Matches Made by Maddie

Chapter 4: And so he's back

Thank you guys for reading! Here's another chapter! Have fun reading! ❤

The dinner was awesome, everyone's present and Nana was there. And Royce.

It's been months since Nana last visited our house for Christmas, but Royce was gone for 2 years. He still looked the same though: the same piercing blue eyes, messy raven black hair and looks like a supermodel. He still looked handsome but he's grown some muscles and became a lot taller.

I gave him a glance and he looked happy as he sat beside Nana, and it kind of stung when I remembered why he lived at our house for almost all his life. I recall Nana telling me his story when she first brought Royce at our house. She said that his parents left him to her when he was a baby, with the promise of returning back in the evening, but weeks turned into months, into years and they haven't even made a creak on Nana's porch. After Royce turned 7, Nana had brought him to our house and explained to my parents everything, then left Royce to our care because she also had to go to Canada, where my grandpa is living with one of my uncles.

That was when Royce and I met and knew each other.

Until it was summer vacation when we were both 15, his parents came back to Nana's house searching for him and I don't know how but eventually, they got Royce to come with them. But after a day or so, Royce came back to our house looking exhausted and was thirsty, his reason? He escaped from his parents house because he said he hated them. I couldn't blame him though.

The seating arrangement was the same like every dinner we had: Dad was at the end of the table, Mom at his right and Nana as his left; Logan, Megan and I was seated next to each other on the right side of the table after Mom, but instead of the seat across from me being empty, someone was sitting on it and he's making me feel uneasy.

After talking about my brother's love life, in which he was happy bragging about how good of a boyfriend he is and his upcoming proposal plans after college that made Megan jealous. She kept sending me fierce glares that meant I have to start working my matchmaking skills with her and Blake, so I just replied to her with a shrug.

Our parents seemed to be checking each of our relationship status just because Nana was there and they want us to tell her because she really likes love stories. And that's why she's a big influence in my matchmaking.

They just finished intriguing Megan about her suitors who kept delivering stuffed toys and roses, and I thought they were going to ask me next but when I opened my mouth to speak, they asked Royce instead.

"So, Royce," Dad began, "How was that trip to your parent's house?"

I was taken aback, and so was he.

Upon hearing Dad's question, Royce let down the fork he was holding on his plate with a clang. The ambiance of the dining room shifted from cheerful to serious, and we all felt it. Everyone's stares was at Royce, including mine, awaiting his answer.

Mom went to the kitchen to prepare dessert before Dad asked Royce his question, so when she came back she had a confused look on her face. She was carrying a tray of her specialty, the infamous Apple pie along with small plates. And after setting it on the center of the table, Royce surprisingly stood and helped Mom distribute the plates.

While going around and giving plates, he finally answered Dad's question. "Well, it was quite nice. I've got a baby brother," He announced somehow proudly.

There was a few seconds of silence, like we were letting words sink in and when it did, the room erupted with applause and cheers. I just sat there as they congratulated him, it was like my mind and heart was battling over greeting him or not but it was a bit rude to not do so. And Nana was looking at me.