#hyperpuberty
No one knew how scrawny little Aden inherited hyperpuberty. His older brother, Tai sure was shocked when he found Aden in *his* bedroom, wearing *his*pants.
“Oh, sup bro.” Aden cocked his head as a sign of acknowledgement.
—
Dinner was tense as the brothers ate across from their parents. Tai watched as Aden scarfed down his meal completely unaware of the unspoken drama happening. Their mom was clearly blaming the hyperpuberty on their father. After all, everyone knew that hyperpuberty was passed down through the y chromosome. Though Mr. Marquez didn’t say anything, he’d frequently look down at his crotch, then across at the new man sitting at their table.
But honestly, no one felt like Tai. He felt cheated and betrayed. How was it that his 14-year-old brother, who just the other day was rolling on the floor with Tai, fighting for the TV remote control, is going to college before him? His brother had grown into a 20 year old. That meant he’d be a 3rd year in college. A freaking Junior classmen! And all the muscles he had now, not fair either. Tai had to work tirelessly to get his body in a manageable shape at 18 but Aden had soared past that.
It would be easy to ignore that if Aden wasn’t sitting at the dinner table still in Tai’s pants, shirtless. His new body was on display for the whole family to gawk at. Then there was the little fact that Aden was going commando, something about Tai’s and dad’s underwear being too small. Tai knew he’d have to burn his pants later.
After dinner wasn’t any better, their parents left out to ‘discuss’ what happened next. Though it was clear Mrs. Marquez had a lot more yelling to do, there wouldn’t be a discussion anytime soon. When they were gone Tai was surprised when he found Aden in the kitchen washing the dishes. No one could ever get that kid to do anything without complaining. Yet there he was, just doing it.
Then the brother’s normal ritual of fighting for the TV remote in the living room, that either ended with Tai winning, or letting his little brother win, was over. Aden strode into the room and plopped down on the couch across from Tai. He didn’t try to argue or ask for the remote. He watched the same program that Tai did then an hour into it he said, “Hey, pass me the remote.” Aden held out his hands. There was no way Tai could win their fights anymore, so he tossed the remote. Aden flipped the station to cartoons. Tai rolled his eyes, looks like some things were still the same. Tai rested his head on his palm, watching his now older brother laugh at TV.
“Are you still my baby brother?” the words left Tai’s mouth before he’d even realized.
“I–I think so.” Aden replied shocked, he put the TV on mute. “I’m definitely a man now Like dad.” he cupped one of his pecs. Then his fingers prodded the rest of his body. “Though I still remember you, messing with me, and farting on me for laughs.” He gave a stern look to Tai which caused his brother to avoid his gaze. “But I also remember you bringing ice cream and helping me out when I was sick. So, don’t worry, not like I’m going to bash your face in. I’m still your little brother.”
Tai shook his head, “No, I’m pretty sure you’re the older brother now.”
“Really, UGH!” Aden slammed his head against a couch pillow. “You think mom and dad are going to make me start driving and stuff?”
Tai hadn’t actually considered that his new older brother would be taking on more responsibilities. Perhaps even responsibilities that Tai had. Maybe this hyperpuberty wouldn’t be a complete blow to Tai at all.
