The Parks Brothers

Chaper One

    Cameron,
     I won’t be home until late tonight,but make sure you’re ready when I get home. We have to be at the airport by 6 tomorrow morning. There’s money on the counter if you want to order food or go out or something. And don’t forget to put Thor’s food in the truck and some of his toys. Love you little brother,don’t be sad. And you might want to take a nap before I get home. Not sure how much sleep you’ll get in the truck on the way there or on the way back.
            From,
                    Your pain in the ass older brother

I rolled my eyes at the letter that was taped to the fridge. Thor was barking and jumping around at my feet. I laughed and kneeled down,letting him jump on me. I knew why he was all jumpy and excited. Tomorrow he gets to see his owner,and my brother. I stood back up and leaned against the counter. don’t be sad. I read that part over a couple times and sighed. He’s telling me not to be sad because the reason that my brother,Tyler,is coming home is because our dad died. He was the only parents we had left and now he’s gone. Now it’s just Tyler,Max,and I. Well,Thor too.
“Wanna go for a walk?” I asked Thor after a couple minutes. He barked and jumped again. I laughed,grabbed the money off the counter then walked into the living room. I grabbed Thor’s leash off the counter and hooked it to him. The second he heard the click of the leash connecting his his collar he started barking again.
“Alright,alright. We can go now.” I said,leading him to the door and opening it. Thor practically pulled my arm out of socket as we walked down the steps.
“Calm down,Thor.” I said,laughing slightly. We had gotten Thor about 9 months ago when Tyler was visiting for a couple days. Dad let him pick out his own dog,one that we all liked,since we would be watching him while Tyler was gone. So he picked Thor. He was exactly 8 weeks old when we brought him home and he fit in pretty well. He’s a short but muscular grey pit bull with white on his chest. Even though he looks intimidating and tough,he’s the biggest baby.
“Excited to see your daddy?” I asked him as we walked. His ears perked and he looked up at me.
“Take that as a yes.” I said as my phone went off.

From:Chris
What are you doing right now?

To:Chris
Walking Thor.

From:Chris
Turn around.

I looked up from my phone and turned around. A black jeep was behind me and I saw Chris through the windshield. I laughed and stood there as Chris drove up to me. He had the roof off his jeep and was blasting A Day to Remember,like usual.
“What are you doing? Thought you would be working?”
“I’m not needed until tomorrow.” He said.
“Get in. We’ll take take Thor to the park or something and grab some food.” He gestured for me to get in. I opened the passenger side door and let Thor jump in first then got in after him,closing the door.
“You haven’t been talking to me much lately.” Chris said as he drove. He had sunglasses on and his brown hair flat today. Usually he had on a beanie but he wasn’t wearing one today. He had on a A Day To Remember tank top with a red a black plaid button up over it,and blue jeans.
“If it makes you feel any better,I haven’t been talking to anyone.” I said. He sighed. Chris and I have been friends since we were 3 years old,we are practically brothers. After my dad passed about a week ago I haven’t really been talking to him,which worries him because we always talk.
“That doesn’t make me feel better. My dad is really worried about you,too. He tried asking Max if you were okay but he’s not even sure. He’s hoping that Tyler will help.”
“I hope he can help too.” I said.
“When you’re mom passed he helped you. I’m sure he can this time.”
“This time is different though. Mom died from cancer,dad died from something completely different.” I said quietly.
“I get its different,but that doesn’t mean he can’t help you.”
“It’s going to take more then Tyler to help me now! I’m the one who found dad. I found him lying on the floor and blood all over the fucking place. Tyler can’t help me forget that. He can’t get what I saw out of my head,nobody can." I said.
“I’m sorry..”
“It’s fine.”
“You know that’s not true.”
“I know. But maybe if I keep saying it I’ll trick myself into believing I am.”
“Maybe. But I am sorry about what happened. I imagine it’s a horrible thing to go through. I know you and your brothers were really close to your dad.”
“That we were. Lets hope you never have to know what it’s like.” I said,looking over at him.
“I hope I never do.” He said.
    When we got to the park there wasn’t too many people there so I let Thor off his leash. He never ran off or got out of eyeshot so I just let him go so he could run before he’s stuck in a truck for 5 hours. Chris and I just walked around the park and talked,not about what happened,but everything else. He was trying to distract me and I’m pretty thankful for that. I should have talked to him sooner but after he found out what happened to my dad I hadn’t said much more then “Don’t worry about it. I’m fine”. Of course he knew I was lying but he didn’t push me.
“How’s the life of a college man?” I asked as we walked.
“Eh it’s okay. Core classes are boring as hell,but the photography class is amazing.” He said. He kept going on about college and I just listened. He graduated last year and went to a local college for photography,which he is amazing at. He took my senior pictures during the summer.
“We should get some food.” I said after a couple minutes of silence.
“Sure. Do you want to bring Thor back to your house?”
“That would probably be a good idea. Thor! Come on boy lets head home.” I called to him. He came running and walked with us as we made our way back to Chris’s jeep. When we got to his jeep we all climbed in and Chris started it and drove towards my house.
“When are you and Max leaving?” Chris asked as we got closer to my house.
“probably around 9. He’s working late so I’m guessing he won’t be home until around 8:30. I still have to pack an extra pair of clothes and all my music and put the dog food in the truck.” I said.
“Why don’t we just order a pizza at your house and I can help you with all this.” He suggested.
“We can do that,if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. Haven’t been inside your house in awhile.”
“Aren’t you lucky..” I said quietly. He didn’t know how to respond to that,I could tell from his expression.
“How’s school been going for you?” He asked,trying to change the subject.
“Fine I guess. Passing all my classes. But since what happened I haven’t been to school. I’m going back sometime next week,Max’s orders. He’s been going to school and picking up my work so I can do it at home though.”
“Thats good. But I think you should go to school. It gets you out of the house.” He said.
“I’ll probably be going back Wednesday. So I have the weekend,Monday,and Tuesday to get myself together and-“
“And talk to Tyler?” I rolled my eyes.
“I’m going to talk to Tyler. I don’t really have a choice in the matter. He’s my brother,I can’t keep everything from him. Even if I want to.”
“You should really consider going to counseling. I know that’s the last thing you want to hear…but with what you’ve seen and have been through,it might be a good idea.”
“Max has said that a couple times.”
“And?”
“And?”
“What do you think about it?”
“Told him I’d think about it.” I said as we pulled into my driveway. I got out and let Thor run to the front door. We walked into the house and turned the kitchen light on.
“Wanna order the pizza?” I asked Chris. He nodded and took his phone out of his pocket. As he ordered the pizza I grabbed the medium sized bag of dog food that was by the door and brought it out to the truck. I tossed it into the bed and walked back inside.
“They should be here in like 20 minutes.” Chris said.
“Okay. That’s enough time to pack some stuff.” I said. We walked upstairs to my bedroom.
“Wow. It’s clean in here.” He joked.
“Oh ha ha.” I said sarcastically. Usually there are clothes on my floor and my curtains are always closed but not now. My wood floor was spotless and my black curtains were pulled back. My dark grey walls were covered in posters,album covers,pictures,and drawings I had done. My bed was pushed into one corner of my room and on the other wall I had a desk. In another corner I had a black acoustic guitar sitting in its case,and a dresser with a radio on top of it next to my bed.
“Had to have it clean when family came down. Just haven’t had the time to make it messy again.” I said,trying to organize my english paper that was scattered all over my desk.
“So,you’re pretty much saying you haven’t left the couch for three weeks?”
“Pretty much. But hey,I’m all caught up on Supernatural now.”
“Thats good. You aren’t missing out anymore.” He said as I walked over to my dresser,pulling out two pairs of boxers,a pair of socks,jeans,sweatpants,a plain black t-shirt,a sweatshirt,and my A Day To Remember tank top that is pretty much the same thing Chris has on. We both bought one when we went to their concert last year.
“Nice shirt. You wearing that when you pick up Tyler at the airport?”
“No. I’m wearing the black shirt. It’s always hot in the truck so I figured I’d wear the ADTR shirt.” I explained as I grabbed the small bag I had thrown on my bed earlier. I shoved the jeans,sweatshirt,shirt,and one pair of boxers into the bag,along with the CDs that were scattered across my bed. Once everything was in my bag I took the sweatpants,ADTR shirt,and boxers and brought them into my bathroom that was next to my room.
“Pizza’s here!” Chris yelled like a child as he heard the doorbell ring. I laughed and shook my head,walking out of the bathroom and down the stairs. Chris payed the guy then closed the door,a pizza box in his left hand.
“I was going to pay for that.” I said.
“Too late.” He said,a big grin on his face. He’s such a dork.
“Come and get it before I eat it all.” He wasn’t kidding. I’ve seen him devour an entire pizza by himself in less then 20 minutes. I followed him into the kitchen and grabbed a slice before he even got the chance to.
“So,what do you want to do until 8:30?”
“I don’t know. I know I need a shower though.” I said,taking a bit of the pizza.
“We should go swimming.” He suggested. It was a good idea since it’s like 80 degrees outside.
“I don’t have a pool.” I reminded him. The only thing I had in my backyard was a dog house,a shed,a garden,and a trampoline.
“I do.” He pointed out.
“But I still need to shower.”
“Bring your change of clothes to my house and you can shower there.” He said,stuffing a slice of pizza into his mouth.
“I don’t think I can tonight. But sometime after I get back maybe? Tyler will probably want to see you and your dad anyways.”
“Alright. But you better not bail.” He said.
“I won’t.” I finished my pizza then walked into the living room. Chris was now working on his 3rd slice.
“I don’t understand how you can eat so much but still be so skinny.” I said. Growing up,every time Chris and I hung out he’d always be eating but he stayed skinny. He doesn't eat too much anymore though,but when he does he makes sure he eats plenty so he won’t be hungry for awhile.
“I stay in shape. I run every morning and go to the gym every night. You should start going with me.” He said.
“Is this your way of telling me I’m fat?” I joked.
“No. You’re as skinny as I am. But you should come work out with me,get some muscle. And it gets you out of the house.”
“I’ll think about it. Where do you usually go running?”
“I run on the beach by my house. But I go early.”
“How early?”
“5.”
“In the morning?”
“Yes. I usually go early so I can go home,shower,and have a little time to relax before class.”
“Damn.”
“I think you should.” I sighed and thought for a second. What have I got to lose? Might be good for me anyways.
“Why not.”
“Alright. I’ll see you Sunday morning at my house at 4:45? So you can get used to it.”
“Sure.” I said,then turned the TV on. There wasn’t too much on but I managed to find Thor so I put that on.
“Hey look puppy,it’s your movie.” Chris said to Thor(the dog). I laughed.
    Around 8:15 Chris decided to go home,knowing Max would be home soon. He thanked me for having him over,told me not to forget about Sunday and coming over to go swimming,then left. Once he was gone I ran upstairs and showered. I had to leave the bathroom door open because if I didn’t Thor would bark and bark until I was done. He has a thing with sitting in the bathroom while I shower. I don’t know why. He only does it if I’m the only one here. After I let Thor in I took my shirt,jeans,boxers,and socks off then jumped in the shower,waiting until I got in to turn the water on. I stood under the hot water for a second,letting it soak my hair.
“Cameron?” Someone called from downstairs. I heard Thor get up and run down the stairs barking. Max must be home.
“In the shower!” I yelled so he could hear me.
“Once you’re done get your stuff.” He called. I sighed and started washing my shaggy black hair quickly. Once I washed my hair I quickly washed my body then got out of the shower,drying myself quickly. I ran the towel over my hair to dry it a little,brushed it,then slipped on my boxers and sweatpants. I grabbed the ADTR tank top quickly then made my way out of the bathroom and towards my room. I grabbed the small bag I had with my stuff in it then walked downstairs. Max was in the kitchen,leaning against the counter eating the last piece of pizza. I guess Chris didn’t eat it all. He didn’t notice I was there until the bang of me dropping my bag on the floor got his attention. He looked at me and raised his eyebrow.
“I hope you’re wearing a shirt in the truck.” He said jokingly. My brothers and I practically all had the same body type. Skinny,muscular. We were all pretty active growing up since dad liked to bring us hiking and running and such and we always ate healthy. It was almost like he wouldn’t allow us to be fat. I know,it sounds really mean saying it out loud. I didn’t mind eating healthy though,I don’t eat much to begin with and I just take what I’m given.
“I’m going to.” I said,holding up the one I had in my hand.
“You have the CDs?”
“In my bag.” I replied,slipping the shirt over head and tugging it down over my stomach.
“All of them?”
“Yes,Max. I have all of them.” I said,adding a sigh.
“Just checking.”
“When do I ever forget them?”
“Point taken. Let’s get Thor in the truck and get going.” He said,picking the truck keys up from off the counter and walking past me towards the door. I put my shoes on,picked up my bag,then followed Max outside.
“Come on Thor. Lets go for a ride.” I said. Thor ran out the door happily,jumping around like a bunny. I laughed then shut the door behind me,making sure I locked it.
“Did you-“
“Yes,I locked it. I’m not 6,Max. I am capable of remembering things,you know.” I said. Max sometimes forgets that I’m 17 (almost 18). I guess it’s because I’m the youngest and he will always see me as the “baby”. I still hate it.
“Sorry.” He apologized. I opened the passenger side door and let Thor jump in first then got in after him. The second I was buckled I got the CD case out and started going through it,trying to find my 5 Finger Death Punch cd because I knew that’s what Max would want to hear. Best thing about Max,he has the best taste in music,we pretty much listen to the same thing. He’s actually the one that got me into the bands that I like now,well him,Chris,and Tyler.
“Thank you for putting that cd in.” Max said when we started down the road.
“I knew you would ask me to,so I just did it before you got the chance to.”
“Well thank you.” He said,turning up the volume.  
“Holy hell,it’s hot in here.” I said,opening my window. I slipped my shoes off and adjusted myself so I could stick my legs out the window.
“What are you doing?” Max asked,chuckling.
“Hanging my legs out the window..?” He laughed. It did look pretty funny. I have long legs so from mid calf down was sticking out the window. I stayed like that for awhile,until my legs got cold.
“Have you talked to anyone since…the accident?” He asked after ten minutes of silence.
“No. Not about what happened. And it wasn’t an accident.” The only thing I’ve done since the accident is sit at the beach thats a couple blocks from my house and think,or sit on the couch and watch movies. Since everyone would be in school there were not too many teenagers that would know me out on the beach.
“I know it wasn’t.”
“Then stop calling it that.” I said. It came out harsher then intended. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay.” He said,letting silence fall over us again,but then I ruined it.
“Chris came by today. He tried to get me to talk about it,but as he probably expected,I refused. He thinks I’ll talk to Tyler though.”
“I hope you do. I still think going to a counselor would help.”
“I’ll think about it. But for right now,I’m going to switch the CD.” I said,leaning forward so I could grab my bag. I took he cd case out of it and flipped through it until I found what I wanted. I took it out,without letting Max see what it was,and took the Five Finger Death Punch disk and switched it with the other cd. When the first song started playing I saw Max’s expression go from concentration to sadness.
“This is the cd dad bought us at the concert. And this is his favorite band.” He said. Dad had taken Max and I to a Seether concert about 6 months ago and got us a signed copy of their album. I haven’t listened to it since that day which was about a week and a half ago. Dad loved Seether and thought it would be a good experience to bring us along.
“Yeah,it is.” I said,skipping a couple songs until I got on one that we both loved.
“Why did you have me bring all my cds if you have a AUX cord in here? I have all this music on my phone and more.” I said,trying to lighten the mood a bit.
“That’s a really good question.” He said while he rolled down his window.
“After this song I’ll plug my phone in. Then I’m going to try to sleep.” I said.