Gemini (Part Two)

Here is part two of the story :

Jim arrived back at his flat in Oxford a few evenings later. Ken was home, lying on the sofa watching TV.

“How was your break in London?” asked Ken lazily sitting up.

“Great! I always have a good time in London. Where’s Janet tonight?”

“She’s studying; got a big exam tomorrow. Want a beer?” Ken moved toward the kitchen.

“Yes please, aren’t you working tonight?

“No,” replied Ken handing Jim the beer. “It’s my night off so I thought I’d just chill out here in front of the Telly.”

“Listen; you were an adopted child weren’t you?” Jim asked hesitantly…

Mary and Douglas Wilson from Wessex had adopted Ken when he was just 9 months old. The Wilson’s were not a wealthy family. Doug worked as a butcher in the local butchery and earned just enough to support his family. Mary would do sewing at home to supplement the family income. Life was a constant battle. The education of their adopted son, Ken, being their prime motivation. They were a close and loving family and gave Ken a lot of affection. They, too, had been very open with him and had told him all about his adoption. However, tragedy struck when Ken was 16 years old, his dad, Doug had had an unexpected heart attack and died at the relatively young age of 55. There was a small insurance policy, which took care of the mortgage, but Ken had to take a job at night to help his mum and to pay for his school. Fortunately, Ken was a bright student and when turning 18, he won a full scholarship to study Computer engineering at Oxford University. Ken had found a part-time job in Oxford so that he could pay for his food and accommodation. He had got himself a cheap flat, which he now shared with Jim.

“Yes, you know I was adopted - I have already told you I was. Why do you ask?” Ken sounded a little irritated; he never liked talking about it.

“Well something weird happened to me in London. Do you think it possible that you may have a twin brother?”

“What!” Shouted Ken, now a little more than irritated. His parents had never mentioned brothers or sisters.

“Calm down and I’ll explain. Do you remember Karen, the red head girl from the London School of Music?”

“Yes I remember her, she was at our party several weeks ago, what about her and why the questions about adoption and twin brothers.” still sounding irritated.

Jim told Ken the full story of his meeting with Chris, how shocked he had been by the uncanny resemblance between the two of them.

“Can you set up a meeting between us?” asked Ken now looking a lot calmer and feeling more than a bit curious.

“Sure, but don’t you want to chat to your mum first?”

“No! I want to meet him first. If we are as alike as you say we are, I will know instinctively if he is my brother or not.” Ken smiled thoughtfully and then added, “I always wanted a brother.”

“Ok, will do. Give me a few days. I’ll get hold of Karen to contact Chris and set up a meeting with you two.” Then with a mischievous smile, Jim added, “I think those two are attracted to one another and I wouldn’t be surprised if a romance soon blossoms. By the way, when is your birthday?”

“June 2^nd, I’m a Gemini.” Ken shivered with the sudden realisation and Jim’s mouth fell open in utter surprise. Gemini the star sign of the twins…

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Chris and Karen had begun dating and had become quite close. Jim had been right a romance had developed and the two had become almost inseparable. During one of their dates a few days later, Karen told Chris that Jim had related the story about him to Ken who wanted to meet him. Chris decided not to wait for the adoption papers but to go ahead and let Jim set up a meeting…

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My God, they were right, he looks exactly like me, thought Chris, his heart pounding and the glass of beer shaking in his hand.

Their eyes met; there was instant recognition. Ken started to move towards the bar where Chris was sitting holding his beer. They were connected as if by some invisible thread. Ken felt mesmerised by the sight of Chris. He instinctively knew he was about to meet his twin brother for the first time.

Slowly Chris placed the pint on the bar and stood up. He felt as if he was part of some surreal slow motion movie. Ken was now only a few yards from him; he felt the tears well up in his eyes. He knew he was looking at his brother. He could see moisture in Ken’s eyes. Ken stopped in front of Chris. Their gaze not straying for a second, both of them trying to control their emotions. The moment was very awkward, what now? The next second they were in each other’s arms, hugging as only brothers do. The tears now flowing freely. They were not tears of sadness but of overwhelming joy. They did not need any proof, they knew. The Jukebox started to play and suddenly there was applause coming from all over the pub and everyone was standing and looking in their direction. Karen and Jim had been hiding in the corner of the pub to witness the reunion. It was Jim who had started the Jukebox and applause. The song being played was “He aint heavy, he’s my Brother”…