Complicated

Chapter 23

I don't get home until about eleven, I was with Gavin for a while. I don't mind though, he keeps me company and vise versa.

As I step in through the door, I notice the kitchen light is still on. Walking slowly to the source, I notice my brother sitting at the table, face in his hands.

"Bella?" Devon lifts his head to look at me, obviously hearing the front door close behind me.

He looks terrible. His eyes are blood shot, and there are dark circles under them, making him look older than he is.

"Yeah," I whisper. I watch him get up from his seat, taking two large steps towards me, trapping me between the stone walls he's calls arms. I hug him back, feeling slightly bad that he was worrying about my departure.

"I'm so, so, so sorry for everything. I was being hot headed and stubborn, I was a horrible excuse for a brother. I should've been there for you, beat up all those who were calling you those names-"

I cut him off, I hate hearing the pain that's clear in his voice, in his words. "It's okay, Devon. I forgive you."

I don't remember ever agreeing to forgiving him, but listening to him blabber on about how he's sorry, I get it, I'm a sucker when it comes to my brother. What can I say?

"You do?" Devon pulls away, a shocked expression on his face. I just want to laugh at his expression, but I hold it in.

"Yes. We all make mistakes, Devon. I was just...hurt that my older, protective brother didn't do anything to stop me from getting insulted, just because I went on one date with a guy you don't like." Sure, Devon was an asshole for not sticking up for me, but he's my brother and I can't just cut him out of my life.

"I'm so glad to hear you say that," Devon sighs in content. Giving me another big hug, pretty much squeezing the living day lights out of me.

I feel as though a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I took two very huge steps today. Forgiving Gavin, kissing Gavin, and agreeing to go on yet another date with Gavin. I forgave my brother for all the shit he's done, or in my case, didn't do. Yes I know, there's still going to be kids at school probably making fun of me, but at least I know Devon will be on my side along with Gavin.

"Now that that is out of the way, where have you been, young lady?" Devon scolds, pushing me away from his chest and crossing his arms.

"Um, just out."

"'Just out' what kind of answer is that?"

"It's my answer, duh." I can't help, but love getting under his skin.

"Let's try this again, where have you been all night, Bella?" Oh great, he's using his parental voice.

"I was...at a friends," I tell him. "Goodnight!"

I wasn't going to tell Devon where I was, so I said that and walked up to my room. Can you blame me for not telling?

After getting ready for bed, I get under the covers, putting my ear buds into my ears and turning on a song.

I always found it easier to fall asleep while listening to music then without. I guess I've just had to much on my plate to remember.

The song Never Gonna Change by Broods comes on and I'm immediately placed into the land of serenity.

***
When I wake up, I'm happy to know that it's Friday! Well, and my date with Gavin is tonight. Mostly the second one.

I shower and get ready for school, dressing in a pair of washed, ripped, jeans with a brown belt, and a grey hoodie from Pink.