7

Gin was a bundle of nerves as Kin Arvis drove to the school. She could not speak. Infact she was petrified. What was going to happen when Kin Arvis and Vin came face to face? Will Kin Arvis finally see that Vin is his child? Would Vin see the resemblance? And why on earth did Vin get into a fight? This was so not how I wanted Vin to meet his daddy! Gin was loathe to even look in Kin Arvis's direction as he drove even though he seemed so calm, his strength was almost soothing. Thank heavens he was not asking a million questions. Infact he had not said a word since he'd reminded her to buckle up. Not that she needed the reminder. Gin was a law abiding, conscientious driver. Could she get Kin Arvis to wait in the car, whilst she dealt with the principal and Vin? Could she tell him to go back to the hospital? She would catch a cab back. From the corner of his eye, Kin Arvis checked out Gin. Hey eyes were focused straight ahead on the road. Her hands were clasped on her lap. Her knuckles, white as a sheet, clenched tightly together. Kin Arvis longed to reach out and lay his hands on hers … just to comfort her, but she seemed to have withdrawn into herself, consumed by her thoughts. Perhaps she was worried about her boy, wondering if he was badly injured. If only he could just stop the car, pull over, draw her into his arms and just embrace her. She would probably freak out; accuse him of being a pervert and most probably lash out at him again. Nobody would ever suspect she had a fiery temper, but he seemed to have a knack on just how to light her fuse, to his own detriment. Kin Arvis smiled inwardly. He deserved it the last time, when she'd struck him across his face. He had been out of line. He had absolutely no right to judge Gin. It was ten years ago! After all he was no saint and for heaven's sake he had not been celibate since that one passionate, exhilarating night with her. Kin Arvis had to admit though, she was the best damn lover he'd had in all his life. How he wished he could have one more night with her … just once, to immerse himself inside her luscious, ripe, ___. "You"ve passed the school!" Gin pointed to the left. Kin Arvis cursed silently, checked the rear view mirror, braked and made a u -turn into the school driveway. It seemed a very upmarket school, with high security services. There was a boom gate, restricting unauthorized access. "Oh!" Gin reached into her handbag and removed an access card. Thank heavens Kin Arvis had remembered her bag on the table. She had been in shock and had blindly just allowed Kin Arvis to guide her to his car. "Here," she handed it to him, just swipe it," she pointed to the access control gate closer to Kin Arvis's window. Kin Arvis nodded to the two security guards who suspiciously eyed the unfamiliar car. He found an empty parking spot and brought the car to a standstill. Before Gin could give voice to her worrying thoughts, Kin Arvis was out the car and coming around to assist her out. "You ___ you could wait here. You don't need to come in," she could not meet his eyes. "I think you need some moral support hmm?" He smiled. "I'm going in with you," he stated matter of fact. Gin inhaled heavily. She dragged her feet forward, towards the principal's office. When Gin knocked on the principal's door, she found Vin sitting huddled on a chair in front of the principal. His head was bowed. His shirt was dishevelled out of his trousers, a button was lost on the shirt. Her heart went out to him, but she dare not show any compassion towards Vin just yet, not before she heard the principal's side of the story. "Dr. Mikhayla, good day," the stern looking principal stood up. His grey hair was neatly combed to one side, his suit immaculate on his thin shoulders. The principal's eyes automatically shifted to Kin Arvis's commanding presence, the stern looked relaxed somewhat. "Mum," Vin was out of the chair, throwing his arms around her waist. Much as Gin wanted to embrace her son, she resisted. She knelt down, checked out Vin. He seemed fine, no injuries, no bleeding, no broken teeth, his clothing was another story. "You okay?" Gin asked in a soft voice, acutely aware that Kin Arvis's eyes were trained on her. Vin nodded. His eyes curiously went to the man at his mother's side, narrowing reflectively. "Mum," Vin murmured, "this is the ___." Gin stood up. "Good afternoon, Mr. Garner," she quickly interrupted Vin. No doubt her son was remembering Kin Arvis from the day they were shopping at Woolworths. "This is Dr. Kin Arvis Ra. "Kin Arvis, this is the principal, Mr. Gerald Garner." The principal cocked his head at Kin Arvis, but Kin Arvis's eyes were studiously checking out the young boy clutching him mum's hand. Grey eyes; like his mother. His hair was not black like hers, more brown. Perhaps he has his father's hair, but he definitely had his mother's nose and chin; long eye lashes just like Gin and definitely his mother's lips. He was Gin's boy all right. Taciturn tenderness in the eyes, clearly he was wrapped in cotton wool, no paternal influence to rough him about. So how the hell did the kid get himself into a fight? ""Ra?" The principal repeated, interrupting Kin Arvis's analysis of Vin. "Any relation to Talbot Ra?" "My father," Kin Arvis dragged his eyes back to the principal. He met the principal's eyes squarely. Kin Arvis did not want to be quizzed by the man. He was here just to offer support to Gin. The principal's manner warmed considerably. "I know your father well," he smiled. "A fine surgeon, very fine surgeon and you"ve been out of the country a bit, I believe," the principal continued to probe. "Yes," Kin Arvis answered non committally, dragging his eyes back to Vin. "Mr Garner?" Gin hastily interrupted. "Yes," The principal looked at Vin accusingly. "Please have a seat," he indicated to Kin Arvis and Gin. Kin Arvis held the chair out for Gin, when she was seated, he took the seat at the far end, allowing Vin the seat between them. It was Vin's turn to stare at the strange man. What was his mother doing with this man? This was the stranger from the supermarket. He had been staring at his mum in a creepy way. When Kin Arvis felt the boy's eyes on him, he turned to the boy, but Vin quickly looked away. Kin Arvis smiled inwardly. Clearly the boy was not used to adult male company. Now why did that feel so good? "What happened?" Kin Arvis heard the strain in Gin's voice. The principal cleared his throat uncomfortably. Vin's head dropped again. Kin Arvis watched as Gin waited impatiently for the principal to start speaking. Gin's fingers tapped nerve wrenchingly on the armrest of her chair. "According to Vin," the principal began, "another learner was making unsolicited ____ comments about you." "What?" Gin exclaimed. "He said you had a figure like a trigger, mum," Vin scowled. "He wanted your phone number." Gin turned crimson. She dare not look in Kin Arvis's direction, much as her eyes wanted to. "Figure like a trigger!" Kin Arvis battled to contain his laughter. Now when was the last time he had used that, certainly in his early teens … although it was at girls in his own age group. Kin Arvis could hardly blame the hormonal teenager, Gin had meandering curves all right … in all the right places. "How old is this ___ learner?" Gin questioned. "Sixteen," the principal answered. "You got into an altercation with a sixteen year old!" Gin's eyes widened accusingly at Vin. "He's a pervert mum. He had no right." Gin groaned aloud. She looked at the principal. "You said on the phone, Vin got into a fight. Was ___ was the other learner ____ assaulted?" "His nose was bleeding," the principal picked up the pen from his desk and toyed with it. Kin Arvis could have sworn there was a momentary triumphant glint in the boy's eyes, which was quickly masked when his mother looked his way. For some reason, Kin Arvis himself, was pleased that Gin's boy could handle himself. Kin Arvis would deck any man that made crude comments about his mum as well … not that the Mikhayla boy would hear such a confession. "I'm sure Frankie is going to have a blackened eye by tomorrow morning," the principal continued. "Surprisingly, it was Vin who ran to the sick room, he used the first aid kit to restrict the bleeding." "I did what you did to that little boy in the park, mum, you remember?" When Vin felt his mum's reproachful eyes bore into him, the zeal in his face died. Kin Arvis was at pains to mask the laughter brewing inside him. In his opinion the kid was a hero. He defends his mother's honour, then in a spirit of humanity, he renders first aid, certainly deserving of "hero of the day" award. "Vin," Gin turned towards her son, "it is not on that you get into fights at school." "But mum ____,"he held back, when Gin's eyes narrowed threateningly. "I am afraid, I must instil disciplinary measures," the principal looked at Kin Arvis uncomfortably. Gin cringed silently. What must Kin Arvis be thinking? Perhaps that she was an unfit mother; that she had no control over Vin; or perhaps Kin Arvis thought Vin was a spoilt child who lacked guidelines and boundaries. "Vin is suspended for five days," the principal announced. Gin heaved a heavy sigh. She stood up. "Is ___ is Frankie okay?" "Yes, he's fine. He is also suspended for the same period." "Good bye, Mr. Garner. We shall see you in a week," Gin took Vin's hand and led him outside. "I'm sorry mum," Vin murmured. "Your apology is accepted Vin. We will discuss your corrective measures at home." "Are you going to take away my Xbox?" "And the PlayStation and no television and ___." Vin had to run to keep up with Gin. "Only for one day, right mum? I can have my privileges back tomorrow?" Gin stopped. Vin almost crashed into his mum. "Where'syour car mum?" Vin looked around. "Oh," she only now remembered Kin Arvis was still with them. Why the hell was he so quiet? Why didn't he say something? "Wow!" Vin drooled. "Mum, check out that Tesla Roadster! Isn't it cool?" Not you too Vin! Gin's eyes met Kin Arvis's amused ones. He was smiling, his eyes so attractive. "That's ___ Dr. Ra's car," Gin waited for Kin Arvis to unlock the doors. Vin turned around and for the first time looked at Kin Arvis with heightened interest. Gin watched her son curiously. Did Vin feel anything? Did Kin Arvis feel anything? What was Kin Arvis thinking, when he looked at Vin? "So you're a doctor?" Vin questioned. "A heart specialist," Kin Arvis nodded, unlocking the passenger door and holding it open for Gin. "A cardiologist," Vin stated. Kin Arvis smiled at the boy for the first time. "That's right." "My mum just qualified as a pediatrics specialist," Vin lifted his shoulders proudly. "Vin," Gin sighed. "Dr. Ra knows. He is also my boss. Gin reluctantly dragged her eyes to Kin Arvis. "Kin Arvis ___ meet Vin. Vin ____." "Good afternoon," Kin Arvis extended his hand formally, cutting into Gin's introduction. Vin hesitated a moment before he accepted the outstretched hand, his eyes raking over Kin Arvis curiously. So why was he stalking my mum in the supermarket? "You can sit in the front," Gin offered. "No, it's okay," Vin opened the back door and climbed in. Gin stared at Vin in confusion. What was up with him? He and his uncle Dean were crazy about cars. Vin loved sports cars. He would normally want to sit in the front and check out all the gadgets. Perhaps he's contemplating his grounding. Well there certainly will be repercussions. Vin could not just go around throwing punches, no matter what the provocation, and Gin was of the opinion, Vin had just over reacted. I mean boys do have a warped sense of humour right? Gin sighed, wondering what Kin Arvis's thinking was about all the drama today. "You can take me back to the hospital, my car is there," Gin looked Kin Arvis's way as he exited the school yard. "Are you going to check on your patients mum? Can I go with you?" Kin Arvis had dropped them off at the car park. Gin had thanked him and proceeded to her ward. No doubt after Kin Arvis parked his car, he would head up to his fancy office. "No Vin, you can't tag along with me." Gin scrubbed her hands thoroughly and slipped on her white coat. "I want you to sit here in my office, I shan't be long. You have homework?" She checked. "Yes," he mumbled. "Do your homework, whilst I check on my patients." "Do I have to do it today? I've got the whole week ___." Gin's eyes narrowed at Vin. "Fine," he murmured under his breath. "You're not on holiday Vin. You will be working everyday at home." "Aww mum," he moaned. "Perhaps next time you'll think through the repercussions before you act," she picked up her stethoscope. "I won't be more than thirty minutes," she walked out and left Vin in her office. "You should cut the boy some slack." Gin jumped. She had not expected Kin Arvis to be loitering about in pediatrics. She'd thought he'd gone to his office. "Stop sneaking up on me all the time," her hand rested on her chest lightly. "I would do the same as Vin," Kin Arvis's eyes met hers. It was the first time she'd heard Kin Arvis speak Vin's name. She almost felt a bond with Kin Arvis. "I'm glad you did not voice those frivolous thoughts in front of Vin," Gin glared disapprovingly at Kin Arvis. "The kid was defending your honour," Kin Arvis smirked. "In my books, he's a hero." "Is that the way your parents brought you up?" Gin challenged, as she walked to one of her patients" bed. "No," Kin Arvis laughed, "but then who can blame that teenager, you are rather sexy, Dr. Mikhayla," Kin Arvis murmured softly. Was that a compliment? "Is there a reason you're here?" Gin murmured, going all scarlet like ripe tomatoes. Kin Arvis threw his head back and laughed. "Checking on a patient, Dr. Mikhayla, checking out a patient," he became all serious and walked away. Gin continued to gaze at Kin Arvis's back as he disappeared through the ward doors. I have to find a way to tell him. Ten years ago she had been in despair. She had needed Kin Arvis by her side during her pregnancy. She had needed…wanted Kin Arvis holding her hand, when she'd went into labour. She had wanted Kin Arvis to hear, when the first word Vin had uttered was "dah". She had wanted Kin Arvis to witness Vin's first smile. Or when Vin's first tooth had appeared and Gin especially needed Kin Arvis in those defining moments in the vital first year of Vin's life, but then her amazing mother and brother Dean, had stepped up unquestioningly to support Gin. Thanks to them, she was able to nurture the young boy she'd brought into the world. Now, she was not sure how Kin Arvis would fit into their lives. Gin did not want Kin Arvis feeling she and Vin were an obligation or a burden he needed to shoulder. Financially, she needed nothing from Kin Arvis. Yes Kin Arvis had a right to know Vin was his son, the product of their night of passion. And yes Vin also had a right to know his father especially now that they had come face to face. How will Vin react when I tell his Kin Arvis is his daddy? "You're home early dear," Shin Mikhayla smiled at her daughter. "I'll let your grandson fill you in," Gin walked to the kitchen to get a drink. "Mum!" Vin pleaded, hoping he would not have to re-live his earlier embarrassment of the day. Gin looked over her shoulder but continued walking. "What happened Vin?" Shin enquired with concern. "I got suspended," Vin mumbled, studying his shoes. ""Suspended? My grandson___ that's impossible!"" "Your grandson is no angel mum," Gin returned with a glass of wine. "You would not cheat on a test?" Shin looked at Vin. "I got into a fight," he muttered. "A fight? Why?" Shin was astonished. Gin slid into the sofa, unperturbed, allowing Vin to explain himself. "It was Frankie's fault grandma. He was saying things about mum, so I ___ hit him." Shin sat down. What could have been so bad to make her grandson react in a violent manner? Vin! He would not hurt a fly. Vin was not a child who was easily provoked to anger or violence? Her eyes shifted to Gin questioningly. "Frankie wanted mum's number, grandma" Vin blurted. "He said mum had a figure like a trigger and he was make repulsive gestures with his hands," Vin scowled angrily. Shin's hand quickly covered her mouth. She suppressed the urge to smile. She got up and turned away from Vin, rolling her eyes in Gin's direction. "The principal stated Frankie suffered haemorrhaging from the nose and suspects peri-orbital haematoma will occur," Gin supplied. "In English that means a black eye right?" Shin asked her grandson. Vin nodded grudgingly, his eyes brows knitted together. Gin held her breath, he looked so much like Kin Arvis right this moment. Shin's eyes softened, clearly she thought her grandson needed a hug as he stood there looking so forlorn. Without a word to Vin, Gin got up and went to check on the mail her mum had put out for her attention. She could not let Vin think his actions were justified. Violence was never a justifiable solution in Gin's opinion. She would sit Vin down after supper, and address the applicable corrective measures for his behaviour. Gin was busy writing out checks for some accounts, when she heard a soft knock at the kitchen door. That must be the neighbour's son Brooklyn, Vin's best friend. Gin could hear Vin and Brooklyn whispering. Vin was informing Brooklyn he can't go out to play. Brooklyn was pleading with Vin to come out for thirty minutes. "I can't," Gin heard Vin hiss. She smiled to herself, and the next instant she heard running feet and both boys were standing in front of the desk she was sitting at, Brooklyn in front, Vin hovering behind his friend. "Hi Dr. Mikhayla," Brooklyn greeted, a little out of breath. He had curly red hair, was little taller than Vin and had adorable chubby cheeks. Hi Brooklyn," Gin smiled. She had to fight hard to keep a straight face at Vin and Brooklyn nudging each other at the elbow. "Dr. Mikhayla?" "Yes Brooklyn?" Gin sealed the check into the envelope, ignoring the jostling from her peripheral vision. "Can Vin come out to play___ please?" Brooklyn rendered a cute puppy dog face. "I told him, I can't mum," Vin was red-faced. "Vin's grounded for the next week Brooklyn," Gin closed her check book and slipped it back into her handbag. "Aww man!" Brooklyn sighed. "It's all Frankie's fault. He should not have tried to take Vin's cell phone." "What's this?" Gin stood up. She had not heard anything about a cell phone. Brooklyn looked from one to the other. "Frankie wanted your number. When Vin would not give it to him, he tried to steal it off Vin's cell phone. That's when Vin ___ you know ___ Vin had to stop Frankie." Why didn't Vin say anything about that? "Frankie seems to have a problem," Gin looked from Vin to Brooklyn. "I deleted your number from my phone mum." Gin reached out and drew Vin into her arms. She pressed her lips to his head. "Am I still grounded mum?" "I don't condone violence Vin, you know that." "Yes ma"am. "I'm allowing you out for thirty minutes then ___." "Thank you Dr. Mikhayla," Brooklyn spontaneously threw his arms around Gin. Gin laughed, extending one arm around Brooklyn's shoulder. "Vin there are still consequences to deal with, we will discuss that after supper." He nodded. She saw the remorse in his eyes. Vin did not like to disobey his mum's instructions nor disappoint her in any way, but he was young, his values and character were still a work in progress. Gin would administer correction, but with love. She smiled at Vin and released the two boys. "What do you mean, you cannot honour my withdrawal?" Gin yelled at the teller in frustration. "It is my money!" she reminded him, somewhat annoyed. She did not like to be judgemental, though he could be described as one of those nerdy looking guys with beady eyes. "Sorry," the teller smirked unapologetically. "It's the bank's policy, no ID, no money." The teller gazed lustfully at Gin, admiring her attractive heart-shaped face, her bouncy hair cascading over her shoulders. She had beautiful porcelain-like skin. She looked like a teenager in her vest like top and cargo pants. "You know who I am, for heaven's sake, Bryan," Gin glared infuriatingly at the teller. "I've opened my account at this branch," she reminded him. He shrugged, licking his gross looking lips. She sighed resignedly, seeing the smug teller was not going to budge. "Company policy," he repeated indifferently. "But if I agree to go on a date with you, you would waive your "company policy,"" she hissed. He lowered his head conspirationally, "Eight o" clock tonight," he whispered smugly. There was a string of impatient clients behind Gin. She speared the teller with a dagger look. She was not going anywhere with this pugnacious moron. She did need cash, but not that desperately. She would just have to return tomorrow with her ID. She'd misplaced her bank card somewhere and her ID was at home. She would not bow to the moron's unscrupulous suggestion. "When hell freezes over!" Gin hissed through clenched teeth. "Is there a problem Miss?" Gin looked over her shoulder apologetically to the client behind her who had asked the question. Her eyes widened, her breath came out in a gasp as she stared at the man. He was like an unbelievable replica of Kin Arvis, only, a younger version. Same hazel eyes, same brown hair, only … he was a little shorter, the shoulders not as broad as Kin Arvis's. He looked boyish, playful, with that roving eye going up and down her body and the mischievous smile. "Sorry to hold up the line," Gin mumbled to nobody in particular as she turned and walked away. "You okay Miss?" The man stepped out of the queue and followed her. "Yes," Gin answered and continued walking out. "What's you name?" he smiled at her devilishly. Gin's breath stuck in her throat. She made the mistake of gazing into his good looking face. He had nice lips … just like Kin Arvis. It took her a few moments to realize he was patiently waiting for her to answer and that she was staring. "Gin," she offered, a half smile. "What do you do?" he questioned interrogatively. Gin groaned softly. "I'd rather not say," she turned away feeling ashamed for throwing a tantrum inside the bank. "I bet you're a model or an actress?" He walked easily alongside her, matching her long impatient strides with easy measured lengths. "You'd lose your money," she murmured, wondering why the hell he'd given up his place in the unending queue. His resemblance to Kin Arvis was just too eerie for Gin. Sure he was extremely good looking and just perhaps under different circumstances, she may just have responded to his easy flirtation, but right now she was in a major hurry, and she needed to get back to work. "I'm in a hurry … sorry," she inhaled deeply, curious about this stranger, who out of the blue just struck up a conversation with her. "I know you tried ___ unsuccessfully to draw funds. I could loan you some money," he offered. Gin laughed. She continued walking. "You don't know me from a bar of soap! I can't just take money from a perfect stranger!" Even if you are next best thing to … . Kin Arvis Ra "Ethan Ra." "What!" Gin stopped in her tracks. This cannot be happening. Of all the men in the world, I become attracted to two Ra hunks. Three point four billion males in the world! What's the probability? "Kin Arvis's brother!" she groaned softly. Ethan's eyes narrowed, almost infinitesimally she observed, just like Kin Arvis's did when he was angry. Ethan then smiled. "Ah, I see my big brother's charm, as always disadvantages me." His tone did not sound complimentary. Gin looked away uncomfortably. So Kin Arvis has a brother! And damn attractive too. What is it with these Ra Charmers? Strangely this one seemed gentle, more easy going, trusting … .unlike the elder Ra brother. Though Gin could not imagine Kin Arvis with his arrogant, macho image, it would just not be Kin Arvis. "So how do you know my brother?" Gin heaved her breath. "I'm a paediatrician at the Ra Medical Centre," she confessed reluctantly. Ethan laughed, "and throwing a tantrum at the helpless bank employee. So not nice, Dr. ___." "Mikhayla. Gin Mikhayla," she murmured. "I would hardly call him "helpless." You're not going to tell on me, are you?" "Tell who?" He looked confused. "Your entire family is in the medical field. You must be too," she stated. He smiled. "I'm still in university. Orthopedics," he supplied. "I'm doing a three week internship during my holidays, starting tomorrow." All in the family indeed! "I see," Gin murmured. "So, hopefully, I'll see you around," he smiled charmingly. "Perhaps," or perhaps not, she only said the first word aloud, as she got into her car. Gin was in limbo, because Kin Arvis was sitting nearby having his lunch, but he also had his laptop and seemed oblivious of everyone around him. Gin's eyes kept darting his way, but the man's undivided attention was on his blasted laptop. She toyed with the idea of going back to her surgery, but what could she do, twiddle her thumbs? There was didly squat for her to do for the next hour and a half. And just when she was toying with the idea to go to the mall and spoil herself with a new pair of skinny jeans, Ethan interrupted her thoughts, grabbing the chair next to her. He turned it around, leaning his chest over the backrest. "I specifically checked the roster as to what time you lunch," he smirked. Gin laughed softly. Ethan was so easy going, so care free, so … unlike Kin Arvis. "Umm hi," Gin murmured. Ethan looked more like a typical teenager, in jeans and T shirt than an intern. "My brother had me slaving since five this morning," Ethan groaned, stealing a French fry from Gin's plate. Gin's eyes, dragged to where Kin Arvis was sitting. Their eyes clashed. Ethan's presence seemed to have distracted Kin Arvis. He was not just looking at Gin. He was glaring. "What were you doing?" Gin's eyes returned to Ethan. "Four surgical procedures in theatre all morning," Ethan answered tiredly. "The last one was three hours." Gin again looked Kin Arvis's way. His alert eyes were focused again on his laptop. He was sipping his coffee. He did not look tired or drained. Infact he was oozing energy and ruthless masculine testosterone. Every female's eyes stared intermittently in Kin Arvis's direction. "Go out with me tomorrow evening," Ethan invited. "What!" "I'm not a stranger anymore," he winked. "We're kind of colleagues now, even if its just for three weeks," he grinned irresistibly. Gin stared at Ethan. He was not oblivious of his charms, infact he worked his charm, unlike Kin Arvis, who maintained a cool reserve. Ethan liked the ladies; was getting a lot of attention at the hospital and he was lapping up all the female adulation. "Ethan we have patients to call on. Let's go," Kin Arvis interrupted and continued walking. Gin had not even realized Kin Arvis had finished at his table and had walked by. The boss has summoned me," Ethan murmured softly. "So we on for tomorrow?" he murmured, standing up and finishing his coffee. "Sorry, I have another engagement," she smiled apologetically. "My son is talking part in a school play." Vin had been cast as Orlando the Cat. "Your son? Did you start when you were twelve? " "I believe you have patients to attend to," Gin stood up, deciding that pair of jeans was looking more appealing. "I heard from Dr Alice, that you're single, so I'm still interested Dr. Mikhayla," he whispered in her ear. "Very interested," he winked and walked away.