Thirteen Summers

six

J O S I E

That next morning, I was up early. I had gotten myself ready, my bag was already packed the night before leaving more than enough time for me to have breakfast without any rush.

I was sitting in the dining room having breakfast with Caleb, it was just the two of us since the latter had his private football training and the other two, Nick and Madison, didn't have to be up this early during summer break and Cameron was away on his business trip.

l was finishing off my bagel when Kai walked in. He wore a crisp, navy blue suit, tailored to perfection with a deep red tie, a clip keeping it in place.

Kai grabbed a croissant off the breakfast spread table, taking a huge bite before walking back out of the room.

I suddenly looked down at my casual outfit which consisted of a plain white tank top, baggy blue jeans, sneakers and a pink cardigan.

"Don't worry about what you're wearing." Caleb reassured me, putting his glass of orange juice down. "Kai's interning at our company and today's his first day so that's why he's dressed all smart."

"Ohhh.." I mumbled in understanding but curiosity dawned on me again, "How old is he?"

"Sixteen." My twin lifted a brow at me, momentarily forgetting I hadn't known about them until the day I arrived here then realisation washed over his face. "Kai's starting junior year so technically he doesn't have to intern until next summer but it'll look good on his college applications."

I mulled his words over until I realised that Caleh referred to my brothers' place of work as "our company."

Roman joined us so I put my attention back on my breakfast and we all ate in comfortable silence. Kai returned and poured himself a cup of coffee before taking a seat.

I didn't notice how much resemblance there was between Kai and Roman until I saw them in the same room, looking put together in their expensive suits. However, Roman looked like a seasoned professional whereas Kai's boyish face betrayed him.

I noticed Roman check his watch, he stood up after and straightened his suit. He looked between both Kai and I before he spoke.

"In my car in five minutes." Roman announced then turned to Caleb. "Caleb, train hard."

"See ya, Rome." Caleb responded, nodding at him.

I finished my juice and hurriedly said my goodbyes to Caleb as I ran back to my room to get my backpack.

It turns out I was the last to get it into the car, on time but the looks my brothers gave me were enough to make me feel like I'd already started the day on a bad note. The two talked amongst each other about work things whereas I had my headphones to occupy me on the ride to the office.

I walked closely behind the two as we made our way to the entrance. Roman was still briefing Kai about the workplace, the latter nodding keenly as he listened, until the eldest of the two suddenly stopped and turned to face me.

Roman reached an arm out towards me, expectedly and I reluctantly stepped forward, allowing him to place it around my shoulders to lead me to walk in front.

An odd feeling came over me at the unfamiliar contact, on one hand I felt warm inside because I almost felt like family and on the other, I was uncomfortable because I'd always hated being touched by strangers. I wondered if I was simply overthinking everything, like I always was, so I brushed it off and focused on my brothers' conversation.

"-and this isn't the football field, this is the real world." Roman warned the younger of the two, who was looking more nervous as the time to work came closer.