Intertwined Destinies

He was stupidly handsome!

Every time he came to study at Mr. Kaio's office, he looked like a fool staring at the huge painting of the Griffin family, all of them pictured like the perfect family they were. But he stood out, it was impossible not to stand out; of the 4 brothers Can Griffin had a rustic beauty, mixed with exoticism in an almost unreal way, but it looked like a painting. Without meaning to, and I can swear, my eyes wander over his muscular arms, sliding towards his huge hands that hold some pebbles as if they were his safe haven, his face shows nothing, however his look seems irritated to me, as if he were being forced to take away that picture . He is the eldest son of the Griffin couple, but he hasn't lived here for years from what I heard; The only people who still live in this huge house, by the way, are me and Scott. Jaden and Trevor live in their apartments and only appear here on weekends, because Mrs. Brenda imposed an agreement for them both to live away from home. They are wonderful people, although they have a fabulous and renowned clothing factory called ''Griffin'' - they are not snobs. On the contrary, they are kind and down-to-earth people. And I am the poor orphan girl who is under the couple's care according to a petition from the orphanage where I grew up, they are collaborators of the orphanage ''Santa Casa dos Anjos'' and have always helped them by donating a large amount of money every month. Unlike other orphanages that lived precariously, we practically lived a good life, it was more like being in a boarding school, I left there almost 5 years ago, I had just turned 18, I was the best student in the class, I never presented bad behavior and I was always obedient. I felt so grateful that they accepted to take care of me as my guardians, that I would never dare to disobey them, it was as if it were one of the main deadly sins.

But looking at Can Griffin left me in an uproar, that look and manner of someone who doesn't care about anything leaves me trapped in a surreal way. I blink my eyes a few times trying to get out of my daze, but then a smile forms on my lips when I notice that everyone is dressed socially, except of course him. He seems to be more distant from the others and wears casual clothes with a necklace and everything; His hair is long and tied back. Suddenly I want to be able to touch its brown strands.

'' Face''

I jump in place, startling myself - taking the pen from my lips, which I was biting frantically, when I realize that I was standing right in front of the painting, practically drooling on the photograph.

Oh my!

How had I not realized that I had gotten up and was dissecting the family picture like that?

''You meant one guy in particular'' My own mind snubs me.

''Yes, Lady Brenda?''

She smiles affectionately, coming towards me and taking my hands, I look at her closely, she is almost jumping and her eyes shine so much as if they were two emeralds, it's even strange to see her like that. It's not that she doesn't smile often, but this time she has something different.

I'm still analyzing her, trying to understand what's wrong, when she finally decides to speak, taking a few deep breaths.

''My dear, finally after almost ten years my son is back!''

My heart leaps in my chest as I feel my eyes widen in shock. She doesn't even need to say the name for me to know who she was referring to.

I swallow dry

''Can! It's coming this weekend!''

In other words, tomorrow.

My beloved redeeming Christ!

I feel myself shaking with nervousness when Lady Brenda surprises me by giving me a euphoric hug. Which I reciprocate somewhat awkwardly.

When he lets me go, he's smiling wide from ear to ear, then a nervous smile crosses my mouth.

'' What a wonderful new!''

Since she's so happy, it doesn't hurt for me to share her happiness, does it?

'' Yes my love ! Yes . '' She touches my curls that today are cascading down my shoulders.

I'm black, and I really love myself. The prejudice I suffered on several occasions reached the point of traumatizing me at some point in my life, it took a good dose of resilience and self-love to be able to turn things around and accept myself the way I am.

'' I know it will be something new for you. Can is a great guy, a little temperamental at times but he has a huge heart! '' I nod at her, feeling happy to see her like this, so happy. '' You will like him ! I hope they get along well.

'' Clear. '' We smile at each other and then she leaves the office, leaving me alone.

She finds me releasing all the air from my lungs, putting her hand on my chest. My heart beats so hard that I think I'm going to give up, my legs feel like royal jelly.

I lean against the wall, closing my eyes and thinking about what I will do tomorrow to escape this welcome to Can. Griffin.

***

''LIE!! '' Jess screams euphorically in my ear when I finish telling her about the arrival of her firstborn son in the house.

I roll my eyes and fall onto my bed, placing the cell phone between my shoulder and ear.

''Does this mean that the hot guy you always tell me about is going to come home? I'm dead!''

''You don't think you're a little too excited, do you? '' I frown mockingly.

'' And who wouldn't be? . Have you ever researched who Can Griffin really is?''

I narrow my eyes '' Of course, after all I live with his family. Oush! ''Mockery hitting my forehead

Jess laughs '' So you certainly know that he is a famous landscape photographer, and the best!, right?''

''WHAT? '' My body, without my permission, gets up with everything while I sit back down on the bed with my eyes wide open.

'' So you don't really know anything Dude.'' Jess snorts

'' Huh . I just never cared to know what the man's profession was. '' I shrug my shoulders, trying to convince myself that I'm correct about this.

'' All good . But what do you intend to do? Have you already chosen what look to wear to welcome your “brother”? '' There is a certain irony in her voice.

I sigh, getting up from the bed, putting a hand on my waist, walking towards the window.

''He is not my brother . We are from different worlds .Suddenly my heart feels tight

'' You're part of his world now, friend. You should have gotten used to it by now''

I smile, lowering my eyes and then looking around me.

She's right in a way.

Any girl would kill to be in my place, my room is luxurious, I have a big screen computer and an Apple notebook. Xiaomi phone '' which is very good by the way, although if you wanted you could have an iPhone, however Xiaomi is not far behind and if you doubt it, it is even better. A large suite that could fit around 10 people inside and I'm not kidding, I live here like a princess. I'm in the last year of administration, I study at the best college in the country. But sometimes, the impression I have is that it seems like a fairy tale, no matter how much love I receive from this family, I still feel out of place even if I make an effort nonsense to feel comfortable.