All Tyla Hemmings wanted to do, was to finish high school, go to college and perhaps get married to her best friend, and boyfriend, Colton Adams. But all of that changes when she unexpectedly meets a handsome stranger one afternoon, and a serial go...
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I stare mutely at my parents for a full minute without saying anything. I should be happy, I finally have my own car. No more having to ask. No more feeling bad for using something that isn't mine. More freedom. But no. All I feel is a growing sadness within my chest. This can't be true, can it?
"Tyler is leaving?" I croak out. I feel a lump in my throat, making it nearly impossible for me to speak without bursting into tears. I don't want my brother to leave. I don't want him to go to the military. The military can find someone else. Not my twin brother. I notice my father's eyes shift to something behind me. He's communicating something through his eyes, I'm just too emotional right now to try and decipher what it is.
"Ty, let's talk upstairs." I hear my brother's smooth voice behind me. I quickly turn around, allowing a tear to fall before trying to keep the rest of the tears at bay. I stand up tentatively and walk wordlessly behind him to his room. Once we enter, he closes the door and pulls me into a bear hug.
"You can't leave. Who's gonna protect me when you're gone? I don't care about the car Ty; please stay. Don't go." I beg my brother shamelessly. I know I shouldn't be selfish, but I can't stand the feeling of having my other half away. The two of us know each other better than we know ourselves at times. Tyler has always protected me in a way that no one else could, not just from everyone else but also from myself. He taught me how to defend myself. He taught me how to drive.
"You know you'll be fine without me here sis. I know things are a bit scary right now, but I promise you'll be okay. I don't like Colton much anymore, but I know he'll protect you with all his might. You're still his best friend and besides imagine all I can do for our country. You know what mom says about heroes. I want to be a hero too. It's my time to be a hero. Please understand, Ty. I won't be gone for too long." He pleads with me softly.
"I understand, but that doesn't mean I like it. I need you brother. You always give me the best advice." I whimper.
"You know you don't sis. You're an incredibly strong and undeniably clever woman. I'm always a phone call away, for any time you need my elderly wisdom. I love you sis, but I need to do this for me." I choke out a laugh as he mentions his 'elderly' age. Psshhtt... he's not even that much older.
"You're going to be incredible." I state proudly once the lump in my throat has disappeared. Tyler was born six minutes before me, making him the eldest. He always teased that it makes him in charge and we've always lived our lives that way. I hate knowing that he won't be in the bedroom next door anymore, but I'm proud that my brother is going to be a hero for our country. It suits him.
"I love you." He whispers as he pulls me into a hug. "You're going to become a detective, I know it. One day, you're going to solve the biggest mystery the world has ever been faced with. I believe in you." Tears start welling up in my eyes once more and I consider what he's saying. Can I really become a detective? Is it actually something I'll be good at?
