Loving, My Best Friend's Brother

Chapter 9: The Unexpected Visitor

I rubbed my eyes together to make sure what I was seeing was right. Putting my book bag aside, I cautiously stepped inside my room, my eyes solidly focused on the little figure sitting on the edge of my bed.

As I got closer I could see him more clearly, it was Oliver.

I rushed to his side when I noticed he was crying his little eyes out. He immediately snuggled up to my side, wrapping his little hands around my waist, and resting his head on my shoulder.

What caught my attention the most was what he was wearing, a blue colored jacket, mismatched shoes, and a spiderman backpack was slung over his shoulder.

"Ollie," I said softly. He looked up at me with red eyes, and began crying even more.

I placed my hand on the small of his back and began to rub soothingly, "Shh...tell me what happened Ollie?"

I gave him a reassuring smile moving my hand to place it on his little shoulder instead. He sniffed, and stopped crying, "Mama..." he said through small sobs, "and papa are fighting."

My blood boiled as I watched Oliver begin to cry again, and all I could think about is why in the world would they argue in front of this adorable toddler.

"I didn't expect him." Ethan said as he came into my room, startling Oliver. I directed my attention to him. I must have gave him an infuriating stare because he took a step back, and put his hands up in surrender.

"Does your brother, or sister know where you are?" I asked Oliver, and he shook his head to the side before burying his face back into his small hands.

I got up from the bed and walked towards Ethan, "I need to call Elisabeth."

He tried his hardest not to roll his eyes, but failed miserably. Did I mention my best friend, and brother don't exactly get along?

Honestly, I have no idea why.

"Stay with him okay," Ethan looked extremely uncomfortable and shook his head in protest, but I ignored him. I swiftly grabbed my phone, and stepped into the hall way so I was out of ear shot.

Holding the phone to my ear, I waited for it to ring. Liz didn't pick up, and I tried calling a few more times to no avail. I left her a voicemail before deciding that I should call Ryan instead. As much as I didn't want to, this wasn't about me.

Again I waited for that ring, but this time it was nerve-wracking. It only rang once before Ryan's voice boomed through the small speaker, "What the hell do you want Avaly?"

His tone caught me by surprise, "I -uh.."

"I'm extremely busy right now!," he shouted, but I could hear the distress and concern laced in his voice. Which was the only reason why I wasn't shouting back at him for answering me so rudely.

"Listen to me...," again he didn't let me finish, and interrupted me.

"I don't have time for your stupid little games Avaly."

"Will you just shut the hell up and listen," I hissed through the phone, "Oliver is fine he's with me."

I heard Ryan sigh, "I've been looking for him everywhere. I should have known he would go to you."

"Yeah he's been here for quite some time now."

"I'm on my way to get him," he announced, and I could hear the sound of an engined being revived.

"No no," I quickly said, "he's fine right now, and just needs a little time to get over it."

"Hell no I'm not leaving him with you," it felt like a slap on the face when he said that. My fist clenched in anger.