The house had gone quiet after dinner. Upstairs, a soft knock sounded against Marvel's door before Uncle Mike stepped inside, a covered plate in his hands.
He set the food on the desk. "Why didn't you come down for dinner, son?" he asked, studying Marvel's face.
Marvel didn't look up from his bed. "Nothing. I just wasn't in the mood."
Uncle Mike pulled the chair closer and sat. "I know you too well to believe that. You can't hide it from me. What's going on?"
Marvel exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Well, I'm trying to avoid my brother and Alchemy."
Uncle Mike's brows drew together. "Why? What happened?"
Marvel's voice dropped. "I'm guessing you know I'm in love with Alchemy. Well… my brother is dating her. They've been deceiving me this whole time."
Uncle Mike was quiet for a moment. "I hate to say it, but you can't avoid them forever. Are you still in love with…"
"Yes, of course," Marvel cut in, his tone sharp.
A faint smile tugged at Uncle Mike's mouth. "I understand, son. When I was in senior high…"
"No," Marvel groaned, finally looking up with a pained grin. "Please don't tell me about it."
That broke the tension. They both burst into laughter, the sound easing the tightness in the room.
Uncle Mike stood and rested a hand on Marvel's shoulder. "Everything will be alright, son. Make sure you eat. I'm here if you need anything." He pulled Marvel into a brief, firm hug and walked out.
The door creaked open again a few minutes later. Kwame stepped inside.
Marvel's expression hardened instantly. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice turning cold.
Kwame dropped to his knees, tears streaming down his face. The weight of everything Alchemy, the betrayal, the punches, finally broke him.
"What are you doing? Stand up. Let's talk," Marvel said, grabbing his brother's arm to help him to his feet.
His voice was steady, but his eyes were red-rimmed.
"I know why you're here, Kwame. You don't have to worry. I'm happy for you. I just need some time to heal. I really love Alchemy," Marvel admitted. Each word sounded like it cost him something.
"I have no excuses for what I did. I'm truly sorry," Kwame said, his voice hoarse with remorse.
Marvel pulled Kwame into a hug, holding him tight for a second. "Thank you for forgiving us," Kwame whispered.
Marvel gave a weak nod and pulled away. "Don't worry. I want to be alone now."
The moment Kwame left, Marvel walked straight to his mirror. He stared at his own reflection, jaw clenched, fists trembling at his sides.
"Alchemy is mine and mine alone," he said through gritted teeth. "I'm never going to give up on her!"
He snatched his phone off the dresser and dialed.
Lucille picked up almost immediately. "Such a surprise. How have you been?"
"I need your help," Marvel said, his tone shifting, controlled, deliberate.
"Okay," Lucille answered without hesitation. "You know I'd do anything for you. Just tell me what to do."
"Let's meet tomorrow at the pool. I'll text you the time," Marvel said.
"Okay. I'll be waiting," Lucille replied.
Marvel ended the call. A slow smile spread across his face as he stared back at his reflection.
The afternoon sun glared off the pool water as Lucille checked her watch for the third time.
When Marvel finally appeared, she crossed her arms.
"What took you so long? I almost left," she said, irritation sharpening her tone.
Marvel held up a hand, his expression serious. "Be patient. I really need your help, and it's urgent."
Lucille softened slightly, tilting her head. "Like I said, anything for you."
Marvel glanced around before speaking. "Well, you met Alchemy the day you decided to tell my brother about my bad deeds."
Lucille scoffed. "Oh, please. What about her?"
"I love her," Marvel said bluntly. "So does Kwame."
Lucille exhaled. "This is complicated."
"Be quiet," Marvel snapped. "She chose Kwame over me and I can't live with it. I want you to come back into Kwame's life."
Lucille's brow furrowed. "Why?"
"Just listen," Marvel said, leaning closer. "Kwame was deeply in love with you. I need you to distract him. Make him betray Alchemy."
Lucille's eyes narrowed. "I like the fact you said 'was,' because in case you've forgotten, your brother despises me."
Marvel's voice dropped. "I'll spend an entire night with you as payment. I know how much you've wanted me."
The crack of Lucille's palm against his cheek echoed across the pool deck.
Marvel stumbled back, hand flying to his face. "Ouch! What was that for?"
Lucille's jaw was tight, her eyes blazing. "I'm interested in you, Marvel. That doesn't mean I'm willing to be used. I'm sorry, but I can't help you." She turned on her heel and walked away.
Marvel stood there, stunned, the red mark on his cheek burning. He stared after her, his fists clenching.
"When did she become so bold?" he muttered under his breath. "How am I supposed to separate those two now?"