It's about moving on

8: Of Discussions & Dinners

"The fortune said:

"Flowers bloom with no regret." "

Hypnotized -Years &Years

________________

I stepped into the patio of the house, ushering Justin to follow me but hoping he would be reluctant to follow me. I seemed to be hesitant to open the door of my house now that we have reached.

My shaky hands were so obvious while picking the key; So I decided to peer at him and see if he was nervous as much as I did; however, his whole stance radiated confidence and pride, which wasn't the usual reaction to get from Luke.

He used to dread coming to my house because, in his opinion, dating was about getting to know each other through going out. Staying home was lame for him hence why I was present at every party. I needed to thank him for finally sparing me the time wasted on the partying, I guess.

Seeing Justin relaxed calmed me a little bit. So, I inhaled a deep breath then pushed the key into the door's lock, praying for the best possibilities.

When I unlocked the doors of my house, I found Caleb busy talking on the phone. Which I thought of as an answer to my pleas. I guided Justin to follow me while trying to tiptoe toward the stairs. Caleb however, was waiting for me at the beginning of the stairs, crossing his arms and glaring because I tried to shield Justin from his sight range.

"So, you're back and not alone." Caleb eyed the silhouette standing behind me up and down. "Caleb, this is my-" Caleb's glare intensified, asking me to step aside so he could study his new victim. I expected shouting, damages, and attacks, or James darting to stop the fight; but instead, I found Caleb rushing to Justin's side to give him a brotherly hug.

What on earth? Was I missing something here? When they broke their greeting, Caleb patted Justin's shoulders and laughed. "Sorry, brother! I didn't know that you and little Amy here are friends. I thought she returned to dating that mutt. I swore to break his nose if I saw him again."

"No worries, Cale, I understand your protectiveness. Although he is blond and I'm brunette; plus, the difference in physiques," Justin replied in return.

"I am sorry! At first sight, I couldn't distinguish between the colors. I wasn't wearing my glasses." He even knows about Cale's color blindness. That declaration made me step into the conversation. "How did the two of you meet?"

"Well, Cale here, was a minute away from moving into our apartment." Justin was quick to step in and elaborate.

"So, Caleb is the goofy college mate of your brother, Ian?" he nodded in response, making Cale chuckle. "At least I was mentioned for my goof. No offense, but why is he here?"

"Justin is Emma's partner for that competition gig," James shouted from the kitchen, obviously eavesdropping as always.

"Now if you and James excuse us, we have to discuss the competition details. Call us when dinner is ready." I directed my words to both of my siblings and took Justin's hand to lead him through my house.

♫♫♫

"Your room is boring." Was the first thing Justin uttered when we settled down on the window seat. "Tell me something I don't know, Trainor?" I rolled my eyes at him.

"To be honest, I expected it to have posters or fairy lights, but white walls and white cautions? The only colored thing is the duvets."

"Well, it used to have polaroids hanging off. It had memories of me and my old clique, but I took them down. Whenever I looked at them, after what happened, it seemed as if they were laughing at me and reminding me of what fell among us."