leaving Phosphorous Prime to head to Earth for Open House. The Olympics would follow shortly thereafter.
"Where did I put that shirt?" grumbled Ben. "I have dress rehearsal in ten minutes and I can't find it." He then turned to Douglas's bureau and opened the top drawer. He pushed aside some of Douglas's briefs, when a wrinkled piece of paper caught his attention.
"What's this?" Ben pulled out the piece of paper. He began to read it.
Earth Ambassador, Earth Embassy, Kriton
takes pleasure in commending
CADET TREVOR J. COLLINS USS LEXINGTON, SOL FORCE ALLIANCE JUNIOR ACADEMY
for service as set forth in the following
LETTER OF COMMENDATION
For the rescuing of Matthew Bergen from his kidnappers. Cadet Collins showed acts of bravery, heroism and leadership as he lead team of cadets into a highly volatile situation. His self discipline, cool level headedness, quick thinking, and skill had instructed his team during an intense situation which lead to the rescue of a young boy from dangerous criminals. His diligent efforts contributed significantly to the successful mission accomplishments of the rescue of Matthew Bergen and helped ensure the well being of Matthew Bergen. Cadet Collins's professionalism and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and his family and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the USS Lexington and the Sol Force Alliance.
Andrew Baxter Secretary of Interplanetary Affairs, Sol Force Alliance
A great deal of pride swelled up in Ben's chest. He seen his brother bring home MVP awards before from sports, but none of them carried the importance of this wrinkled piece of paper held. Tears mixed with joy and guilt started to trickle down his cheeks. Ben started to wonder why he left his anger go on for this long. Ben looked up as the door opened and Douglas walked in.
"Ben, you coming? Rehearsal starts now. We need you."
"Do you know where Trevor is?"
"He's still on the planet. Now let's go. Everyone is waiting on you."
"Well, they're just gonna have to wait a little longer. I am going to the surface."
"Can't it wait? Ben we have our show in one week."
"No, Douglas, it can't wait. This went on too long as is. It can't wait any longer."
Douglas saw the look in his boyfriend's eyes. Douglas smiled slightly. He was beginning to see what he first saw in Ben's eyes that caused him to fall in love to begin with. Douglas could tell that Ben was ready to take the most important, yet the hardest step, to take in making amends with Trevor. The step known as the first one.
"Can I go with you? If anything to ensure neither of you kill each other?" joked Douglas.
"You can come if you want Douglas, but when I talk to Trevor, I like to be alone with him."
"I understand. I will stand at a safe distance."
The two boys headed to the "Wonder Boy". Ben sat in his seat and Douglas took the seat that the navigator normally sat in. They went over their check list. The "Wonder Boy" must of still have had some luck left over from her last mission, for Scottie, Ian and Carson were all on watch on the bridge and they gave them permission to leave as long as they were back before their shift was over. Douglas and Ben both felt that they could do what they had to do in three hours.
Ben launched the "Wonder Boy" and soon the shuttle was on its way to the planet below. Douglas just hoped that Trevor was ready to end this like Ben was now ready to end it. But he was afraid that Trevor wasn't going to give in.
Trevor sat on the ground under a tree near a cliff. Trevor heard that many boys came here to work on homework or to be alone and think. The sun was starting to set and the birds began to sing their sweet lullaby as the crashing of the waves onto the jagged rocks below joined in the chorus. Trevor was so into the book he was reading, he didn't hear Ben come up to him. Trevor turned the page to Mary Shelly's novel as he held his breath. He had just couldn't read fast enough.
Ben stood there and pulled out a piece paper. He began to read.
Brother, Collins Family
takes pleasure in commending
TREVOR JAMES COLLINS
for service as set forth in the following
LETTER OF COMMENDATION
For my brother for being a persistent, persevering Hawke who has more courage, more bravery, more coyness then any other member of the Collins Family. He is a hard charger who isn't afraid to go after those dreams that most people are afraid to dream of let alone try turning them into reality. He has a giant heart and is willing to take the punishment and criticisms necessary to protect those he loves. He possesses the characteristics and traits that not only make him one of kind, but also make people wish that their brothers were like him. His loyalty, integrity, and hawkeness make him soar so high above all other brothers, that his brothers tend to overlook him because he is so much higher then they are they can't see him or even come close to soaring at the level that the Hawke can soar. Trevor is the true meaning of the term "Brotherhood".
Benjamin T. Collins A very proud and honored brother
Douglas watched from behind a bush from the distance. He held his breath as Ben stood there reading the citation that he wrote just moments before. He prayed to God that Trevor opened his heart to let those words of forgiveness into his heart. Because if Trevor's temper and bullheadedness took over, there would be no hope for them two to bury the hatchet once and for all.
"That's a crock of shit!!" yelled Trevor as he slammed his book shut. "I don't know what you want, but I'm not biting." Trevor stood up pissed. He did not want to make up with Ben.
"Trevor, I'm sorry I acted the way I acted and said the things that I said. But you can be so exasperating at times and...well....I let my anger get in the way of my love for you. I'm sorry Trevor and I so much want to be your brother again."
Trevor walked over to the edge of the cliffs. His back was facing Ben. "Get out of here!"
"No Trevor, I'm not leaving until we are brothers again."
Trevor looked deeply into his brother's eyes. He saw only love. Trevor started to turn around. "Ben, I sor...." but as he never go to finish what he had to say as the loose stones under his feet caused him to slip. Ben's heart stopped as he saw Trevor start to disappear over the side of the cliff. Ben took a diving leap and grabbed onto Trevor's hands as Trevor tried to keep himself from falling over the side of the cliff to a watery grave.
"OH SHIT!!!" Yelled Douglas from behind the bush. "HELP!!! SOMEBODY HELP!!!" Douglas went into a full sprint towards the cliff. Trevor was completely out of sight. The only thing he could see was Ben from the below the waist. The rest of him was hanging over the side of the cliff as he was holding onto Trev with both hands. Douglas saw that Ben's lower half was starting to slide towards the edge of the cliff. He took a flying leap and grabbed onto Ben's ankles and tried pulling him and Trevor up.
Ben grimaced a little as his balls were being squashed on the edge of the cliff. But he ignored the pain and held onto Trevor with all of his might. "Pull us up!!" yelled Ben.
"I'm trying," replied Douglas through clenched teeth.
Trevor's feet flailed as he tried to get some footing, but all he was doing was sending rocks and dirt to what for sure he thought was going to be his tomb. He looked up at Ben through tear and fear filled eyes. "Ben don't let go," said Trevor in a begging and desperate tone.
"I won't, brother," said Ben who was determined to save his brother. "Pull Douglas, PULL!!!!"
Slowly, Douglas managed to get them both closer to safety. Ben's head and shoulders were now horizontal to the ground. He continued to pull Trevor up to safety. Trevor found some footing and tried to use it to climb up the remaining four feet of the cliff while still hanging onto Ben. Trevor took a step and the rock tumbled out, causing Trevor to put his whole weight into the grip of Ben's sweating and slipping hands.
"I'm losing my grip," yelled Ben through his tightly clenched teeth. Ben tried desperately to keep his grip on Trevor, but he was losing the battle quickly. Douglas couldn't help, because he had to make sure Ben didn't fall over the side as well. Ben's muscles were getting tired and weak and he just couldn't hold his grip much longer. Trevor's life was slipping right through Ben's fingers.
Ben's heart stopped as Trevor completely fell from his grip. Trevor screamed with sheer terror. Then a hand came from the sky and reached down and grabbed Trevor's wrist. With great force, Trevor was heaved upwards and then thrown into Ben, causing both boys to fall on each other.
"Ben, Ben, Ben," cried Trevor who was crying like a baby and was so scared and shook up. "I'm sorry. I forgive you. Please forgive me. I still want to be brothers."
"We are brothers, Trevor. We were always brothers and always be brothers no matter what." Ben held his brother tightly against him as the two sat on the ground out of breath and exhausted.
"No matter what?" asked Trev in a needing reassurance tone.
"No matter what," assured Ben.
The final rays of the day cast a shadow upon them. They looked up to see Mike the Donkey.
"Sorry guys, I would have been here sooner, but donkeys aren't the fastest creatures you know." Ben smiled and was relieved that Mike made it to the cliff when he did. For if Mike had been just a second later, Trevor would have been lost forever. He owed Mike more then he could ever repay. "And you," said Mike looking at Trevor who was still shaking in his brother's embrace. "I know you are the Hawke, but next time you want to fly, do it in a shuttle, okay?"
Trevor, Ben, Douglas and Mike all laughed. Mike Helped Ben and Trevor up and the four boys headed back to the "Wonder Boy". The entire hike to the shuttle, Trevor and Ben walked with their arms draped across each other's back. As brothers should.
"Wow, I can't believe Trevor almost died," said Caleb.
"Yeah, that would have been real sad," said Garrett.
"Yeah, it's a good thing that Mike the Donkey got there when he did. I mean I wouldn't want to go the rest of my life knowing that the last words I said to my brother were angry, hateful words."
"But wasn't Trevor about to tell Ben he was sorry when he slipped?" Garrett asked.
"Yes he was, but he never really got the chance to. That's why you should never fight with your brother. And if you do get into an argument which will happen on occasion, make sure you never go to bed mad," said the old man. "Because you may not get that chance to apologize to each other and being able to tell the other that you are sorry and that you love him. After all forever is a very long time. A very long time indeed.
The old man watched from his bedroom window as the two boys ran ahead of their parents. Both of them laughing and giggling and acting like nothing happened at dinner time. He just hoped that they learned the lesson that he learned so many years ago. He went over to his dresser where there was a picture of Trevor and Ben. "I love you, Brother," he said. He then went to his bed and crawled in. He fell asleep staring at the wall that had two old pieces of paper hanging on it. One smooth and clean one and one wrinkled and torn. Both of them with the words "LETTER OF COMMENDATION" written on them.
To be continued......