When Paths Intertwine

Chapter 1

I folded the letter neatly and put it back in its cheap envelope. It was from my old high school telling me about an upcoming event. The description was very vague, only telling me to expect another letter soon. Why not just spill me the whole story now?

It's been 2 years since I've graduated and I can't say that much has changed. Not with me at least.

Honestly graduating high school was not at all like everyone puts it to be. Just like starting high school, you forget and adapt and it's like you were always there. Or in the graduating sense, always gone.

One thing I did love about my highschool though. Is that I was in the same class as Zayn Malik. To be honest I was in the same school as him for most of elementary school and all of middle school. But he never really knew me. And he still doesn't.

But I know so much about him. You know being a directioner and all.

I picked up my phone and admired the new bejewelled case I just bought when it started ringing its default ringtone. I keep meaning to change it to one of my favourite songs but I always forget.

I look at the screen and it says Drew, my brother.

"Hey" I say after picking up.

" hey" he says back. " how are you?"

" I'm fine Drew. How about you?" I say. I almost laugh. We say these same at the beginning of every phone conversation.

" I'm alright. So I visited mom yesterday"

My heart sped up. " Oh. How is she doing?" I ask. I really hope he says something good.

" Lily she's bad again " Drew says quietly. My heart sinks to my knees. We both stay quite for a minute.

" Is- nvm" I stop myself from asking questions I already know the answer too.

" We can barely afford this rehab anymore Lili. And she's just getting worse. The doctors say it's because she has no motivation" Drew sighs on the other end. I stay quite. The rehab programs are really expensive and this monthly rate is keeping us both stretched too far.

" I'll get a second job" I offer. But I know he'll never let me get it because

"Lily you are a medical student. You need to focus on your collage. It's hard to become a doctor okay" He says.

Well because that. I sigh. Ever since dad left and mom got her drinking problem Drew took over as my parents. Taking care of our school fees. The house bills. Our food. He had to mature too fast. He was only 17.

I was 11.

" aren't we enough motivation?" I whisper.

" Lili I thought you figured out the answer to that many years ago" he said sadly. I crawl deeper into the sofa and look out the window at the rising sun. I want to change the topic so I ask.

" how's your family?"

" they are good. The kids are asleep. So is Kate." He says smiling. His family is so beautiful. I'm happy he has them.

" how are Zac and Brenda?" He asks.

" the kids are asleep" I answer. He laughs. We're talking about my two roommates. I love to joke around saying I'm there mother since there so irresponsible. But I love them to death.

" I'm gonna go wake up my family Lily. Take care of yourself." He says.

" oh ok good bye. And you too" I say.