Happier With You | ✓

Chapter 21

**TRIGGER WARNING**

3 Things i am excited about.

Today is thanksgiving, Cody's surgery is in a month, and i get to see my twin brother again!

It's kinda weird to say that because just a couple months ago i didn't even know he existed.

We arranged for Cody and Gigi to stay in our guest room for the next few days because their parents were out of town.

Soon Cody Gigi, And Sage will all be siblings.

Yay being left out even more!

I was grocery shopping with my mom and dad, my mom insisted that we have rolls, and potatoes.

So much starch.

"I guess we have to go to another store for the garlic." My dad explained.

"Honey, we have garlic powder why can't you use that?" She asked.

He let out a laugh before picking up 3 mangos.

"Because it's simply not the same thing, my love." He said.

"It is.." My mom protested.

"That's why we leave the cooking to Iris and i." He kissed her forehead before pushing the cart over to the dairy section.

Seeing my parents in love after all that they've been through bought me so much joy.

When we got home, the house smelled like warm spices, and roasted vegetables.

My mom and dad were already busy in the kitchen, arguing over whether or not we needed more gravy. Cody was lounging on the couch.

I kicked off my shoes and plopped next to him

He gave me a sideways glance and smirked. "Back from your starch adventure?"

"Yes, we got all the potatoes your heart could ever desire. You're welcome." I rolled my eyes, nudging him with my elbow.

He chuckled. "I'll be thinking of those potatoes when i'm in surgery next month."

"Don't even joke about that." I swatted his arm, playfully."

"Okay, okay." He laughed holding his hands up in surrender. "No surgery jokes."

We fell into a comfortable silence for a moment. I turned to look at him, taking in the way his face softened when he wasn't trying to be sarcastic or hide behind the humor.

The weight of everything, his surgery, thanksgiving, his parent's wedding.. and it just made life heavy, but he made it seem lighter somehow.

"So." He said, breaking the silence. "Are you going to miss me when i'm in surgery?"

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Oh, absolutely. But i'll be right there."

"Plus who'll make fun of my crying when i see you." I added.

"See?" He grinned, leaning closer. "You're totally lost without me."

I laughed. "Maybe i'll enjoy the peace and quiet for once." 

He gasped dramatically clutching his chest. "Wow. And here i was thinking you'd be lost without my charm."

I smiled at him. "Charm? Is that what we're calling it now?"

"You know you love it." He nudged me, his smile softened. "I'm serious, though. I'm kinda freaking out about the surgery."

I met his eyes, the playful tone fading. "I know i'm scared too."

He reached for my hand, lacing his fingers through mine. "It'll be okay, though. We'll get through this."

"Together." I smiled.