The Love One Has for his Brother

A Getway from Reality

After what seemed like forever, Gilbert finally pulled out the front of a shop which I assumed was my uncles. It looked tired and rundown just like the rest of the town. Old advertisement stickers covered the shop front window and the sign was rusty and crooked.

We sat in his truck for a little while, looking up and down the street. There wasn't much there. Just a few businesses and a liquor shop. The place seemed isolated......lonely.
"I know it doesn't look like much but it's what's keeping me and my family afloat".
I turned and gave him an assuring smile.

I didn't notice how windy it was until I hopped out of the truck. A slight shiver went down my back even though I was wearing a jumper.

The shop smelt of rusty nails and sweat. Not exactly the most desirable smell for a little grocery store.

My uncle sat behind the counter reading his newspaper. I liked my uncle. He only talked when necessary and left me alone to do my own thing most of the time. He didn't really care much for his looks, just wore the same ripped t-shirt and jeans everyday. He was simple. I liked that about him.

Gilbert came in after me.
I thought he was only dropping me off?
"Good Morning Sir".
My uncle looked up from his newspaper momentarily before going back down again.
"Ah...Uncle? What can I do?".
I looked around the store. They didn't have much stock because their shelves were half empty. The lights were weak and the floor was in need of desperate repair. The shop overall looked sad and depressed.
"Gilbert".
"Yes Sir?".
"I am leaving you in charge of my niece. Make sure you two lock up before you go. I've decided to go home early today to spend time with my family".
My uncle got up and left a set of rusty keys before leaving.

I turned around and looked at Gilbert.
"Okay. Mr Gilbert. What is it that I have to do?".
He laughed at my joke.
"I don't really know".
He looked around a little puzzled, trying to think of jobs that I could do. He walked to the front of the shop and peered outside.
"Your Uncles gone".
"So?"
"So we can leave now".
I looked at him confused.
"Do we need to pick something up from somewhere?"
A big grin spread across his face.
"You could say that".
I looked at him suspiciously as he locked up the shop and led me to his truck.
~~~
I fell asleep and woke up startled because of how dark it was outside.
I turned around and found a very tired looking Gilbert.
"Gilbert where are we going? If your too tired, let me drive".
He turned to me and softly put a finger to my lips.
"Shhhh. We're nearly there okay"
With his words I  rested my head against the window and fell asleep once more.
~~~
"Kaziah".
Someone was whispering my name.
"Kaziah. Wake up, we're here. Wake up".
I opened my eyes to find myself surrounded in complete darkness.
"Gilbert?".
I opened the door trying to feel my way around.
"Gilbert?".
Still no answer. Knots were starting to form in the pit of my stomach.
"Gil-". Someone grabbed my hand from in front and started leading me towards this giant water tower.
"Gilbert? Is that you?".
A reassuring "Shhhhhhh" replied.
We suddenly stopped and he let go of my hand.
I thought I was by myself until a soft piece of fabric covered my eyes. I chuckled.
"Gilbert what are you doing?".
He grabbed my hand and led me to what seemed to have been stairs.
~~~
We were walking up these stairs to what seemed like eternity.
I felt my chest tightened. Crap! I forgot about my asthma.
"Gilbert. I can't go any further. My lungs are aching".
We came to a complete stop and he undid my blindfold.
I stood there speechless. The lights from down below created this picturesque scene.
I turned to Gilbert who seemed impressed with my reaction.
"H-how do you know about this place?".
He grabbed me by the waist and pulled me close. Playing with the loose bits of hair that came out of my braid.
"My dad use to take me here a lot when I was younger. He called it his 'Little Secret Getaway'".
I smiled at the thought of a father and his son sharing a close relationship with each other.
"Where is he now?".
His grip tightened around my waist and I sensed his sudden change in attitude.
"He left".
Gilbert sighed and faced me, his dark hazel eyes burrowing into mine.
"He left.....because he was ashamed that he had a disabled son. He was embarrassed of Arnie. He tried to convince my mom to give Arnie up for adoption but she refused. So he left us....As if we made one big mistake".
The pain he had for his father was still evident.

I hugged him and whispered softly in his ear.
"Your dad was the one who made the mistake. He didn't see how good he had it".
He smiled and pulled me closer.

Hey guys! I hope your enjoying the story so far(: I apologise if this chapter seems crabby but I promise to make it up in the following chapters! For those who like the story I'll really appreciate it if you vote!
If you have any questions regarding the characters or the story line please do not hesitate to contact me on my page or in the comment section(:
P.S if you guys want I can start adding pictures of what the characters are wearing or where the scene takes place(:
One love<3