Where It All Began~Emblem3

Chapter 2

            My life could not get better right now. Emblem3 is like my family. Wesley is like my husband, Keaton is like my brother, and Drew is like my dad. We’re all a big happy family! But let me tell you, it took a lot to get it this way. In fact, it all started when I was only two years old.

            My sister, Kiara, was in the same kindergarten class as Wesley. They became friends quickly, and they still are. Eventually, my entire family was invited to the Strombergs’ family for dinner, even me, and I was only two. They said it was fine that I come because they had a three year old boy, Keaton. And my brother, Edward, wasn’t born yet.

            Keaton and I kicked it off fast. And our parents swore that I was more mature than him, even though I was a year younger. Looking back on it, it reminds me of that Taylor Swift song, Mary’s Song (Oh My My My) except with a different ending. Our daddies used to joke about the two of us, growing up and falling in love, and our mammas smiled, and rolled their eyes. They did joke about us, but they would have never guessed that I would fall in love with Wesley.

            I only fell for Wesley a couple months ago. And up until that day, both of our families were watching intently, waiting for Keaton and me to fall in love and get married. And to tell you the truth, I think Keaton was hoping it would happen too.

            I think the best day of my life, besides when I started dating Wesley, was when Emblem3 got four yeses in their audition for X factor. I wasn’t able to go because I had my first dance competition early the next day back in Washington. But I remember watching them on TV and killing it!

            Now that I think about it though, there was one day when I was in fourth grade. Keaton was in fifth, Wesley was in seventh, and Drew was in eighth. Keaton had asked me to meet up with him at the playground. But when I got there, he wasn’t. I decided to wait for him on the bench when a little kid came up to me. “What’s your name?” He asked.

            “Hilary,” I answered.

            “You’re pretty,” The kid said. “Do you have a boyfriend?” I had never considered having a boyfriend before, since I was only ten. But if I did want a boyfriend, it surely wouldn’t be this kid.

            “Um, no,” I said.

            “Can I be your boyfriend?” The kid asked.

            “Who are you?” I asked, avoiding his question. “And how old are you?”

            “I’m Jake,” He said. “Second-grader.” He thrust his hand out for me to shake. I didn’t shake it, which irritated him. “Do you wanna be my girlfriend or don’t ya?!”

            “No thank you,” I said shyly.

            “Why not?” Jake asked.

            “I just…” I started.

            But I got saved. “She said she doesn’t wanna!” I didn’t notice Keaton come over here. “Now leave her alone!”

            “You’re not the boss of me!” Jake protested.

            “But I can tell your mom that you were hitting on a fourth-grader!” Keaton threatened.

            “No!” Jake cried. “Please don’t tell my mom! I’ll leave her alone! I promise!” With that, Jake sprinted away and out of the playground.

            “Thanks KeaStro,” I said. “Why did you want to meet me here?”

            “I wanted to give you something,” Keaton said, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a gold locket. “Here.”

            “Keaton it’s beautiful!” I said. I looked into his eyes. I looked at you like the stars that shine in the sky.

            “Let me put it on you,” Keaton said. I turned around and lifted up my hair and felt the locket string around my neck. “Look inside it.” Inside, there was a picture of me and Keaton together. Wesley was in the picture too, but I guess he just cut him out.

            We were on vacation with the Strombergs a year before and we were getting ice cream.

            “I love it,” I practically whispered.

            That was a really great day too. But thinking back on it is weird, because Jake, that little boy, was really Drew’s brother.