Just Remember

Chapter 3

~~Mara~~

'What the..' I start, but my dad quickly stops me, as I turn around to see my brother stood there, in his army uniform.

I quickly run over and embrace him in a hug, but I pull away even faster when I feel him wince in pain.

'Are you hurt'? I ask panicked, 'Is he hurt'? I turn to my parents.

'I'm right here' Cameron laughs and goes and takes a seat on the chair.

'I'm okay, really. I got away quite lucky' He smiles, and I start to notice the cuts and bruises on his face, and his hand holding onto his ribs.

'What happened'? I ask, sitting next to him, and we're shortly joined around the table by my parents.

'There was a slight accident on a mission. Everyone got away safe, just with a couple broken ribs, a fractured wrist and a broken leg' He smiles.

'Then why are you home'? I ask, concerned.

'They've given me some leave away from the army whilst I recover. Really, Mara, I'm okay. Happy to be home' he smiles, and my moms eyes start to tear up.

'You know what this means? One of the Daniel's famous movie nights' my mom laughs, excusing herself from the table and walking into the kitchen.

'I'll go check on her. It's good to have you back, son' My dad places his hand on Cameron's shoulder before following after my mom.

'So. Tell me, what's Nashville like'? He asks, laughing, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

'It's okay' I fake a smile, but I forgot who I'm talking too, as expected, Cameron sees straight through it.

'Mom and dad aren't here. You can be honest' he places his hand on top of mine.

'It's hard' I sigh, 'The majority of people I've met are great. They are kind and welcoming, and mom and dad seem super happy. It just doesn't quite feel like home yet'.

'I know. Give it time. It will. You just gotta settle in first and get used to this being your normality'.

'I guess it's a bit more normal now you're back. How long till your hogging the bathroom and eating all the food'? I laugh, and so does he.

'Well, the cake that was saved for you is already gone. And I do need to shower, so maybe 5 minutes'? He laughs.

'You ate my cake'? I joke, slapping him gently on the shoulder.

'Is that all you've got'?

'Oh please, we both know I could kick your ass' I reply, just as the doorbell goes.

'I'll get it'! I shout to my parents and go to the front door.

As I open it, I spot Colton stood on the doorway, and I quickly try to slam it closed, but he puts his foot in the way.

'What'? I sigh, opening the door slightly.

'Is that how you treat your guests'? He asks.

'Uninvited ones, yes'.

'Do you have a minute'?

'For you? No'.

'Who's this'? Cameron asks, coming and opening the door fully.

'Nobody' I blurt out, and both Colton and Cameron give me a weird look, before turning back to each other.

'I'm Colton, Sir' he puts his hand out to shake, and Cameron looks at it for a moment before extending his too.