Falling Apart

c h a p t e r t w e n t y f o u r

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Once the movie comes to an end, I feel myself begin to grow tired, my eyes begin to shut but I force them open.

My head is resting on a cushion and my legs are on top of Elias's thighs. I sit up ever so slightly, to see Elias asleep on the couch. I stay there for a long moment, taking him in.

I haven't really had the chance to do this, I never had the chance to really appreciate him.

I slowly stand up, attempting not to awaken Elias. I walk up the stairs toward my room, but before I'm able to go inside, Aubrey stops me by exiting her room.

She smiles at me, walking slowly and quietly toward me. I stop, with my hand on the door handle looking at her.

"Hey" she whispers to me, I return a smile.

"Sorry if I woke you"

I shake my head, "no, no. Don't worry, you didn't" I reassure her as she smiles back at my statement.

Concern overwhelms me as I look in her eyes. Her sad, sorrowful eyes.

"What's wrong" I ask, genuinely curious.

She looks down at the floor, licking her lips, then looking back up at me.

"I'm leaving"

I shake my head, "what? Why? Where will you go?" I ask confused.

"There's a great job offer in Spain, it would do me a great deal of money and I would be able to start my life over. I came here not only to see you, but to make sure you and a place to stay, a job, and are happy" she looks down the railing straight Elias.

"And from what I can see" she looks back over at me smiling, not finishing her sentence. "I just wanted to make sure you're ok, Mer. And you are. So I'm leaving... now, so I need to be there as soon as possible. I know this is last minute and I shouldn't have kept this from you. It's also in a whole other country. I'm sorry, I'm a horrible sister-

I interrupt her by going in for a hug. I hug her tightly as she returns the hug and cry's in my shoulder.

I pull away, my hand on her shoulders, keeping arms length away from her and smiling brightly.

"I'm so proud of you, Aubrey. You're fighting for what you want and I'm so damn happy for you. I'll be ok. You'll still visit right?" I ask.

She smiles at me, nodding, "every chance I get"

"Now go, you need to get packing" I laugh between my breathes, attempting to stay quiet. She nods her head, mouthing ok and walking back toward her room.

Soon after, I open my bedroom door and walk toward my side of the wardrobe looking for comfortable pyjamas.

I will miss her, she's my sister. But I'm so happy for her and glad that she's going to be ok and finally get everything she's ever wanted.

I slouch, annoyed that I don't feel any of what I have is for what I want to wear tonight. I turn my head, looking at Elias's side of the closet and walking to grab a long t-shirt and his boxers.

The least I could do is respect him this time.

I get changed, leaving my dirty clothes in our laundry basket and walking out the room, shutting the door behind me.

I walk down the stairs, keeping quiet so I don't wake Elias up. I see Aubrey at the door, two suitcases by her sides and a backpack around her back.

She smile at me, walking toward me, as do I to her. I hug her tightly, holding back my tears so she won't regret leaving.

I pull away, "when will I next see you?" I ask.

"Two months tops?" I smile, nodding my head.

"Make sure you keep me updated" I say.

Her smile breaks down and her tears are now pouring out her eyes. She shoulders begin to tremble, so I go in for a hug one more time.

"I'll miss you so much, Mer" she says between her silent tears.

"I'll miss you too, Aubrey. But this is a new life for you. A better life"

I pull away, looking her in the eyes, "now go, and don't look back" I say.

She nods her head, grabbing her bags and walking out the door toward her Uber. I smile, a single tree falling down my cheek.

I look down, shutting the door behind her and walking back to the couch.

Elias is now led on his side across the couch. I spoon myself in him, as his arm goes over my body, holding me tightly and comfortably.

Another tear falls down my cheek, and a gentle kiss is placed in my head.

"This is for the best" he reassures me as I did for Aubrey a few moments ago. I slowly nod my head, closing my eyes.

I pull out my hand, and hold onto his, interlocking them. I gently place a soft kiss on the top of his and close my eyes.

I hate that she couldn't have a better life with me. That she didn't.

But she will be happy. And I'm so happy for her.