𝒸𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝒾𝓉 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉

[Chapter 4] My Delinquent Brother

"How are you not exhausted?" Dakota groans, flopping down on her dorm bed. "Campus tours are the worst."

"Well, thanks for going with me anyway," I say honestly, zipping up my athletic jacket. "I know you hate it but I seriously appreciate your moral support."

Dakota shrugs. "Eh, it's not that bad, I guess. I was just hoping there'd be more fine specimen out of the newbies this year."

I shrug indifferently. If there's one thing Dakota always has on her mind---it's men.

"Although..." she hums thoughtfully, sideways glancing at me. "That new guy you were talking to was definitely...easy on the eyes."

I scoff, knowing exactly who she's referencing to. 

"Hey." she holds her hands up in innocence. "I told you I saw the tension, I respect it if you finally wanna lay claim on a guy. I've gotten dibs on every guy since Freshman year."

I let out a short laugh as I grab my purse and settle it over my shoulder. "I'm good, thanks." I shake my head slightly, at even the thought. "I'm gonna head out, D. I won't be long."

"O-kayyy." she widens her eyes, pressing her lips into a thin line. "You going home?"

"Yeah, just for a little bit." I shrug a shoulder. "I figure there's a better chance of seeing Hunter there than at his dorm."
"Just don't be disappointed if he's not." Dakota pulls her phone out of her back pocket. "I know how much you get your hopes up."

I scowl defensively. "I do not."

"Sure..." she mumbles, enthralled with whatever cat video she's now watching on her phone.

"Okay, well---I'll see you in a little bit." I grab my key lanyard off our shared nightstand before walking the short distance to the door of our dorm. "Bye!"

"Bye..." she waves me off and I roll my eyes some before walking out the door, making sure it closes and automatically locks behind me.

The drive to my mom's house is only about thirty minutes, but it feels like a lifetime.

I remember when she sprung the extra cash to house me in one of the more furnished of the dorms offered---her reasoning was so I wouldn't have to waste any time with 'unnecessary driving'.

Now, here I am, doing just that.

Although, considering how much she counts on me to keep an eye on Hunter, I'm sure she would understand.

I turn back onto the familiar street I just left this morning, feeling like I drove here on autopilot.

I probably could honestly, while I haven't lived here my whole life---it's the only home I remember.

Turning into the driveway, I pull in beside Hunter's car, breathing a small sigh of relief. I kill the headlights and the engine before getting out.

On top of that, I lock the doors---once, twice and then I check the door handle a couple times just to make sure. Mom insists we live in a safe neighborhood. 

I'm a little more wary.

I make my way up the walkway, mentally preparing myself for whatever abrasive conversation we're about to have, if we have one at all.

Hunter has always been distant and moody as long as I can remember but lately? It's been on a whole different level.

I slip in through the front door, announcing my presence with a casual, "hello?"

Sure enough, as I walk further into the house, I hear rummaging around in the kitchen and I'm greeted with the familiar, sarcastic voice of my brother.

"What are you doing home? Aren't you supposed to be at school, getting ready for another awesome year with all of your friends?"