Tensions Rise

Nick waited until Judd walked back into the living room before pouncing on him. "Hey, what's going on with you and Andrew?" he asked, his voice low and accusing. Judd, who was sitting on the couch, flipping through TV channels, turned to Nick with an innocent expression. "What are you talking about?" Nick scowled. "Don't play dumb, Judd. You've been practically drooling all over him since he got here. What's the deal?" Judd shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. "I'm just being friendly, Nick. Don't be jealous." Nick's face darkened. "I'm not jealous. I just don't get why you're suddenly so interested in him." Judd laughed. "Maybe I'm just interested in getting to know him better. You're always bringing your friends over, why can't I?" Nick frowned, feeling a pang of unease. He had always been the center of attention in his family, and Judd's sudden interest in Andrew was making him feel left out. "Look, Judd, I don't know what's going on with you, but just be normal, okay?" Nick said, trying to sound casual. Judd raised an eyebrow. "Normal? You mean like how you've always been with your friends? I don't think so, Nick. I'm going to do things my way, and if that means being friendly with Andrew, then so be it." The air was thick with tension as the two brothers locked eyes. Leah, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke up. "Guys, come on, let's not fight. It's not worth it." Nick and Judd broke eye contact, their expressions still tense. The evening had been pleasant, but now it seemed to have taken a darker turn. As they sat in silence, Mrs. Birch walked into the room, a concerned look on her face. "Is everything okay? You all seem a bit...tense." Nick and Judd exchanged a glance before Nick spoke up. "Yeah, everything's fine, Mom. Just a disagreement." Mrs. Birch nodded, her eyes lingering on her sons. "Okay, well, let's just calm down and enjoy the rest of the evening, okay?" The family nodded in agreement, but the atmosphere in the room remained strained. Nick couldn't shake the feeling that Judd's interest in Andrew was more than just friendly, and he was determined to keep an eye on him. As they sat back down, Andrew's comment about the Birch family having secrets echoed in Judd's mind. He couldn't wait to see how Andrew would react when he discovered the truth. Little did Andrew know, his life was about to get a lot more complicated. Leah got up and excused herself, saying she was going to bed. The rest of the family followed suit, eventually dispersing to their respective rooms. The evening had ended on a sour note, and Nick couldn't help but wonder what the rest of the summer had in store. As he lay in bed, Nick couldn't shake the feeling that Judd was up to something, and he was determined to find out what it was.