Forever and Always

Chapter Four {Part 1}

So... that happened. Man. I hope you like this next chapter! Love you guys 💜

Word Count: 1,333

Sunlight spills through the curtains warming my face as I lie in bed. Jackson's still asleep, his back turned, his breathing slow and deep.

Three days.

That's how long it's been since The Accident. And every night finds me without fail asleep in Jackson's bed. I hate myself for it, but my room is too cold, too lonely for me to sleep. My room. That's what it is now, though I'm far from used to the title. Suddenly, it's become my desk, my closet, and my clothes. There's no one left for me to share with.

Three days, no tears.

Jackson mumbles something and stirs. I tense, but his deep breathing continues. Good. I relax and raise myself, pushing back the blanket. I sit here for a moment, my legs dangling over the side of the bed. Today is going to be a good day. It has to be. Fletcher and the boys are coming home this afternoon.

'The boys' are the rest of FREE. They'll be staying with us until their tour starts again, whenever that may be.

As it turns out, they're not the only ones arriving today. Luke and Josiah are flying in from Melbourne tonight, so they'll get here sometime after dinner. It seems like ages since we've had this many siblings home at once, though it was only last Christmas. A lot can happen in nine months, though. A lot can happen in three days, too.

For the past three days, we've been making calls, cleaning, and answering the door for the dozens of people who come to drop by food, flowers, and cards. Preparations for the funeral, which is on Monday, are the main cause of the chaos. After the service, we're bringing our family back here for dinner. I love my family, but... let's just say my parents weren't the only ones who said "Go big or go home" when they had kids. We're going to be packed.

Fletcher, Luke, and Josiah are home tonight, and Donavan on Friday. I creep over to the door and open it as silently as I can. Good grief!

Back in my room, I throw on green sweats and a white tank top. Beauty in simplicity, right? Now for my favorite part of the day. I grab my laptop and head to the kitchen.

The kitchen is the centerpiece of our house. It's where the best jokes, fights, and conversations take place. That plus snacks and plenty of space—what more could you want for a room?

Soon, the coffee maker is gurgling away and ham is sizzling away in the pan. Eggs next, I mentally prepare. It's not long before I have a mug of steaming brown liquid and a plate of fried eggs and ham. Mmm. My stomach groans at the mouth-watering smells.

I settle onto one of the kitchen stools and flip open my laptop. Each morning, I make my notifications, now and then pausing to sip my coffee or take a bite. It's a slow process, but that makes it all the more precious. In a life like mine, you're forever being rushed and herded with your siblings, so you treasure every second you have to yourself.

The sound of laptop keys clicking is oddly satisfying and mixed with the sweet coffee aroma, it's even better. Ahh. Nothing like peace and quiet. Sunshine beaming through the windows, birds chirping outside, and no brothers in sight. The kitchen, at least for now, has become my slice of heaven.

A series of thumps overhead startles me and sends my coffee sloshing onto my eggs. Rats. Goodbye, slice of heaven. I barely have time to think before the voices begin.

"DYLAN, GET YOUR BUTT OUT OF BED!" That's Jackson, of course.

"Well, you better figure it out!" A door slams. My ears prick at the sound. Figure out what? Something stupid, I bet.