The buzz of the radio alarm clock woke me from my slumber, groaning as I reached over to smash the button. Like most mornings, I just wanted to pick the thing up and throw it into the wall. Picking up my battered old phone, nothing like the smartphones most people are carrying around nowadays, I checked the time and groaned again.
I hated Mondays. To be honest, I hated most days. Just another day in my dreary existence. Managing to drag my sorry arse out of bed, I staggered to the small bathroom of my tiny one-bedroom apartment, turning on the light and glaring at my reflection in the mirror for a moment before switching on the water. As usual, it took the ancient water heater forever to start providing hot water, hearing it creak and barely manage to start up before the water finally started to warm up.
After brushing my teeth, I made myself a cheap coffee. Couldn't afford to be out there treating myself to Starbucks or anything else regularly. I made enough for rent, bills, fuel for my knackered old car, and a slab or beer or a bottle of liquor every few days. Didn't need much else. Didn't want anything else, to be honest.
Sliding on my bright fluorescent shirt and dark shorts, I made sure my steel-capped boots were laced up tight before grabbing the sandwich I'd made the night before from the fridge and heading out. The small apartment complex I called home was in one of the worst parts of the city. If I could afford to live elsewhere, trust me, I'd do it in a heartbeat. But when you're single and without any real hope, you just do the best you can. Take the hits life throws at you on the chin, pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and face another day.
The car started up at the first attempt, at least, but the air-conditioning hadn't worked in months. and I couldn't afford to get it fixed. Rego and insurance were enough as it was. Fairly sure all four tyres were now slicks. I knew I was fucked if I was pulled over by the cops.
Clocking in at work half an hour later, it was the start of six backbreaking days at work. I started at 6am, finished at 4pm, and had a one-hour break for lunch, Monday through to Saturday. Sometimes I'd have Sunday off, but I also had jobs on the side, sometimes a little cash in hand, just to top up the meagre pay packet I received every Thursday.
As I worked away, I listened into the conversations taking place around me. Many of the men were either similar age to me, and stuck in the same cycle, or were older guys who were even worse off. I knew quite a few of them were pretty much functioning alcoholics. More than one spoke bitterly of ex-wives and missing the kids they barely saw.
"You going to come to the pub this Saturday night, Mark?" Steven asked, probably one of my co-workers I was closest to.
"Dunno," I replied, taking a moment to rest, "I'll see if I can rub two coins together."
"Things still tight?"
"Never not tight, mate. I'm still waiting for my car to just give up the ghost. When it does, I'm fucked."
"Just give one of the boys a call if you need a lift. We'll bring you in and take you home."
I smiled at the offer. I often felt alone, even when surrounded by lots of people, but Steven and his mates had adopted me in a way. I wouldn't say I had peaked in high school. I'd never had a peak, but at least at school, making friends had been easier. I'd had a great group of friends, but as they moved onto university or into fantastic careers, I'd been left behind, and I guess it wasn't surprising that their calls and messages soon tapered off.
As for women, don't make me laugh. I was an average-looking man with few prospects, living in a shit apartment, drove a shitbox of a car, and certainly couldn't afford to take women out on dates, buy gifts and afford whatever else they might want. At most, I'd pick up the occasional barfly to get my end away, but I'd long given up any thoughts of romance and marriage. Such things would never be in my future.
I rarely heard from my parents. No real surprise there. I was still a disappointment in their eyes. I knew I wasn't a smart man. I knew that from a young age. I didn't get maths. Science was beyond me. The one thing I'd always enjoyed was reading, and the one spark I had was in creative writing. I still dreamed of writing my own novel one day. Whether I was smart enough to do that or not, no idea. But I did have an imagination. I needed one to escape the dreary existence. I couldn't afford a laptop or a computer, so I made do with writing my stories by hand. I could afford cheap pens and notebooks, at least.
Arriving home from work that Saturday, I'd managed to scrape together enough for a cheap takeaway and a cheaper bottle of bourbon. No Jack Daniels, Makers Mark or anything like that for me. It was the sort of nasty bourbon probably more suited to cleaning out toilets. But it was better than having to sit at home alone again on a Saturday night sober.
At least I had a cat to keep me company. Cute little black-and-white thing that seemed to love me, at least.
If all this sounds like 'woe is me', you couldn't be further from the truth. I accepted my situation in life. I was never going to amount to much. As I said, I wasn't a smart man. I barely achieved my Higher School Certificate, and I studied my arse off for each subject. University? Not a chance. Even with all the help in the world, that was only ever a pipe dream. My parents gave up on me long before that. I wasn't going to be a doctor, a lawyer, or some sort of financial whiz. I knew my mother still loved me unconditionally, but I amounted to nothing in the eyes of my father. Wearing a bright fluorescent shirt to work and physical labour was beneath his station in life.
The one bright spot in my entire twenty-six years to this point in my life was my little sister. When you compared us, it would have surprised most people to know we'd come from the same parents. Yet if there was one person who still supported me, and still seemed to love me without any conditions, it was her. I hadn't seen her in a couple of months though she was always trying to call and message me. She was busy with her own life, and I didn't like bothering her. I would respond to the occasional message she sent me, and we talked at least once a week. I didn't like being rude, but I had little to tell her most of the time.
By the time it reached Saturday, I was fed up, like I was by the end of every week. My body ached. I was exhausted. And I was pretty much glad I didn't live in the United States, as I probably would have bought a gun by this stage and put a bullet in my head. The only things that stopped me from topping myself were my cat and my sister. Doubt anyone else in my family would really care if I disappeared. I never talked about my problems. I'm not one of those men who can't talk about their feelings, there's just no-one in my life that would give a shit. Everyone else I know is dealing with their own problems and I'm no-one special.
Walking into the pub on Saturday night, I'd managed to save just enough to buy myself a few schooners of cheap lager. My friends were waiting for me. Most of them shared my situation. Low-paid, blue-collar jobs. Only me and one other had even managed to finish school, the others choosing to leave after four years at high school to start apprenticeships or to simply start working.
We sat around a table, talking shit while the footy played in the background. I'd once played the sport while growing up but simply didn't have the free time to play any longer. The conversation generally revolved around work, women we'd dated or wanted to see if they had any interest, sports and our otherwise shit lives, usually blaming our woes on politicians, rich people and anyone else who earned our ire.
At least I could walk home. Probably not the best idea considering the suburb I lived in, but my face was known by most of the people in the neighbourhood. Only had to look at the state of the houses, the yards, and the general look of people to know they were on struggle street. Stepping into my apartment, the cat was at least pleased to see me, giving her a treat from the fridge before collapsing onto my tattered old couch.
My phone started to ring, picking it up to see the screen stating my sister's name. I was almost ready not to answer it as I'd had enough to drink that my filter would be off. I didn't like telling her about all my problems. My problems were not hers, after all. With a sigh, I clicked on the button to receive.
"Hey, Zoey."
"Where were you tonight, Mark?"
"Huh?"
"Mum and Dad had a party for the family. They were celebrating Amelia's graduation from university."
"Never got the invite. Had no idea she had even graduated."
"What? Mum said she sent you a text."
"Well, I never got it, and my number hasn't changed. No real surprise, though. Can't have the embarrassment showing up. Maybe you should ask her if she really sent it."
"Mum wouldn't lie to me, Mark."
"Whatever. I don't really care, Zoey. Even if I'd been invited, I probably wouldn't have come along. It's been made clear to me since I moved out of home that I wasn't particularly wanted back by a certain someone. I'll keep my distance."
She was silent for at least half a minute, wondering if she'd hung up, though I checked to see that the line was still connected. Hearing her sniffle made me feel bad immediately. "I miss you, Mark. I know things aren't easy..." That made me snort. I loved my sister more than anyone, but she had no idea what life was like for most people. Smart. Ambitious. Beautiful. She was everything I wasn't. "But I wasn't the only one to miss you tonight."
"Well, I doubt Dad really gave a shit if I was there or not. I probably did him a favour. And Mum's continued silence doesn't help me think much better about her. Besides, after a ten-hour shift, I'm not in the best of moods and wouldn't tolerate their shit if I did make an appearance."
"Are things that bad, Mark? Are you really doing ten-hours shifts on a Saturday?"
"I don't expect handouts or help, Zoey. Every dollar I have to my name is my own. I wasn't born with any gifts or talents. I have to graft to make my coin."
"I'd help you, Mark... I hate that you live so far away that I barely see you."
"I'm too busy most of the time, Zoey, and Sunday is the only day I might have off, and I spend half that day sleeping if I can."
"Mark... I can help you. I hate knowing that you're struggling so much."
"Don't worry about me, Zoey. I've known all my life I wouldn't amount to much, and once our parents figured that out too, it was made very clear that they were going to wash their hands of me as soon as I could. Once it was obvious how brilliant you are in comparison..."
I heard her sniffle again. "You don't hate me, do you?"
I hated that question as Zoey didn't know or seem to realise how much I genuinely loved her. She was my little sister and she made me nothing but proud. She was the only close relative that I'd always mention when talking to friends. My parents. Maternal and paternal grandparents. Aunts and uncles. None of them seemed to really give a shit about me. Zoey always had, and I loved her for it.
"I'd never hate you, Zoey. You're the only one I miss all the time. But it's better this way. I'll just hide myself away in the suburbs, so I don't cause them any embarrassment."
"Mark... They do miss you." I snorted in derision at that statement. I would have called her out on her bullshit, but I didn't want to argue with her. "Mum was upset you were not there tonight."
"I didn't receive the invitation, Zoey. I can't attend something if I have no idea that it's on."
"Will you at least come home for my birthday next month?"
"Zoey, you know nothing would stop me from celebrating something for you. I was there when you graduated high school and university, and I follow all your achievements online."
"You do?" she asked ever so sweetly, hearing the pleasure in her voice.
"Of course. I'm one proud older brother. Everyone knows my little sister is achieving all her dreams."
That's when she started to cry. "I miss you being here with me, Mark. I love you."
"I love you too, Zoey."
"Can you come see me soon?"
"I don't know. I can't afford to take time off at the moment and I need to work on Saturday to keep my head above water. My car is on its last legs right now. Where are you living anyway?"
"I'm in the last stages of buying my own little place. Still at home for the next couple of months. I aim to be moved into my new place before Christmas."
"That's good news, at least."
"Would you come to my housewarming when I move in?"
"That's something I wouldn't miss, Zoey. Just let me know and I'll make sure I get there somehow."
"Get the train and I'll make sure we pick you up from the station." She was silent again before asking softly, "Are you sure you're okay, Mark?"
"I'm not going to inundate you with all my worries, Zoey. I'm just glad you're okay."
"Okay... I'll do my best to see you as soon as I can. I miss hugs from my big brother."
That had me smiling immediately. Zoey had always been affectionate growing up. She loved cuddling up with me when I was sitting on the lounge. She'd spend a lot of time in my bedroom when I was studying. Hell, she was three years younger but understood my coursework easily. Little wonder she graduated high school two years earlier than everyone in her age group, breezed through university and was now already making good money with her job.
The fact she simply gave a shit about me meant the world. I probably loved her too much because of it.
After wishing each other goodnight, I stripped off and slid into bed, the cat immediately jumping and curling into my body, purring away as soon as I started to stroke her soft fur. Made myself laugh somewhat bitterly when I joked to myself that it was the closest that I'd come to pussy for a while.
Given my life, one week just passes into the other. Working six days a week, ten-hour days, is exhausting. By Friday, my body is aching for me to stop. Saturday afternoon, I'm staggering out to my car, most of the time just wanting to collapse into my bed when I get home and not wake until Monday morning.
It was two weeks after that phone call that I was woken early on a Sunday morning. I didn't even check to see who it was, muttering, "Hello," to be greeted by the cheerful tone of my little sister.
"Morning!" Zoey stated, "Oh, did I wake you, Mark?"
"Yeah, but it's okay," I replied, yawning as groaned to sit up in bed, "What's up?"
"Are you busy today?"
"No. I was just going to sit back and relax before work tomorrow."
"Can I come pick you up later this morning? I'd love to show you my new place. Can't go inside yet as it's not complete, and then I was thinking I could buy you some lunch..."
"What time?"
"I'm on my way now, Mark. But I don't know your address..."
Sighing, she seemed to realise I didn't particularly want anyone to see where I was living. I wasn't embarrassed if anyone else knew, but I didn't want my little sister to see my struggles. Bad enough when I was explaining that my life wasn't exactly that easy. But she obviously wanted to see me, and I relented without argument, giving her my address. Explaining she put it into the GPS system in her car, that made me laugh, assuming she had a brand-new car that came with all the modern conveniences. Me? If I needed to get somewhere, I had to use an old NRMA street directory.
Once I'd showered and dressed, I headed downstairs and waited outside. Zoey didn't need to see the tiny apartment I now called home. She did pull up a few minutes later in the sort of car that didn't belong where I lived. She got out and shouted my name, watching her petite frame sprint towards me. I was ready for her to jump at me, wrapping my arms around her as her immediate crying surprised me.
"I miss you so much!" she sobbed into my chest, feeling her arms and legs both wrap around me tightly. I was struggling to remember the last time I'd seen her. Busy as I was, and considering we lived at opposing ends of the city...
Hugging her just as tightly, I felt her relax as I gently rubbed her back, feeling her eventually extricate herself from my body and lower her feet to the ground. Standing at six-two, my sister barely hit five-three in comparison, gazing up at me with her gorgeous blue eyes simply sparkling with happiness, brunette hair pulled back into a simple ponytail. She wore some thin-framed glasses on her cute little nose, and the smile on her face simply lit it up.
If there was one person on the planet always happy to see me, it was my little sister. The smile then faltered as she raised a soft hand to my stubbled cheek. "You look exhausted, Mark. Are you okay?" Shrugging, she hugged me again, kissing the top of her head. "I don't like you living so far away."
"This is one of the few places I can afford to live, Zoey."
She leaned back and made sure to meet my eyes. "Mum would..."
"I don't want their help," I stated, harsher than I expected.
That led to her hand resting on my chest. "Mark... Mum misses you." That made me snort. Why would she start caring now? "Mark, ignore Dad. I wasn't blind growing up. But Mum... She misses her son. She misses her little boy. She was so upset the day you didn't come to..."
"I didn't know!" I shouted, stepping back. I felt like I was being blamed.
Zoey just smiled before taking one of my hands in hers. Her skin was so soft, almost like silk. "It was her fault, Mark. She was so busy organising everything, sending out invitations, she just... She got it wrong. She thought that you were one of the first she invited along. The only reason she didn't message on the day was that she was embarrassed and knew you'd just be angry about it. I kind of put my foot in it when mentioning it to you."
I met her eyes and just stared for a few seconds. "You're not shitting me here?"
"Mum is so desperate to call you, Mark, but she thinks you won't pick up." Seeing my little sister upset, her lower lip quivering... It always broke my heart. Immediately pulling her to my chest, I rubbed her back as she just about stopped herself from crying. "You need to see her too, Mark. Can I invite her for lunch today?"
Sighing, I knew if I said no, it would just upset Zoey even more. I wasn't convinced about our mother... Maybe I had it all wrong? I hadn't spoken to my father outside of Christmas and birthdays for years by now. He'd made it clear long ago that I wasn't worth his time. I'm sure many would think I should have been angry at Zoey. It had never been her fault. She'd done everything she could to shine a light on me, whatever minor achievements I'd made in my life.Hell, the best day of my life was winning the Under-15s grand final for my local footy team... And I remember Zoey was there cheering for me. She rarely missed a home game, sitting on the hill and studying but rarely missing my involvement.
And so was my mother... She would always drive me to and from games and would happily stay and watch.
The guilt hit immediately. Did I have it all wrong, even after all these years? I'd been so focused on my father and his apparent disdain for me, had I included my mother in it? Or was it a case of she was just in the background?
Wouldn't be the first time in my life I was drastically wrong about things.
"Okay," I said, relenting rather easily.
That earned a soft kiss on the cheek. "She's going to be so happy, Mark! I'll call her now."
Zoey called and I could hear the excitement in my mother's voice when my sister confirmed we'd meet for lunch later. As we drove east towards the city, my sister drove one-handed while holding my hand the entire time. Whenever we stopped at a red light, she'd turn and smile at me, as happy as I'd ever seen her.
We ended up in the eastern suburbs of the city. It was there and the northern suburbs over the bridge that were considered some of the most affluent in the city, the sort of properties people like me could only dream of affording. My little sister earned herself the sort of job where she was immediately making six figures, and would no doubt be making seven figures by the time she was thirty.
Pulling up outside an address, she switched off the engine and got out. Following her towards the gated property, she took my hand and leaned into me. "I'm calling this place home from the middle of next month, Mark," she explained, "Five bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living areas, the sort of kitchen a chef would drool over, large pool, jacuzzi and spa bath. Three-car garage."
"Wow," I whispered, "You'll live here by yourself?"
"Hopefully not," she whispered, hugging me tighter, "Come on. Mum is waiting for us."
We ended up by the beach, Zoey finding a spot to park before we walked into a café. Mum was already seated down though was on her feet as soon as I appeared. The smile on her face was a surprise, but when she collided with me and I felt her start to shake, I must have looked rather nonplussed to anyone watching. It was a reaction I wasn't used to.
Then again, my father wasn't there.
"Told you," Zoey whispered as she took a seat.
Mum must have hugged me without saying a word for five minutes. When I finally hugged her back, that's when she really started to cry. Nearly got to me at the same time. "I'm sorry, baby," she whispered, "I got it all wrong. Everything wrong." Leaning back, I couldn't stop myself from using a thumb to clear her cheeks, her lower lip continuing to tremble. "You'll always have a home with me. I promise you that. I hate hearing my little boy is struggling so much." I glared at Zoey for a few seconds, almost laughing at the fact she just glared back.
"It's because I love you," Zoey stated.
"Mark..." Mum stated softly, making sure I was meeting her eyes, "I'm leaving your father."
"What?"
That reaction made Zoey smile while Mum just snuggled into me. "I was so scared of him while you were growing up. I know how he treated you compared to anyone else. I... I couldn't step in. His parents too... All I could do was protect you as much as I could at the time. When you left, he made sure to cut you off completely."
Escorting Mum to our table, I sat her down next to me and held her hand. "Why now, Mum?" I asked, unable to hide the anger, "I've been on my own for eight years now. I've never complained, just got on with it, and never expected help from you or anyone else. But why now?"
Mum smiled in the direction of my sister. "The house your sister is buying, Mark. It's for the family. For her. For me." Zoey moved around the table, dragging a spare chair closer to cuddle me.
"And you," Zoey whispered, "I want you to live with us, Mark. I've missed having you around so much."
"So have I," Mum said softly, "Your father doesn't know I'm leaving. I won't be leaving with much. He's financially isolated me. My parents have no idea what's going on as he's pretty much brainwashed them to believe I'm, you know, pretty much mentally unsound. And when it comes to the rest of the family, I just put on a fake smile and deal with it."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Mum lowered her eyes. "I wasn't sure if you'd believe me. We rarely talk anymore."
"Mum..."
"I know I have a lot to make up for, Mark. Please believe me when..."
She went quiet as I hugged her. I believed her completely as I knew the sort of man my father was. That's why I'd left as soon as possible. He wasn't a physical man, but he would have destroyed me in many other ways. I would have just been physical and beat him to within an inch of his life. Of course, that would have resulted in a long stay in the slammer.
Might have been worth it in the end.
"I don't know about you but I'm starving," Zoey stated after a couple of minutes, moving her chair to the opposite side of the table, making me smile when she immediately took my hand in hers, "Mark, this is our treat, okay? Mum doesn't know everything. To be honest, I don't think I know everything."
"You don't," I muttered.
"We have a lot to discuss over the next few weeks, Mark. Me and you. You and Mum. And the three of us. I hate seeing you struggle so much. I know you don't want charity, but I am going to help my big brother from now on." She squeezed my hand. "Please tell me that you'll think seriously about my offer?"
"What about work?"
"We'll sort that out later." She smiled at me again. "Mark, you do have a support network here, people who love you and will do whatever they can to help you."
Ordering food, Mum didn't miss the fact I stuffed myself with one hell of a meal. If I was at the pub, I could afford a couple of beers and a snack at most. The very café we were sitting in was beyond my price range. If I told them what I had to spend on groceries each week, the fact my rent for a shit apartment was still eye-watering, and that the car I had to drive should probably be parked up and never driven again...
Still, it was the first time that I'd spent time with my mother and sister in far too long. Probably the first time in far too long that I spent time in their company smiling. My sister talked about her career, friends and her plans for the future. Mum was still working hard and had been putting money away on the sly for a while in preparation for her escape. I probably wouldn't know all the details, but she insinuated he held the purse strings tight, my sister stating rather bluntly that it was financial abuse and something she could use in any divorce case.
Mum's car wasn't parked too far away, and when she hugged me ever so tightly again, I felt a smile starting to form. Mum always hugged me when I visited, but this one just felt different. "Please think about it," she said softly, "Your sister and I want to look after you. More importantly, you need to sit down and talk to me, baby."
Leaning back, she gazed up at me and it was the first time I could remember that nothing but love flowed from her. And her eyes... I nearly teared up at how loving they were gazing at me. When her fingers caressed my cheek, it near enough had me crying in return. "I am so proud of you, Mark," she said softly.
That broke me...
Zoey joined the hug as they both held me so tightly. "I love you, baby," Mum whispered, "Never doubt that for a second. But I know I have a lot to make up for."
"It was Dad," Zoey stated, "I wasn't blind to his treatment of my big brother."
"Let me know your decision," Mum added, "But please come home to me and your sister. We'd love nothing more than to take care of you. I don't want you working so many hours in the week. I don't want you living so far away. I want you to have some joy in your life again."
"I'll think about it, Mum."
"Good boy," she stated happily, "I know you'll make your sister happy, at the very least."
Zoey was in a good mood all the way during our drive back to the western suburbs. Pulling up outside the small block where my apartment was, she switched off the engine and leaned over to hug me. "Want to come in?" I finally asked, "It's... nothing special..."
"Okay," she said brightly.
Leading her up the dimly lit stairs, a faint scent of urine permeating the still air, the front door to my apartment had a double dead bolt. I didn't want some drugged-up fuckwit stealing the few possessions I had. Entering my apartment, my cat was immediately meowing, picking her up and scratching her as I led my sister into my tiny apartment. When I met her eyes, she looked upset.
"I had no idea, Mark."
I shrugged. I was used to living here. I'd been there for five years. I'd spent two years in a sharehouse with five other people sharing three bedrooms. During my first year out of home, I spent nearly the entire time couch surfing, with only a backpack of essentials with me.
"Want something to drink?"
"Mark... You're moving in with me and that's final. I'm not having my big brother living like this."
The apartment was clean though it was obvious I heavily relied on second-hand stuff at best, and there was next to no decoration. My bedroom had my double bed, a crate next to the bed for my lamp and alarm clock, and a single closet for my clothes. There were some tatty curtains to keep the light out. The bathroom was tiny, but I managed to keep the mould at bay as there was only a tiny window to let in fresh air. The living room and kitchen were in one space, not particularly large.
"Lived in worse," I replied with a shrug, "Though what I pay for this is ridiculous. Considering how much rents are everywhere else though... Anyway, drink?"
"Whatever you're having."
I managed to find some teabags, remembering my little sister much preferred a cup of tea compared to coffee. Handing her a mug, I sat beside her on the lone couch I had, my sister kicking off her shoes and curling her legs as she turned towards me. I could sense she wasn't particularly happy. Not with me but with my circumstances. I knew it was only because she cared and loved me so much.
Sipping her drink, she eventually sighed. "I don't like this, Mark. I don't like seeing my big brother in this small place. I don't like that you live so far away. I definitely don't like hearing that you feel alone because you are far from it. I'll always be here for you and so will Mum. It's been hard for Mum. After you left, things really got bad for her. You just didn't see it because, well... Dad made sure to isolate you, so you were not aware of everything."
I met her eyes. "Did he ever hit her?"
"He's done everything but be physical. Mark, her parents and sister have no idea what he's really like, and she's been so terrified telling anyone because she worries about the reaction. That's why I'm going to ask for your help."
"What do you need?"
"I want you and Mum to move in with me on the same day. And what I need is you with me when I go help Mum. The only time Mum is free is when he's at work, and he has people who monitor what she's doing. It's disgusting."
"I had no idea," I muttered to myself.
Zoey took my hand in hers. "Mark, he's a bastard. A fucking bastard." That made me smile as my little sister rarely cursed. "The only reason he's shown an interest in me is because..."
"You're fucking brilliant."
She placed the mug down on the floor and cuddled into me. "You always supported me, no matter what," she said softly.
"You're my little sister and I love you. It's my role as your big brother to support you. I was never jealous because I was smart enough to know that you were going to achieve such great things, Zoey. Whenever I talked about you to friends, they could hear how proud of you I was."
Turning my cheek with her hand, she smiled before leaving a soft kiss on my lips. She'd never done that before, actually feeling my cheeks grow warm. "Always loved you so much, Mark," she said softly, "Please agree to move in with me. Mum wants both her children back with her. She wants to make things right."
"I promise I'll give it some serious thought."
Finishing her drink, I walked her out to her car where we shared another long cuddle, and she left a soft kiss on my lips again. "Expect lots more affection when you move in with me, Mark," she told me, "I'm going to shower you with so much love. I haven't been able to do that since you moved out."
"Guess it's something to look forward to."
Despite the fact I was back at work the Monday for another physically draining day, I was actually in a good mood for the first time in, well, years when I thought about it. I'd always been close with my sister, but that meeting with my mother was a surprise with a few revelations. I sat back each night that week and thought hard about growing up, trying to remember what life had been like. Mum had always been at my games on a Saturday, but apart from the fact she was a loving mother, I found it difficult to remember any other real support.
But was that due to my father? I just remember my mother being more in the background as my father was an overbearing arsehole most of the time. I was left thinking I'd got it all majorly wrong and cut-off someone who wanted to show me love and support but was almost prevented from doing so.
Mum called me on Friday night, and I couldn't help smiling at her cheerful tone as we talked about the week and simply spent time talking and catching up. When she asked what I was doing on Sunday, I told her nothing much as I rarely had much spending money at the end of each week.
"Why don't I drive out there..."
"I'd rather you didn't, Mum."
She heard the tone and figured out why. "Baby, you have no reason to be embarrassed. I know life hasn't been easy for you. I just want to take my son out for lunch. My treat. Please?" Sighing, I heard Mum giggle as she knew that she'd already won. "I'll pick you up around midday."
"I'll send you my address." I paused before asking, "Did Zoey say anything?"
"Not in any great detail but... Mark, she was very upset to see how much you're struggling. It's why she's going to do everything in her power to help you going forward. You have no idea how much your support for her when she was younger meant. That girl loves you with every ounce of her being. You're her world, but you've been gone for too long."
I needed to wipe my cheeks before promising to send my address as soon as I hung up.
She arrived at midday on Sunday to find me already waiting outside. She'd never been to my apartment before, nor seen the area I lived. The look on her face suggested she was now beginning to understand that my life hadn't been easy since moving out of home, hugging me so tightly and almost sobbing into my chest how sorry she was.
"I didn't know, baby. I didn't know..."
"I just thought you didn't care, Mum," I admitted, and that just made her cry even more, "I know I was wrong about that now, but... Dad just made it clear I was barely welcome at home anymore."
"I know I should have done more, Mark. I know that. But your father..."
"It's okay, Mum. Let's have some lunch and catch up."
I told Mum there were a couple of nice places to go to in the area, eventually choosing a family-friendly place that had an extensive menu, but I knew the food was filling and tasty enough. When Mum made sure to sit next to rather than opposite me, I wrapped an arm around her waist as she cuddled into me. "You're strong," she whispered.
"Work a physically demanding job six days a week, Mum. Add to that I do manage to eat right despite the fact I have to do it as cheaply as possible..."
"Do you still play your sports?"
"I don't have the time. I'm too tired to go to training after work during the week and I'm working on a Saturday. So I had to give it up."
"I'm sorry, baby. I know how much you used to love playing."
"It's okay. Lifting heavy things nearly every day has a way of keeping someone nice and fit. Don't need to go to the gym, not that I could afford the fees anyway. But enough about me, what about you, Mum?"
"I'm just happy that my little boy is talking to me again. Other than that, I'm counting down the days until I finally leave your father. My career is going well, at least. I've insisted I help your sister pay off some of the mortgage as I can afford it."
"Sounds like she can afford it too."
"Your sister is doing very well for herself, Mark. That's why she wants to help her big brother. I don't think you realise how much she loves and adores you. As I said, you're her world. There is nothing she wouldn't do for you." She leaned back and smiled at me. "I remember the bruises on your hands when dealing with the people who bullied her. Your father may have criticised you. Trust me, I was proud my son would step up and protect his sister."
Taking her hands in mine made her smile even more. "I just want my mother back," I said softly.
"I was always here, baby. But I'll do better going forward. When you're home again, I'm going to mother you to death."
"You're convinced I'll agree?"
"Your little sister... Zoey needs you there with her, Mark. And so do I. We both need you back with us."
"I'm not very good at accepting help or what I think is charity," I admitted softly.
"It's not charity when it comes from the heart," Mum replied gently, "We want to help because we love you. I had no idea you struggled for so long. If I'd known..."
"It's okay, Mum."
"It's not, baby. I'm your mother and I don't care how old you are. You're still my son and I should have always been available. But..." She trailed off and hugged me, sitting in silence for a few minutes, just savouring being close again.
Our meals arrived so I suggested we just eat and then maybe find somewhere to go for a walk. Mum enjoyed her meal and the glass of wine she had. I stuffed myself as I'd ordered something that would keep me filled until breakfast the next morning. Once we finished, Mum drove us towards a nearby nature reserve, the sort that was part forest, with a lovely lake to sit beside, soaking in the spring sunshine. Plenty of families about, but enough space that we could enjoy some quiet time together.
We discussed anything that came to mind, Mum eventually moving to rest back between my legs, my arms wrapped around her lower body. "Can I tell you a couple of things about my marriage, Mark?"
"Sure."
"I haven't been intimate with your father is nearly two years."
"Well, it's understandable considering the guy's an utter prick. Any other reason?"
"No. I just refuse to pleasure someone who gives me absolutely none in return. Your father is a very selfish man, in addition to numerous other faults." She turned around and cuddled into me. "I never wanted you to leave," she said, hugging me ever so tightly.
"But I had to because I couldn't stand being around him anymore, and you never said anything, Mum, so I thought you supported him."
"I never did... I missed you every day."
"I missed just having my mum around."
"That's why you need to move in with us, baby. Then you'll have your sister and your mother every day."
Arriving back outside my apartment, Mum insisted on coming inside. As soon as she saw inside, she started to cry. As I held her, I said softly, "Mum, everything in here is mine. Worked hard and paid for it. You know I wasn't... I mean, I'm not my sister. I don't have her brains, nor yours or dad's. But I've done the best I could."
"I know you have, Mark. I just hate seeing my little boy struggling so much."
"But it's something I accepted, at least most of the time. Most of us don't have it easy, Mum. All you have to do is look at most of the people I work with. Even many of my friends from school have struggled."Mum leaned back and practically glared at me. "You're moving in with us, Mark," she demanded, "I'm not having my son living like this any longer. Hand in your notice at work. The day your sister gets the keys, you're coming with us." I kept my face blank until I couldn't help smiling. "I'm going to ring your sister right now."
Zoey burst into tears when she heard that I'd agreed to move in with her, immediately followed by that she'd come visit me on Saturday once I finished work. Walking Mum outside once the call was finished, we shared another long embrace before she kissed me on each cheek and looked happier than I could remember. Watching her drive away, I felt a little sad as I'd enjoyed her company as much as I'd enjoyed having my sister in my presence.
When my sister turned up on Saturday afternoon, she took one look at me and could see I was exhausted after another six days of work. Taking my hand, she took me to the nearest shopping centre, ordering me to push the trolley while she loaded it up.
"I can't afford all this," I stated.
"I can," she retorted, giving me that sort of look that suggested I don't argue, "I know you eat as well as you can. Until you're living with me, I'm coming over every Saturday afternoon to take you shopping. If you're going to do one thing, it will be eating everything you want without worrying about a budget." She then softened, resting a hand on my chest before leaving a soft kiss on my lips. "And I do this because I love you, Mark. Please don't make a fuss."
"Okay..."
Her face lit up in a gorgeous smile. "Good. And I'm going to stay long enough to cook you dinner. I'm treating my big brother tonight."
I could have asked why but I had a feeling it wouldn't lead anywhere. The price she eventually paid for our trolley of goods was eye-watering, what I'd paid for a month's worth of groceries. After packing the back of her mid-sized SUV, she drove us back to my apartment, helping me carry everything inside before she disappeared and returned, noticing a blush when she had a backpack.
"What's that for?" I wondered.
"I want to stay the night with you," she replied nervously, her blue eyes gazing up at mine, almost pleading with me to no deny her request.
"Where will you sleep?"
"With you, silly."
Scratching my head, she giggled at my reaction. "Um... Are you sure?"
"Definitely. We haven't spent a whole day and night together in years, Mark."
Zoey made use of my rather small kitchen, putting together the sort of meal I could only dream of preparing myself. There was no dining area, never bothered to buy a table and chairs considering I lived by myself, so we parked ourselves on the couch while we watched some television. Zoey had bought herself a bottle of wine from the shop next to the supermarket and asked what I liked to drink. Usually drinking the cheapest lager available, my sister almost stamped her foot and demanded I treat myself. I selected a bottle of reasonably priced bourbon which made her happy.
Wanting to get changed a little later, my sister disappeared and returned wearing a crop top that showed off her tight and toned little body, the jewelled stud in her navel a real surprise, and the smallest pair of boy-shorts possible. If I didn't know any better, they were practically moulded to her pussy and arse.
Cuddling into me again, I couldn't help getting aroused by how warm she was, and whatever she'd sprayed on herself was absolutely divine. Whenever I glanced her way, she would look at me with such love in her eyes, simply snuggling into me even more.
By 10pm, I was drifting off. I rarely made it to midnight considering the hours I was working. My sister eventually slid off the lounge and took me by the hand towards my bedroom. After taking off my t-shirt and shorts, I collapsed into bed, feeling my little sister snuggle into my body.
"I love you, Mark," she whispered, feeling her soft lips on mine, "I can't wait until we're living together again."
Wrapping an arm around her, I was half-asleep but still murmured that I loved her too.
*****
The company I worked for gave less than a shit when I handed in my notice. I'd been there for a number of years, but I knew I could easily be replaced. Anything in my apartment not bolted down was sold. The only things I was taking with me were my clothes and the few items that meant anything to me. As for my car, I'd already agreed to sell it to some kid who'd just earned his licence.
Saturday morning, my sister turned up bright and early, looking resplendent in her light blue sundress and sandals, her back in a ponytail as always. She practically skipped towards me before she hugged me. Carrying my things to her SUV, it all looked rather pathetic. One large backpack and a plastic tub were all I had to show for the eight years of my life outside of home.
After placing those in the spacious boot, Zoey cuddled into me again before leaving yet another soft kiss on my lips. I was now used to it but hadn't missed the fact that, each time, her lips lingered just that little bit longer. And the look in her eyes was so full of love for me, that it made my heart start to beat that little bit faster.
I hoped I was just imagining things and she wasn't thinking things about her brother. She could do so much better than me, and that's not even mentioning the fact that I'm her brother.
She held my hand the entire time she drove us back to our childhood home. It was larger than the place Zoey bought, but despite the fact I'd spent over a decade growing up in the place, it had never really been a place of warmth. I'd forced myself to remember life back home and nearly wept more than once when I had memories of my mother trying to show me support. Every single time, all I could hear was the voice of my father, my mother in the background, her eyes on the ground.
It's amazing what you could remember when you really thought about it.
Pulling up outside the house, I knew my father would be there. I hadn't seen him since last Christmas. My last birthday had been spent with just my mother and sister. A removal truck was sitting in the driveway, and my sister parking her car next to it. Getting out of the vehicle, I could sense my sister was nervous as a couple of removalists appeared through the main doorway, carrying something they'd already wrapped up.
Walking inside, very little had changed since the last time I'd been in the house. I could hear raised voices, walking through to the kitchen to find my father on his feet, Mum sitting back on the lounge, surprised to see her mother and father to either side. As soon as she saw me, her face lit up as she got to her feet and came to hug me.
"What are you doing here?" my father asked. I ignored him as I hugged my mother.
"Thank you for coming, baby," Mum said softly, "I feel safer in your arms already."
"Just how I felt last night, Mum," Zoey stated happily. I felt myself blushing as my sister had spent every Saturday night at my place since that first time.
"I asked you a question," my father stated.
Mum released me and stepped back, not missing the fact my grandfather stood up and moved to stand slightly in front of her, my sister moving to stand by him. I turned to my father and glared at him. He'd barely changed since I last saw him, but I could read his eyes. He didn't hate me. I was just an abject disappointment and not worth his time, and I hadn't been made to feel welcome in 'his' house since the day I'd left.
Stepping towards him, he flinched, and that made me smile. I had a couple of inches and definitely had him in weight. I'll admit, I'd been in a few scraps since moving out. I wasn't violent, but sometimes violence came looking, particularly in the area I'd been calling home for five years, and I wasn't one to back down.
"Don't hit him," Mum said softly, "Don't give him a reason, Mark."
"I won't hit him, Mum. He's not worth it."
He smirked. "So there is a working brain in there somewhere?" he taunted.
"Stop it, Geoffrey!" Mum shouted, "My son is a fine, upstanding young man."
"He's also a complete idiot and disappointment, not worthy of carrying my name."
"Don't care," I retorted with a shrug, "All I know is that my mother loves me, and I'm my little sister's entire world."
"I love you so much, Mark," Zoey whispered.
"I've expected nothing from you for a long time, Dad. You spent years belittling any minor achievement I made, and I had absolutely no support, no matter what I tried. I may not have your brains, mother's brains, or be anywhere near as smart as my little sister, but I do have a good heart and, most importantly, I'm just a decent fucking human being. And that's more than I could say about you." I took a deep breath and stepped forward. "I'm sure you're thinking that I want to take a swing. Being honest, man to man, I'd love to knock your fucking block off." I paused a moment. "Apologies, Nanna, Pop, I know you're here, but I think some truths were told."
"It's okay, son," Pop stated. I had a feeling a lot of truths had been revealed recently. I'd been wrong about a lot of things. We would work things out going forward.
"You wouldn't dare. I'd ensure you were locked up for years," he taunted again.
"Exactly. I'm not a smart man but I know an arsehole when I see one. I'd love to wipe that smug look from your face. But honestly? You're just not worth it. You mean nothing to me anymore. I have my mother and my sister, and I think I might have at least two grandparents back."
I heard my nanna cry. "We were never gone, and we've always been proud," she sobbed, my mother no doubt comforting her as I heard her kind words. My pop cleared his throat, and I knew he wasn't happy, sucked in by the lies of my father for far too long.
Taking another step forward, my father took a step back, not letting me get too close. "Your wife is leaving you today, Dad. And she won't be back. You'll be given divorce papers as soon as legally possible. As for your daughter, don't expect to be involved in her life any longer. Just like me, just like your wife, she wants nothing to do with you."
"You'll get nothing from me once you're out that door, Susan," he warned my mother.
"I don't care. Keep your fucking money, Geoffrey. I'll be taking what's most precious to me." To emphasise her point, I stepped back until Mum had an arm wrapped around me and my sister. "You nearly destroyed our family, but no one will be forced to listen to your lies any longer. And I won't be pushed aside and listen to you denigrate my children any longer."
"Want to go home, Mark?" Zoey asked me, her face lit up by a smile.
Before we did that, I made sure to hug Nanna. She wept as I held her, Zoey letting me know that our maternal grandparents would be joining us for dinner that night. As for Pop, I shook his hand and his eyes spoke volumes. "I'm sorry, son. Your father is..."
"I know, Pop. I isolated myself as much as he made sure I was isolated."
"No longer, baby," Mum said, feeling her cuddle into my side and soft lips on my cheek, "We're your family and we're going to look after you from now on."
Dad didn't look happy, but he was smart enough to know when he was outnumbered. He eventually grabbed his keys and headed out, not before suggesting that we all be gone by the time he returned. "Or what?" I asked with a smile. He blinked a few times as I added, "Well, you were going to say 'or else', so what are you going to do, big man?"
"I'll ensure the police have you arrested for trespassing."
"I invited him," Mum stated,
"Considering you are leaving the residence, I'll ensure your son is behind bars for long enough."
"You're a real arsehole, Dad," Zoey stated. Now that had my father's jaw dropping in surprise, "Mark has never done anything wrong. It was always you. You're to blame for all of this."
He stared at all of us for a few seconds before he turned and walked out without another word. We hung around for only another hour or so as Mum wasn't taking all that much, my sister stated the house was already prepared for our arrival. Zoey was ever so excited as we pulled up onto the driveway and parked in front of the wide garage door.
Stepping out of the car, Zoey took my hand, Mum taking my other, as I was led towards the front door. Walking inside, it was beautifully decorated. Neutral but warm colours and I was surprised by the fact that the place was already furnished, Zoey explained she wouldn't be moving in until this day, but she'd already ensured furniture was in place.
There were two bedrooms on the bottom floor and three on the top floor. Mum disappeared upstairs, stating her bedroom was upstairs as Zoey led me towards the master bedroom. Leading me towards the bed, she asked me to sit down as she moved to stand between my legs, resting her hands on my shoulders.
"This is our bedroom," she stated simply.
"What?"
Seeing her smile shyly had me smiling back at her. "I've loved being with you every Saturday the past few weeks, Mark. I now want it permanently."
I felt my brow furrow before I finally asked, "But what about... you know..."
Feeling her soft hand on my cheek, she leaned forward and left a soft kiss on my lips, her hand moving to rest on the back of my head. When I felt her tongue requesting entrance to my mouth, that's when I pulled back, Zoey blushing brightly as realisation must have appeared on my face. "I just want cuddles to start. Lots of cuddles. You have no idea how much I've loved being with you."
"I'm getting an idea, Zoey," I said softly, pulling her closer so she could rest against me, "I'm wondering why though."
"Because you're my big brother and you've always loved me in return. You were my hero growing up as despite everything Dad did, you never gave up. You went out into the world as soon as you could, worked your arse off every single day, and despite what life has thrown at you..."
I lowered my eyes. "I wanted to give up," I whispered.
Sitting up to straddle my lap, she hugged me tightly. "You're better than what you think, Mark," she said softly, "And have so much to give. I know that. Mum knows that too. So what you're going to do is sleep with your little sister and she's going to support you however possible. The one thing I want you to think about is what you really want to do."
Mum appeared in the doorway, meeting my eyes and smiling. "Want to see the rest, Mark?"
Zoey took my hand and showed me around the house. What I felt immediately was that this was truly going to become a home, Zoey and Mum talking about how they can add further decoration. What nearly had tears in my eyes again were two photos that were already taking pride of place. One of me and my sister when she graduated from university, another of my mother, my sister and myself taken on my twenty-first birthday. Taking me out to the rear of the property, there was a large inground pool with a spa bath attached, and a jacuzzi nearby, Zoey immediately suggested that she would have to invite some friends around, plenty of beautiful young women in bikinis for me to look at. Giving her a look she giggled in reply. "Got to look after my big brother," she stated, leaning up to kiss me, her lips moving to my ear, "Going to look after you every way possible going forward."
When I met her eyes, they absolutely smouldered with desire. I gulped as I wasn't sure what to say in reply. "What about your mother?" Turning to look at Mum, she smiled before adding, "Would seeing me in a two-piece bother you?"
"You still have a rocking body, Mum," Zoey stated, "Isn't fifty meant to be the new forty?"
Mum put her hands on her hips, trying to look angry. "I'm only forty-eight!"
"Close enough," Zoey teased, sticking her tongue out.
Hearing the removal truck arrive out the front, the rest of the afternoon was spent organising where things were meant to be placed. Zoey did show me where my room would be though I had a feeling I'd rarely be sleeping in my bed. I knew I had to have a frank and honest discussion with my sister sooner rather than later.
Despite the fantastic kitchen, Mum and Zoey didn't want to cook, while I admitted that I was used to cooking for myself and nothing that great. Ordering in some pizzas, we relaxed in the living room, taking note of the large screen television already attached to the wall, my sister noticed where I was looking and assured me that I could watch whatever I wanted.
Heading to bed later, as it had been a rather long day, Mum hugged Zoey tightly before walking towards me, practically moulding her body against mine before leaning up to leave a soft kiss on my lips. "Goodnight, baby," she said softly.
"Goodnight, Mum. I'm guessing you're happy?"
"I haven't been so happy in many years. I've got my boy back in my life and I'm now in a house I can confidently state will be full of love."
Watching her walk upstairs, Zoey took my hand and led me towards what I was already calling our bedroom. Asking me to get into bed, she smiled at me before disappearing into the ensuite bathroom. I usually slept naked but had at least worn underwear when Zoey had stayed with me on Saturday nights. Resting back in just my boxer briefs, my little sister appeared a few minutes later wearing a sheer black teddy and it was obvious she wasn't wearing anything underneath. Her C-cup breasts were perky and her nipples were obviously hard, and she barely had any hair around her pussy.
Getting onto the bed, she crawled towards me until she was straddling my body, leaning down to leave a soft kiss on my lips. "What do you think?" she asked, hearing the nerves in her tone.
"You're gorgeous, Zoey," I replied, "I'm beginning to understand just how much you love me."
"I'm not a virgin, Mark. I'm twenty-three and I couldn't wait that long to have sex. But I've not been with another man. Remember Candice?"
"Oh, I definitely remember her as she wasn't shy towards me. Fairly sure she made sure I always saw her tits."
Zoey giggled while nodding. "Yes, she's never been shy about the fact she thinks you're hot. Anyway, she was my first real kiss. I have kissed a couple of guys on a night out but never let them go further. I never wanted to be with another man but... I needed to be intimate, so I've been with Candice, Emma and Rebecca. We used... you know... things..."
"Have you got toys in the drawers next to the bed?" Watching her face turn almost bright red made me chuckle. "So I'm guessing you masturbate a lot?"
"I'm a young woman with a healthy libido. I masturbate like crazy sometimes, Mark." My cock, already semi-hard, lurched into full hardness within seconds, and she felt it. "Like that thought, Mark? Of your little sister using her fingers on herself, sliding a couple of them inside her tight little pussy?" Leaning down to kiss me again, when I slid my hands down her back and then underneath the fabric to feel her skin, she almost choked back a sob. "I want you so badly, Mark," she whispered, "When you were home for my eighteenth birthday, I wanted to just drag you to my bedroom so you could finally make love to me."
"I clearly had no idea you felt this way."
"I know, Mark. It's been difficult carrying around these feelings. I finally told Mum how I felt..."
"And what did she say?"
"She missed you so much that she was eager for you to move in with me too. And she has no problem with how I feel about you. She wants us both to be happy. I want you to be happy."
"Mum's been rather affectionate. She doesn't..."
"No, she doesn't want you how I want you, Mark. She's just going to be more affectionate than perhaps normal. Lots of kissing and cuddling. She also... well, she wants to be naked with you in bed. No sex, but she wants to be naughty in certain ways." She took a deep breath. "I want to make love with my brother. I don't want anyone else, Mark. I only want you."
Sliding off my lap to rest at my side, she didn't hesitate in helping off my underwear, her eyes lighting up at seeing my cock for the first time. Pulling back the sheets, she made sure I was turned onto my side facing her as she moulded herself into my body. "You're beautiful, Zoey," I whispered, "But this is a lot to take in."
"I know, Mark," she whispered back, "But we're now in our home. As I said, I want you to really think about what you want to do. Anything. Absolutely anything at all, and if I can, I will support you. And so will Mum."
"I'll give it some thought. I've just done whatever I can to support myself."
"Mark, with what I make, and then adding what Mum does, you don't need to work. But I know you've got your pride, and there's nothing wrong with that, but I don't want you doing something that makes you miserable. I want my brother coming home each day smiling, though I'm hoping that smile is mostly because he's coming home to me."
"Come here," I whispered, feeling her relax in my arms, "I love you, Zoey."
"I love you so much, Mark. I can't wait until we make love. You're the only man I'll ever be with."
"Can I admit that the idea of you being with Candice is arousing?"
"I knew it would." Feeling her snuggle into me, she asked, "When did you last have sex, Mark?"
"It's been a while. I just don't have the time, and I'm usually too tired to worry about it anyway."
"When was your last girlfriend?" The question made me snort. "So it was just sex?"
"Pretty much. It was never really good as, because I usually didn't know them that well, I was always careful and the idea of going down on some girl I've just met at a bar and she's in my bed within a couple of hours..."
"Do you love eating pussy, Mark?" she asked ever so quietly.
I made her giggle as I tightened my arms around her. "I'm going to love eating my hot little sister's sweet pussy when I get my mind wrapped around the idea," I replied.
"Oh god," she whimpered, as I think just the thought was too arousing, "I can't wait, Mark."
She was awake before me the next morning, opening my eyes to see her gazing at me, making her squeal as I dragged her into my body, and her eyes lit up as she felt my erection pressing into her. I couldn't help shuddering when I felt her soft fingers wrap around my shaft. "My big brother certainly lives up to the big part," she said softly.
Kissing her softly led to my tongue sliding into her mouth, enjoying the whimper she made as I rolled onto my back and took her with me. She sat up long enough to take off the teddy, getting a look at her naked breasts for the first time, lowering my eyes down her tight little body before I was gazing at her pussy, feeling the heat of it against my cock.
We resumed making out and I found I just loved running my fingers all over her body, making her squirm more than once as I knew my little sister was ticklish. We were all over each other when a knock at the door brought it to a halt, Zoey pulling up the sheets to cover us before calling Mum to open the door.
"You kids hungry? I'm thinking of making some breakfast."
"What are you thinking?" I asked.
"Full English as I think my kids deserve a real treat."
"Want any help?" I offered.
Mum's face lit up. "You just have fun with your sister, Mark. I'll call you when it's ready."
As soon as the door closed, I made Zoey squeak as I rolled her over onto her back. The look in her eyes as we gazed at each other had my heart beating faster. Leaning down to kiss her, I felt my cock resting against her pussy and it would have been so easy to just gently slide inside her. But I didn't just want to start our physical relationship that way, when it started.
"What are you thinking?" she asked once our make-out session was finished, Zoey spooning back against me.
"I know we've always been close, even when we didn't see each other for a while. But I simply didn't think you loved me like this, Zoey."
Feeling her hands on mine as she shuffled back against me, I kissed her cheek as she sighed happily. "I promised myself that, as soon as I had my own place, I was going basically order you to live with me so we could be like this," she explained, "I wasn't sure if you'd ever go for it, I mean being intimate..."
"I'm aware we're told it's wrong, but I've always loved you more than anything, Zoey. Perhaps not as much as you love me..."
"Probably not considering I've always fantasised about you, Mark. But I think you love me just as much. I know you do." She wiggled her bottom, giggling to herself when adding, "And I think I definitely turn you on."
"Well, I can feel my sister's hot little pussy and I'm wondering how wet she is."
Taking my hand, she had my fingers trail down her body as she ever so slightly spread her legs, hearing her gasp as my fingertips ever so gently caressed her slit. She was incredibly hot and wet, moaning softly as I only teased her for a few seconds. "That's your pussy from now on," she whispered.
Mum knocked on the door again, poking her head through the gap and smiling as she noticed us cuddled up, letting us know that breakfast was ready. Zoey had no problem sliding out of bed naked. I blushed slightly as Mum opened the door wider before I finally just got out of bed, my erection swinging in front of me.
"Well, you're definitely not my little boy in one aspect," Mum joked, "And Mark?" I met her eyes as she blushed. "You're much bigger than your father."
"Always thought his problems stemmed from his lack of manhood," I retorted with humour.
Mum couldn't stop smiling during breakfast while my sister was obviously loved up as she could barely stop touching me. I might have been strong, but I wasn't overly muscled through years of physical work had left me toned, at least. Zoey mentioned during breakfast that, if I wanted to keep fit, she would pay for a gym membership as there were plenty of options nearby. Before I could argue, both Mum and Zoey gave me a look that suggested I simply didn't argue with them.
Heading outside after breakfast, it was a warm day, and it was suggested we make use of our new pool. I didn't even have swimming shorts. Mentioning that had my mother opening her phone, telling me that she was going to make a list of everything I was going to need. Again that look not to argue before she hugged me tightly. "Let us look after you, Mark," she said softly, "I'm looking after my son, and your sister loves you so damn much, all she wants is to make sure you're always here for her."
Zoey appeared in a white bikini that hid her nipples and only part of each breast, and her bikini bottoms did hide her pussy, but the rear showed off her spectacularly pert arse. We were in the pool when Mum walked out wearing a gorgeous two-piece swimsuit, the cleavage from her D-cup breasts completely displayed while the bottoms suggested my mother wasn't shaved but didn't have a full bush either.
It was nice being the centre of attention, Zoey running her hands all over my body, while I certainly appreciated her youthful curves. Mum wanted more than one cuddle, and when I caressed her arse, her face lit up before she grabbed my wrist to ensure I was feeling up her breasts too.
"Did Zoey tell you what I'd love?"
"She did."
"And she's told you everything else?"
"She did. Are you sure you don't mind?"
"Mark, Zoey has been in love with you nearly all her life. She told me when she was around five years old that she was going to marry you. I thought it was so adorable how much she loved you. While I thought she would have grown out of it, she told me the day after she turned eighteen what she'd really wanted. I'm just sorry it's taken so long for this to happen."
"Why didn't you tell me about Dad?"
"Because if there's one way he'd hurt me, it would be through you. Your father is not a nice man. Zoey was always the apple of his eye. You were... Well, let's just say he'd have no problem ruining your life."
"Considering his treatment of me growing up, he got started on that nice and early."
"Well, I think my son deserves only nice things..." And with those words, she smiled before ripping off her top to expose her breasts. What I didn't know was that my mother had some work done. They were not completely fake, but they'd clearly had a lift. "What do you think, baby?"
"Damn, you've got great tits, Mum!" Zoey exclaimed.
"Thank you, sweetheart." Mum met my eyes. "You can look and touch, Mark. I know what Zoey told you, but while I'm not sure I want to have sex with my son if he wants to touch me anywhere..."
"Zoey?" I asked, glancing in her direction.
"I'd never share you with anyone except Mum."
"Mum?" I had to ask, "Where's this come from?"
When her lower lip quivered, I hugged her tightly. "I just want to make up for all the love I never gave you because of him," she said, feeling her sobbing against me, "And one way I know I can show how much I love you is through intimacy as well as just being the best mother I can be."
Zoey joined our hug. "Mum and I have obviously talked about this," she added, "Mum will sometimes come to join us to cuddle. She needs to be loved too, but she can't trust any other man except you from now on."
"Nothing can be to the detriment of your burgeoning relationship, Mark," Mum insisted, "I don't want to interfere. All I really need from you is some love and comfort. And lots of cuddles. But if you can cross that line into at least some form of intimacy..."
She whimpered when I kissed her, pressing my body into hers as I grabbed her arse, ensuring she felt my erection pressing into her. When we broke apart, I turned to my sister and kissed her, not surprised when I felt her hand in my underwear to feel up my cock yet again. "I can't wait to feel this inside me, Mark," she said, Mum laughing to herself, "It had better be inside me at least twice a day."
"Blowjobs?" Mum wondered.
"I can't wait to feel him cum in my mouth. I'm going to be a good little sister and swallow."
"And your pussy?"
"We're having children, Mum." That made me blink a few times as we definitely hadn't discussed that. She kissed me softly. "I can't wait to have babies with you, Mark," she added quietly.
"And what about your arse?"
"I'm still a virgin there, Mum. That's only ever going to belong to my brother."
"Hmmm... Maybe we could do that together?"
Zoey giggled. "You never had anal sex with Dad?"
"God no. Although considering his little dick, it probably wouldn't have hurt all that much."
"Hang on... You're serious? Both of you?" I had to ask.
"God yes!" Zoey stated, hugging me tightly, "We're going to have so much sex, Mark. Every. Single. Night. I want to go to work with my pussy just aching to start with, and once you take my arse, I want to feel the need to sit on a cushion because my pussy and arse are both sore from being fucked so well by my brother."
"I want to start being naughty, Mark," Mum added, "I know you can buy certain sex toys that can be linked to your phone. I'm going to buy a new one for you, then we're going shopping for toys that I can have fun with, and you will be in control. And when you get a new phone, I'm going to send you all sorts of naughty things."
Agreeing to a light lunch, I was still nursing an erection when stepping out of the pool, Zoey leading me by that into the house, standing me in front of the lounge and helping lower my underwear before she gently pushed me so I was sitting down. Taking off her bikini top and then her bottoms to reveal her naked body, I felt my cock throbbing with excitement as she lowered herself down to her knees.
"I've practiced with dildos," she told me as her soft hand caressed my cock, "I've really wanted to do this the past few times I've stayed at your place. One morning, I was so tempted to just mount your cock and slide down it."
Mum could see everything happening as the living room and kitchen were one open area, glancing to see her chopping up some vegetables as she prepared a salad. Zoey might not have pleasured a real cock before, but feeling her tongue run slowly up my shaft had my head roll back and me groaning as I heard her giggle.
"I've masturbated so often doing things like this for you, Mark," she told me, feeling her tongue teasing the head of my cock, "I wasn't lying about wanting to do so many things with you. I have so many fantasies I want to fulfil with my big brother."
Her blue eyes gazed up at me as she lowered her mouth, feeling her soft lips wrap around my cock. She'd put her glasses back on once out of the pool. She already knew I found her sexy when wearing her glasses. I didn't really have many fetishes, I just had things I liked, admitting one thing I'd really love her to wear would be her old school uniform.
"Fuck," I grunted as she swallowed nearly my entire length, and neither woman in my life had been exaggerating. Most of the women I'd slept with had their eyes light up when lowering my underwear.
Zoey removed her mouth and stroked me while kissing my chest. "Totally going to make my big brother cum. Hope it tastes as nice as I think it will be."
Running my fingers through her hair, she smiled as she lowered her mouth and resumed blowing me. I groaned again as it was my first blowjob in far too long. As I hadn't really liked going down on the women I'd picked up, they were not particularly enamoured in wanting to blow me, so we'd usually just enjoy some hot, sweaty sex for a couple of hours.
"That's it, sweetheart," Mum called, "Make sure you use your tongue, just like I explained. Mark, be polite and let her know you're close."
Zoey looked so happy with my cock in her mouth, bobbing up and down faster and faster as she could read my body language, aware my orgasm was quickly approaching. When I warned her that I was close, she resumed using her hand as she focused on the more sensitive part of my cock, her other hand starting to gently fondle my balls at the same time.
"Oh fuck..." I grunted, trying not to start fucking her face, "Zoey..."
"Cum for her, Mark," Mum stated, having moved closer to watch, "Fill your little sister's mouth. She wants to taste you."
"Zoey..." I murmured before I groaned again, feeling my cock just explode in her mouth. Her lips tightened around my cock as I watched her happily start to swallow everything that I gave her, and once my cock stopped throbbing, her tongue was immediately at work cleaning up my cock. Once she was content, she released my cock, leaving a soft kiss on it, before lifting herself up to straddle my lap and cuddle into me.
"I will never refuse you a blowjob unless I'm really not feeling it," she said softly, "But I'm definitely going to willingly do it without being asked. I just want to make you happy."
"Can I return the favour?"
"When we go to bed tonight. I'll go to work tomorrow with such a smile, and they'll all be asking why. I'll tell them that the man I'm in love with ate my pussy for hours and gave me so many orgasms..."
Hearing she was in love with me got to me for some reason, and before I knew it, I felt a couple of tears sliding down my cheeks. She leaned back and noticed, feeling a soft kiss on each cheek. "I just... didn't expect to hear that," I admitted.
"I've always been in love with you, Mark. You've always been the one, the only one I ever wanted."
Mum walked out with a large bowl of salad and three plates. I got dressed as Zoey remained naked, happily curling up next to me as Mum sat to my other side, having put on a t-shirt and shorts to cover her swimsuit. Once we finished, Mum asked Zoey if she could borrow me for a couple of hours. Zoey laughed, stating she'd get her laptop out and do a little work. While she did have a full-time career, I knew she was always working and studying, keeping her mind occupied.
Led upstairs, Mum didn't hesitate to strip naked in front of me. I'd seen her breasts already but saw her pussy for the first time when she laid back on her bed, spreading her legs enough to see her excitement. She didn't have a full bush, but it was certainly furry. "Want me naked, Mum?"
"Definitely, baby."
Stripping naked, her eyes lit up at the fact I was already hard again, crawling up the bed to leave a soft kiss on her lips before we snuggled together. Mum couldn't resist eventually taking my cock in hand. "So big," she whispered, "I'd love to feel it inside me."
"You would?"
"Making love with my son... I'd feel ever so close to you after that."
"I'm already getting used to the idea of being with my sister... I have enjoyed a mature lover or two..."
"You have?" Mum asked, loving the giggle that escaped her.
"When you're single, lonely and horny, I'll admit I wasn't terribly picky when it came to taking a woman home for the night. I didn't date much, if at all, to be honest, but one older woman I met, well, she did like me to call her 'Mummy' in bed."
"What did you think?"
"She was hot and liked to fuck so I went along with it."
"Did you... Did you think about me at all?"
"No," I admitted, "Because up until recently, my thoughts about you..." Her eyes immediately started to glisten as I pulled her tight to my body, making her smile as she would have felt my erection. "Now my thoughts are that I love my mother with all my heart and I'm looking forward to living with her once again."
Mum kissed me with as much passion as my sister, ending up rolling onto her back as I felt the heat of her pussy against my cock. The look in her eyes was one of complete arousal, and I knew I could probably ease my cock inside her and we'd both be delighted. "I lied," she said softly, "I do want to do everything with you, Mark. Your little sister knows, but I wasn't sure how you'd handle such a confession. I need to connect with you completely, Mark."
Sitting back, Mum smiled as my cock obviously throbbed with excitement as I lowered my hand to gently fondle her pussy. She moaned immediately, her body language suggesting I should do a lot more than just tease her. "I can't until I've made love with Zoey, Mum," I told her, "But I love seeing you like this. You're a beautiful woman who should have enjoyed all the love she deserves."
Settling back next to her, she cuddled into me. "Your sister... She's your soulmate, Mark. I still remember the first time I came home with her. You were three years old, and I remember the look on your little face. You probably don't remember, but you were the first to make her smile and laugh, and when she took her first steps, they were towards her big brother. When I said you were her whole world... Her first word was 'Mum'. Her second word was 'Mark'."
"I just know I've always loved her, Mum."
"That's why I won't interfere. Anything you and I do together will only be with her permission. If she doesn't want to share, that's okay with me. I just want lots of cuddles with you, but I've told her how I would like to be close to you and she's insisted it's absolutely fine. According to her, sharing you with me is proof of her love for us both."
Mum eventually fell asleep, so I kissed her forehead, got out of bed and dressed, finding my sister in the room she'd dedicated as her office. Her smile lit up the room as I walked towards her, Zoey rising to her feet to greet me with one hell of a kiss. "Did Mum admit how she really feels?"
"Zoey... You know how much I love you..."
"Including intimately?"
"That's new but you've always owned my heart." She blinked rapidly as I wasn't always very good at expressing my feelings. "You're my little sister and the only woman I've loved wholeheartedly my whole life. Mum and I have some things to work through, but I've never stopped loving her. You're different. You've always been special to me. Mum said you were my soulmate."