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.

''Yes, you're right.'' Or maybe not. ''But tomorrow I wanted to spend the day there with you or walking somewhere.

''Face ! . Speaks seriously ! , I can't believe you're trying to run away.'' His voice sounds irritable

I swallow dry

'' Yes ​​and no . I'm just not in the mood to be at home as if I were waiting for him, I'd rather arrive later. Please help me and say yes... '' I pout even without her seeing.

My friend laughs ''Okay! , come today! , because if you leave it until tomorrow, Dona Brenda will question you.''

I agree with her and then run to pack some clothes inside my backpack.

***

''All good ! go, but tomorrow I want your presence so we can welcome Can! . Do not forget that ! I'll give you a deadline of 7pm.'' Her look is bossy.

I give her a hug and a kiss on the cheek ''You can leave, Madam Brenda''

She smiles and so do I.

I'm well bundled up when I walk out the door and the cold of the night hits my face. Jess smiles and honks her car horn at Dona Brenda

I open the door and we both say goodbye to her

''Have fun! '' She says and we thank her by leaving afterwards.

''You seem thoughtful.'' Jess makes a quick observation but I thank the heavens when she puts on music in an ambient tone and distracts herself from what she had asked me before, playing some of the songs from Selena Gomez's new album.

''How's Sean doing?''

I hit the nail on the head by diverting the conversation from me to her boyfriend, when I get a shy smile from Jess.

''Very excited about the internship at Griffin. I have a lot to thank his family, especially Mr. Kaio for giving Sean this opportunity.''

I smile at her too ''We loved having helped him, Sean is very talented.'' Mr. Kaio says he has some wonderful sketches.

Jess's eyes light up when she hears this, then amends it by telling me about her boyfriend's new ideas. As soon as I allow myself to enjoy the night with my best friend.

***

I rolled from side to side, I couldn't sleep, Jess and I talked until late at night and she still fell asleep at the end of one of our countless conversations. She felt an absurd anxiety that she had no control over; When the image of Can came into my head, I felt like letting out a groan surrounded by agony, but it was good agony. And I shouldn't feel this way about it, not at least about him. It was forbidden for me.

With these thoughts dizzying my head, I start counting sheep and soon I can fall asleep, dreaming of mysterious stones in strong hands.

During the day I distracted myself as much as I could, I even ignored messages from Scott, Jaden and Trevor. For God's sake ! I deserved a mental break.

The day went by faster than I imagined and then it was time to go home.

Thanks of course Scott's message.

''If you don't arrive in 15 minutes, mom will cut your neck off''

"Argh! Scott gets on my nerves!'' I said, irritated and too nervous already in Jess's car.

She blushes when she hears his name.

''How is he walking?''

She looks at me from the corner of her eye.

Jess and Scott had a brief summer romance a few years ago when I was over at my house a lot during our first year of college together. Scott was her first love and first in everything, if you know what I mean...So I think it's normal for her to feel that way about him.

''Chicken as always. He only goes out at night, I barely see him at home except on the weekends and look there.''

'' I guess . He wants nothing to do with the country's voice. That's why we would never work out, he's an idiot. Beautiful ! but idiot.''

I burst into laughter poking him in the leg

''That to me is the talk of those who still like it'' I make fun of her

Her cheeks turn the color of tomatoes

''Stop it Dude! Me huh! God save me from that scam.''

We both burst into laughter.

***

Jess insisted that she had to help me choose the look for the night to welcome my stepbrother, so I didn't argue. I just wondered if that wasn't an excuse to see Scott.

''For God's sake Dude! , it's not possible that you, being the daughter of the ''Griffins'', don't have better clothes. They're all practically cardigans, khaki pants, and dresses with cute little belts that you always wear with a cardigan anyway.''

Then she looks at me from head to toe and turning on her heels letting out a moan.

I'm not dressed in anything different that I have in my wardrobe, I wear skinny khaki pants, sneakers, a blouse tucked in and a green cardigan. It's my taste and I like dressing like this. What really was the problem?

''What's wrong with my clothes?'' I question, putting my hands on my waist, giving me another look.

''Everything is wrong. How old are you ? 15? . ''Then pull me in front of the mirror ''Look at that wonderful body in teenage clothes.''

I frown looking at him through the mirror ''And??''

''And that you need to wear clothes more in line with your age. For the love of God Dude! You are 23 years old.''

''Don't come, Jess! . You said you would help me choose an outfit, and not to criticize me'' I say rolling my eyes and crossing my arms.

She sighs, running a hand over her forehead.

''All good ! , but promise me that we'll clean up here soon and give you a makeover, ok?''

''Alright Boss! '' She laughs and then we started choosing what would fit me.

***

"Is it really good? '' I ask looking at myself in the full-length mirror, as Jess made me put on huge black heels, a dark blue flowery dress with a thin red belt cinching my waist. On my face, light makeup leaving me looking almost natural and hair loose, nothing too revealing.

''You're beautiful! now yes huh!?''

We smile at each other.

Then someone knocks on the door

''You can come in'' I say and it opens

''Dude, mom is calling you out....'' The words die in Scott's mouth.

My stepbrother has hair black as night, striking greenish eyes and a decent amount of muscles, he is not as muscular as his older brother but he has his value. He is really handsome.

''Hi Jess. How long ago'' He says, putting his hands in his pants pocket and clicking his tongue on the roof of his mouth, rocking on his feet.

Jess grabs my arm, I look at her because I notice her hands are shaking.

''Hi Scott. Really '' Then she looks at me with huge eyes

OK . I know that look

''Let's go down then'' I say and then Scott turns to leave, however he turns around again making us stop in place ''Shows up more often, you've been missing for the last 2 years'' He gives a shameless wink and leaves.

Jess looks like she's gasping for air ''Son of a bitch likes...'' Then she stops and looks at me determinedly ''Come on friend. I leave through the back doors.

I nod at her, holding back a laugh and halfway through we say goodbye.

I arrived in the room greeting everyone, even Mr. Kaio had already arrived from the company, and along with Jaden and Trevor, I greeted them with kisses on the cheeks.

They were also breathtaking. Tall and handsome; Jaden had a more serious attitude, on the other hand Trevor was like a Play boy, another womanizer but sometimes he was closed in his own bubble. They're cool, but I think both Jaden and Trevor are a bit closed off in their own private worlds.

When we were talking about my college grades the door opens.

In slow motion my body turns towards it, all the air escapes from my lungs.

My eyes follow black boots, black pants and a black shirt accompanied by a black leather jacket, a firm and determined look along with confident strides. For a few seconds I can only hear the beat of my heart.

This man couldn't be real...

''Can! welcome my son! '' Dona Brenda and the others run to hug him, he smiles and hugs everyone.

''It's good to see you again my son'' Mr. Kaio says patting his shoulders, the brothers do the same after hugging him. While I remain static in my place not knowing what to do.

I gasp for air when your eyes fall on me.

''And you? Who is it?'' He asks looking at his parents

There. my. God !

I feel like an intruder.

''We had already told you about her, don't you remember? She's Cara, we adopted her a few years ago.''

He analyzes me from head to toe without showing anything, neither good nor bad – leaving me in shambles.

Then leaving everyone behind and a little confused, Can puts the bag he was carrying on the floor and walks up to me, extending his hand in greeting.

''Hi, I'm Can. Can Griffin.

Feeling a little nervous, I took his hand, feeling my legs shaking.

''Pleasure Can.''

Then a small smile appears, his eyes crinkle at the corners.

'' The pleasure is all mine .''

I couldn't stop looking at him, he was like a magnet. One of the things I noticed besides his overwhelming beauty is that Can Griffin likes to talk by gesturing a lot with his hands, his way seems bossy to me but he's also friendly. I couldn't help but notice that he seemed to be looking at me curiously, as if something about me had made him curious. I look away from him, taking the forkful of stroganoff in my mouth and remaining silent most of the time, unless of course when I was asked to answer something to Mr. Kaio or Ms. Brenda.

The brothers seemed elated with the arrival of their older brother, they remembered things from when I was a child making me pay more attention than I should, Can laughed and also made fun of them making them make faces.

When dinner ended, Jaden and Trevor said goodbye to us and left, Scott had already disappeared to God knows where and then there were only me, Mr. Kaio, Ms. Brenda and Can Griffin left in the room. Although they still maintained the rhythm of the conversation, I felt like an intruder and soon said goodbye to them with the excuse that I was going to bed. When I was heading towards the hallway, I couldn't help but take a brief look over my shoulder and get a shock when I came face to face with penetrating brown eyes, but soon his mother drew his attention to another conversation, making us break the conversation. visual contact.

I already entered my room feeling my throat dry and the saliva thick in my mouth, my heart was beating fast as I leaned against the door trying to get air back into my lungs; My legs felt like they wanted to give way, so I took off my heels, throwing them in the middle of the way and falling on the bed, holding my hand on my chest.

''What was that?'' I couldn't understand what I was feeling, so I got up and ran to the bathroom to take a shower. The night was cold, but that man's gaze left me burning hot. This wasn't normal.

***

''I can't believe I won't be able to sleep again! '' I suppressed a groan, putting my hands on my face and then rolling out of bed.

I desperately needed a mug of tea. It was already late at night and surely no one would be awake at this early hour.

Standing up, I put on my slippers and looking from one side to the other, I closed the door behind me carefully and went towards the kitchen; I almost fell over when I came face to face with none other than Can Griffin - drinking a liquid that I already knew very well. With his back to the door, holding a steaming mug to his mouth, looking through the window at the garden with one hand on his waist.

I gasped, he had tied his hair into a bun making him unbelievably even more attractive.

I decided to get out of my lethargy and retrace my steps when I heard my name being called.

''Face''

His voice was deep and sweet, making me feel like floating butterflies flapping their wings violently against my belly.

Swallowing hard, I turned around.

He looked at me with his neck slightly tilted to the side with an inquisitive expression.

''Did something happen ?''

A nervous laugh took over my mouth and, gesturing like a crazy person, I let it out.

''I just couldn't sleep, so I decided to come and have a cup of tea. But since you're here, I don't want to bother you."

I was about to turn around again when I heard him snort, holding his hands in a disdainful manner.

''You don't need to be ashamed of me or treat me with such formality'' He gestures with his hands as if it were an exaggerated manner, never failing to express a grimace on his beautiful face ''Come, sit down, I'll make you tea ; at least I'll have some company'' That wink he gave me almost made my heart stop.

Jesus help me!

Shyly I sit on the chair, placing my hands on the counter, feeling the cold marble while I twitch my fingers nervously.

''So...'' He starts by taking the kettle out of one of the cupboards and filling it with water, placing a sachet inside it and lighting the fire.

I arch my eyebrows because I make tea differently

'' What is your history ? '' And then he stands on the opposite side of me, continuing to drink his tea without stopping looking me in the eyes.

I clear my throat, looking anywhere but at him.

''Like this ? '' I question too nervously to try to understand what he meant by that.

''What happened to you being in an orphanage? ''Wander your eyes across my curious face

''Well..''Talking about it always left me feeling a bitter taste in my mouth ''When I was 6 years old, the house I lived in with my parents caught fire, they died but I survived, I remember waking up in the middle of the night coughing, there was a lot of smoke and then I managed to open the windows and fell out. I cried very desperately because I couldn't help them '' I feel a lump in the middle of my throat.

Can's eyes are bathed in pity, then he drops to where I'm holding him. The only thing left of my parents, my chain with their photo.

''I'm so sorry Dude. This chain is very special to you, isn't it?

I nod to him. And then we both looked at the fire seeing that the tea was already ready.

Can removed the kettle from the heat and at the same time I got up to get my mug from the cupboard on the top shelf.

Then I snort, remembering that I don't have the height for this, every time I make tea I have to put a chair up and get it.

I gasp as a large body stops in front of me, I feel myself hyperventilating when his eyes meet mine, trapping me between the closet and him.

'' Let me get it for you '' Without being able to open my mouth, I simply nodded, smelling a wonderful musky smell that I couldn't decipher. Can raised his hand above my shameful height of 1.65, taking my mug.

''What a good smell,'' he said, handing me the mug, still looking intensely into my eyes, then turning the next moment to the tea pot, scratching his beard thoughtfully.

I almost fainted right there.

But wait... he must have been talking about the smell of tea, right?

I pulled the sleeve of my sweatshirt tighter against my fingers as I placed the mug on the counter, he filled it with tea and replaced more in his too.

I drank the hot liquid as quickly as I could without worrying if it was hot or not. This was too much for me, really too much- even more so because he wouldn't stop staring at me.

''Are they yours or lenses?''

I almost asked what he was referring to but then I realized he was talking about my eyes.

Ah... so that was why he was staring at me like that? Were you curious about the color of my eyes?

Suddenly I felt like someone had thrown me a shower of ice water at the lowest possible level.

''Ah... they're really mine, my mother's genetics.'' I smile a little, without making eye contact ''Many think it's strange that I have that color of eyes because I'm black'' I shrug ''But so what? ? They are mine and I love myself.

He nods, drinking more from his mug, and I take the opportunity to get up.

''Well... I seem to have felt sleepy. Thank you Can, good night.''

"Dispose Dude. Have a good night .''

I waved at him and slipped out of the kitchen, running to my room.

I was so foolish that I had to slap myself in the face to see if I would wake up.

Where did I get that Can was looking at me a lot because he felt interested?

I grabbed the pillow, putting my face in it and moaning into it, then punching it and putting it under my head, locking my eyes and counting sheep. I needed to sleep to stop feeling so ashamed of myself.

***

''You mean CAN GRIFFIN MADE TEA FOR YOU!???. Help, I'm on the floor! ''Jess shouts on the other end of the line making me grimace and roll my eyes.

''It's no big deal Jess, he was just kind to me.''

"Kind, attentive. These are qualities that every woman wants in a man. What's up man?! What if the hottie is really into you?''

I swallowed hard, getting up from the bed.

He had called Jess because sleeping at night was difficult and he needed to vent to someone. Lucky for me, she wakes up early to go to the gym.

''Stop the thing Jess. Can is like an older brother '' I was trying to convince myself of that '' Besides, he was only interested in the color of my eyes, if they were mine or not '' I shrug, biting my nail as I walk around the room.

She lets out a sigh.

''Look, I just finished training here, I'm just going to go home and take a shower and change my clothes. I'll get there soon.''

''Are you going to come here? '' I ask smiling

''Clear ! , I need to share the same luck as you, having the spectacular vision of Can Griffin live and in color.'' She says excitedly

''Jess, I don't know if you remember... but you HAVE a boyfriend.'' I emphasize the ''do'' to see if she realizes.

''And ? , love, I have a boyfriend but I'm not blind'' I burst out laughing, ''Wait for me, I have to see this man up close and analyze whether he's really interested in you or not.''

I place a hand on my face once we say goodbye, as I smile at my tangled reflection in the mirror.

''Jess is crazy'' I walked to the bathroom to do my morning hygiene, having a smile on my face replaying her speech in my mind.

***

Can was doing exercises on the lawn of the house wearing a t-shirt, while Jess and I watched everything with our mouths open.

''This man can't be real...'' Jess says past and then pokes me ''Friend! If this man is really into you, my sister, you won the lottery.''

''Jess!'' I look at her with my mouth open

''What ? , and am I lying?'' I laugh poking her making her jump

''He arrived here yesterday, it's not even 24 hours ago, how would he be interested in me in such a short time?''

Jess rolls her eyes and puts her hands on her hips, looking at me sternly.

"Tell me something, Cara Griffin. What man is going to look at you and not be interested? , you are beautiful! . It's not far behind Can.''

I bite my lip and when we both turn at the same time, Can stops running and turns towards us. Caught in the act, we threw ourselves on the floor, my nervousness was so great that I slipped and the cup of coffee flew into the air, falling all over me.

Within seconds the kitchen door was practically broken down and a very agitated Can appeared, taking me off the floor and placing me on the chair.

'' Are you well ?? ''His hands touched me and his eyes searched my face for any scratches.

''Yes..yes, of course. I just slipped'' He lets out a sigh and then his expression closes

My breath catches

With his hands on his hips, Can began to give me the table of good care to avoid a domestic accident, however I couldn't pay attention to anything except the sweat that came down from his neck and was lost somewhere on his chest, wetting his face. shirt .

''You could have hit your head! '' He growls and then in agony lets out a loud sigh, plunging a hand that was on his waist through his hair, messing it up, as it was wrapped in a bun. '' Do you understand me, Man? You need to be more careful or I may not be here to help you next time.''

''Helooou'' We heard Jess's voice, which until then had become a plant in her corner ''I'm here too'' Humming approaching us.

Can looks at Jess and then at me, then scratches the back of his head and then runs his hand over the spot.

''Sorry, I hadn't seen you. I'm Can Griffin'' He gives a half smile, still tense

''I'm Jess, Cara's best friend'' She says, almost jumping in place, like a child very excited to be presented with a gift.

He nods and looks at me again with a frown.

My goodness, he looks really angry.

''And you be careful.'' He points a finger at me

I nod as he turns on his feet, stomping around and turning down the hallway that leads to our rooms.

''I'm freaking out here my friend!!! ''Jess begins, as I get up from the chair trying to clean up the mess with a cloth on my clothes.'' Did you notice the way he was looking at you? and how worried were you?, and my daughter, what is that ass inside that sweatshirt?!''

Jess fans herself as I let out a sigh

''He looked like he was irritated with me.''

"Dear my dear! If that outburst of worry was irritation because you fell, I'm going to fall too. Of course he was angry because he worried about you! What guy would freak out like that if he wasn't actually worried about the person he had a crush on?

Unintentionally, a smile appeared on my face

Was Jess right? , is Can being interested in me? .

No, I couldn't believe that. It could be a concern for his brothers, he is older and seems to have a very protective attitude. With this action he took today, something tells me that Can has already been through an episode that left him scarred in some way. However, what would it be?