“Well … they had a miserable childhood. Only had each other to rely on. Their parents were absent emotionally and ended up divorcing when they were young. Ender was the stronger twin. More stable and put together. Elliot suffered. He was more sensitive and leaned on his brother a lot. They were always close, but as teenagers, things changed. They drifted apart. Ender started dating, and Elliot felt more and more abandoned. He became a loner and a target for other people’s abuse. He struggled with bullies and whatnot. Elliot was too soft-spoken. Kids tended to walk all over him. They used him for their own gain.”

Asher darted his gaze to mine. It was no more than a flash, but I knew he was checking in to see my reaction and gauge if I was listening.

“Those early years are integrated into the story. You don’t experience them firsthand, but Charlotte really gives you a foundation so you understand their personalities and where they came from. When they’re in their early twenties, attending college, Elliot’s problems and insecurities escalate. His heart’s too soft, and he doesn’t see the cruelty in the way people treat him. He’s desperate to be popular like Ender. To be loved like his brother.

“Then this guy gets it in his head that he’s gonna score with the campus virgin. He gets Elliot alone and… Well, it’s a bad scene. Nothing brutal or anything, but it’s sad what happens. Elliot thought the guy cared, and he didn’t. The guy almost sweet-talked his way into Elliot’s pants too. Elliot was pretty torn up emotionally when he realized it was all a game to this other guy.

“Anyhow, Elliot tells Ender what happened. It triggers Ender’s protective side. When they have this heart to heart, Elliot admits he’s never felt secure having a relationship with anyone. He tells Ender he’s a virgin and isn’t sure he’ll ever trust anyone enough to take those steps forward. He wants love but doesn’t think he’ll ever be lovable. Elliot recognizes that most guys are just playing him, and being the sensitive soul he is, Elliot doesn’t know where to turn or what to do. He’s vulnerable.”

Asher frowned and shifted his feet. “Ender… He comforts Elliot. They spend the night together in Ender’s dorm. Sharing a bed, which is normal, they’ve done it all their lives.