Just as Tom stepped out of the school building the rain started to pour down on him, soaking his bubble jacket and himself to the bone. What was wrong with Germany nowadays? It was January for Christ sake…
     He suddenly tensed when he heard a shuffling sound behind him and turned instantly, to see a mop of platinum blond hair and relaxed. His heart rate had increased dramatically for a moment, afraid it might have been Günther and his tenacious gang.

“Lars wouldn’t let us out early because of something Hassan did…” Andreas dramatized and rolled his eyes to get his point cross.

“That’s ok, I didn’t wait that long, I was just afr-“

“That I was Günther?” the blond interrupted, “It’s a shame we don’t share class… Oh! And where’s Bill?!” he scanned the yard after him, but couldn’t see him anywhere in the mass of young students. Tom only shrug with a half smile and tried to act indifferent, instead he felt a tad worried. But he knew better then underestimating his twin, he wasn’t stupid and was incredible stubborn. He would survive. –Something Tom felt unsure he, himself will…

“Well, come on, we better get home to you and start on the pile of homework I got from Mr. Schutz.”

Andreas simply nodded and lead the way out of the overcrowded area and down a small and rocky path behind the school. A shortcut and an escape route, since none of the gang members walked home from school.

--

“I can’t focus…” Tom sighed heavily, his math book neatly placed in his lap.

“You’re not the only one… Hmm… What about playing some Nintendo?”  Andreas suggested but got shoved past as Tom lunged forward and threw himself on the small grey sofa and grabbed the main controller before Andreas even got the chance.

“Beat it Andi! I’m Mario this time!” Tom stuck his tongue out childishly.

“Awww, but I hate being Donkey Kong! I don’t like being a Gorilla, they’re so ugly…”

“Just like you…” Tom said teasingly and received a slap on the shoulder and both boys started to laugh hysterically.

Andreas wiped the tears away, still laughing, “Like Bill always ending up being the princess…

“Yeah…” Tom chuckled, starting the game and selected his character and car. He loved racing games.

After fifty minutes of playing, Andreas’ mother entered the room and fought her way through masses of clothes, toys, cartoon magazines and Lego models to get to the boys.

“Its dinner Andi Pandi” she smiled and ruffled his blond hair, “I think you should go home Tom. We’re going to visit my mom afterwards…” she said, still smiling. How could she be so clueless? After thousands of hints from both her son and his best friend.

Her son growled, “Stop calling me that! It’s sooo –embarrassing!” he blushed a bright shade of pink and hid his face as best he could.

The tall, blond woman shook her head, “Come on, move, we have to go soon. You can play with Georg when we’re there.”

Tom stared at his best friend as he got up from his sitting position with a loud huff. It was not that Andreas didn’t like his cousin Georg, but leaving Tom behind made him feel guilty and scared.

“Sure you’re ok with that Tom?”

“Yes…”

Nooooo! He wanted to scream No! Are you crazy?! I rather want to visit you grandma with you then go back home!

Anette noticed his uneasiness but shrugged it off and walked out of the room.

Tom stood up and gave Andreas a light hug, “See you then…”

“Yeah, take care!”

Tom took on his shoes and jacket and walked as slowly as he could muster towards the house less than 10 meter away. He cracked open the front door silently and sneaked inside, shutting the door behind him the same way, and took of his jacket and shoes and dragged his backpack with him into the living room.

“Where have you been?” Gordon glared at him from the couch, an arm wrapped around Bill who was happily eating a slice of pizza.

The boy felt uncomfortable under his stepfathers intensive stare, “At Andreas’…” he swallowed.

“I want you to come directly home from school-“

“But!” Tom protested, but got cut off.

“No buts! I want you come home! –Like Bill. Now, come here and sit beside me.” He patted the empty space beside him, and Tom couldn’t do anything but obey and sat down beside him. Gordon snaked an arm around Tom’s small shoulders.

Tom wanted to cry.