Home by Matthew Hall
Thomas
I'm almost done studying some practice questions for my exam next week when I hear the front door open, followed by welcoming voices from my parents. Noah's home. I close my notebook, immediately putting it aside for later. I catch up to Matt on the way down the stairs and we both greet Noah with a quick bro hug. My mom already grabbed his hockey bag and is bringing it to the laundry room, my Dad standing proudly next to him with his hand on his shoulder. It's good to have him home.
"You're home a day early." I say, realizing it's only Thursday. He was supposed to get home tomorrow night. The night Maddie was going to come and set up.
Maddie ended up asking me what day he was coming home. I was going to let her know on my own but I figured she would anyway, so I waited. I told her Friday, and I'm hoping I'll have time to explain what we're planning to Noah by then.
"Scheduling issue with games, it was pushed to next week so I asked coach if I could leave a day early and so, here I am." Noah sounds happy and excited, smiling big for our family. But I know my brother, and his eyes give it away, every time. He's exhausted. "So what'd I miss, huh?" Noah laughs.
Matt and my Dad immediately dive into his question, talking about school and work and the Leafs games that have been going on. I would too, but my mind is spinning trying to think of how to explain to him about this party on Saturday.
But as I stand there, Matthew does it for me. Of course.
"Perfect timing Noah, Sara's party is on Saturday." Matt smiles big, unaware of the fact that the piece of information could potentially be bad.
Just like I thought, Noah's face drops slightly. He tries to hide it, smiling as his eyes find mine. "You didn't tell me you were throwing Sara a party Thom, that's great."
I smile, nodding. "A surprise party."
The awkward tension between my brother and I fills the room enough that Matthew and my Dad feel it too. "I'll go put on the game, meet you there." My Dad takes his leave, walking out of the room.
"Yeah, me too. Happy you're home, Noah." Matt says, patting his back.
In a blink, it's just Noah and I standing in the foyer.
"A surprise party huh?" Noah laughs. "This girl must be special then."
I can't help the laugh that falls out of me. Feeling my stomach turn in knots, I head toward the stairs. I shake my head, licking my teeth. "Something like that."
"Am I invited?" Noah picks up his bags, following behind.
"Well, it will be at our house. So yes, you're invited." My voice sounds awkward, which is weird to think about because I'm talking to my brother.
"Invited because I'll be around or because I'm actually on the guest list?"
I shrug, "both?"
Noah laughs, walking into his room and dropping his bags into his bed. I stand in the doorway.
With his bag to me, he starts unzipping his duffel bag. Clearing his throat, I know what's coming. "Maddie will be there, obviously."
I bite the inside of my cheeks. "Yeah. She will." I don't know what to say, or how to say anything right.
"Does she know I'm going to be there?" Noah asks, his voice monotone.
"Yes, she does." I say quickly. When he stops what he's doing my mind begins to worry. I don't want this situation to ruin Sara's day. Not even a little bit. But I still want both Noah and Maddie to be okay.
