Chapter Sixty-One

Omniscient Narrative

"Then came high school," Ty said, rolling his eyes playfully, getting Micheal's attention back to him. "That's when he really hit a growth spurt-both in height and confidence. He wanted to show everyone that he was capable of handling serious business at a young age. He started a tutoring program, even though he hardly ever attended class, he would gathered kids after school to help them out with their studies, telling us it was practice for 'running his empire' someday but really it was just so he could get extra credit since he didn't like class all too much and it was a fun way for him to study, he would say"

Michael laughed, a genuine and warm sound that came from deep within him. "What a boss, he still does that till this day, releasing his dominant aura" 

"God!" Ty exclaimed, shaking his head with a grin. "It was so heartwarming to see him like that, yet so funny at the same time. He was so serious about their success. Yet so unserious about his!"

"Did he really think that would give him the authority he needed?" Michael asked, a teasing tone dancing in his words. "What a dork!"

"Absolutely," Ty snickered, leaning back as he continued, "We all thought he'd end up being an overachiever, but that's not how the story played out, well, not entirely."

Ashley sighed, her expression taking on a more serious note. "He always had this sensitive side. There were times-especially during high school-when he felt a lot of pressure. He'd get stressed over school, everything, I think that was what led to him disassociating from school work at one point in his life and he started flunking. Sometimes, he'd need to talk about things, and that was when we'd step in as siblings, remind him he could be vulnerable too."

Michael felt a rush of empathy, understanding the dichotomy of ambition intertwined with emotional depth. "I can imagine how hard it must have been for him. He always seems so put together."

Ashley nodded thoughtfully. "That's just it; he is so put together, yet he wears his heart on his sleeve when it matters most. He opens up to Ty, Hilary and me, and we always made a point to remind him how loved he was, regardless of how successful he became."

"He wants to be like our father and me of of course, it's no secret he idolizes both of us and sometimes daddy and I have to remind him that he's not like us, he can be his own person" 

"Definitely," Ty agreed. "And you could see him change in your presence, too. You bring a different layer of joy into his life, Michael, you and Dylan."

Michael felt a warmth blossom in his chest, "I guess we all carry our burdens, and sometimes it just takes a special person to help us shoulder them."

Ashley's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Exactly! And I've seen how nurturing you've been to him. It seems like you three balance each other perfectly."

"Thank you," Michael responded with a smile. "We strive to be there for him, like he does for us ."

"Just keep being yourself," Ty advised, leaning back with a comfortable ease, "because that's all Von ever wanted-to have someone he could share his world with, who appreciated him for who he really is."

Ashley chimed in, adding, "And don't be surprised if he sometimes puts up walls. He believes in being strong, but with you guys, I think he might just be learning to let them down a little. That's the beauty of love, after all."

"Oooooo" Ty said as he leaned back, his hand over his mouth "since when did you become a love guru" he smiled at Ashely making her smack his chest playfully. 

Michael felt a rush of gratitude, these familial bonds, these shared stories, were like a window into Von's heart, and he couldn't help but feel honored to have earned his spot in their tapestry. "I just want him to see that it's okay to be vulnerable; he doesn't always have to be the strong one. I want him to know I'm here to support him." 

"Then hold onto that thought," Ty said earnestly as he sat well. "Von values his independence, but he also treasures the people who champion him when he needs it most. That experience you've shared means more than you know."

As the laughter resumed, and the atmosphere lightened again, Ashley leaned in closer to Michael. "Let me tell you about the time Von thought he could win a basketball game with a group of kids from our neighborhood."

Ty burst out laughing. "Oh, yes! The infamous game! He thought he could carry the whole team by himself because he's tall and built and insisted on being the captain. We all went down to the park, and he tried to show off, calling plays like he was a pro-it was a total disaster!" 

"He ended up getting out-schooled by a ten-year-old who managed to score more points than him. The look on his face when he realized he'd just been completely outplayed was priceless!" Ashley added, her laughter infectious.

Michael leaned forward, actively engaged in their animated storytelling. "I would pay to see that," he said, shaking his head in disbelief. "Can you imagine him, all serious, trying to school children in their own game?"

"Oh, he was relentless in thinking he could change the tide of the game! The kids kept ganging up on him, and he ended up running around chasing them while trying to score." Ty whirled his hands around in an exaggerated manner, adding physicality to his retelling. "By the end, we were laughing so hard, and Von was just out there tired but totally game for anything."

"He went home after that, sulking, but he couldn't hide his grin for long," Ashley added. "He couldn't be mad, not after that. You just can't stay upset after playing with kids like that."

"I can see why he is so protective of everyone now," Michael admitted, chuckling along. "It sounds like he puts his heart into everything he does, even losing to ten-year-olds." 

"Exactly!" Ty replied. "He cares about connections, but he still has a competitive edge. It's part of who he is. He might act tough on the outside, but he's just a big softie."

"Ohhhhh" Ashely immediately says as she  suddenly leaned in conspiratorially. "You've got to hear about the annual family talent show," she said, her voice a beacon of intrigue.

"Oh no," Ty groaned, rolling his eyes. "This is going to involve embarrassment, isn't it?"

"Absolutely!" Ashley declared, already in storytelling mode. "A few years ago, Von decided he was going to sing. I mean, he's got that powerful voice, but he adorably forgot the lyrics halfway through. I swear I've never seen someone so determined to make up words on the spot."

Michael burst into laughter. "You're kidding! Did he try to ad-lib?"

Ashley nodded enthusiastically. "It was a creative mess! He turned it into a theatrical performance by adding dramatic gestures to it, making everyone look away in amusement. The crowd watching him was just dying, trying to keep it together!"

"And you could see him trying," Ty said, shaking his head with laughter. "He was genuinely committed to not breaking down, he just dove deeper into the ridiculousness. It was a disaster, but everyone loved it, especially mom, she hypes us for all our nonsense I swear to God!"

"I can imagine, he must've eaten it up!" Michael said between breaths of laughter. "He sounds like he takes everything that way, even if he flops, so prideful." Micheal shook his head. 

"Yup!" Ashley grinned. "That's Von for you. He knows how to embrace being silly, and that's why we love him. He can make a fool of himself and still keep the family together with laughter."

Micheal immediately thought to when they were 'enemies' and Von never let their constant bickering and slight embarrassment stop him from still pursuing Micheal. 

Ty added with a smile, "And he'll never let you forget it! He's the kind of guy who'll playfully remind you of your own quirks while dazzling you with charm. That's just how he operates!"

Micheal can vouch for that. 

Finally, as the clock ticked away, Ashley looked at Michael with a sudden seriousness. "Michael, I want you to know that you and Dylan are a special part of our family now. Von has shared so much with us about you guys , and it's more than just the happy moments. You guys really bring out a different side of him, one that we've missed for a long time."

Ty nodded in agreement, leaning forward to show his sincerity as he placed a hand on Micheal's shoulder. "You guys complement him in a way that we can all see clearly. Just know you're the kind of person this family is glad to welcome, both of you."