Our Little Secret {n.h}

chapter 14

"Lila Sutherland was a loving mother, wife and friend. For me, she was the best mother anyone could have ever asked for. She always took care of Ari and I. Even when she was gone, she would always find a way to send us care packages or call us after school to ask how our day was. I know it wasn't the ideal situation with her being gone so much, but after our dad passed, she made sure we had what we needed and that we were well taken care of." Jake cleared his throat and I momentarily closed my eyes, trying to keep it together. "My mom didn't deserve this, but I know she's up there in heaven smiling down at how everyone is here. She always liked big parties." Everyone kind of laughed and I couldn't help but smile, a tear falling from my eye.

Jake finished up after a few more minutes and he came back to sit next to me, grabbing my hand. I smiled a bit over at him and soon enough, they finished the service. Jake and I stood up as they folded the flag and I flinched as the guns were shot off, another tear falling. I closed my eyes and held the flag to my chest, feeling Jake wrap and arm around my shoulders. I leaned into my brother and watched them lower the casket into the ground. I really tried to keep myself together but I couldn't. Tears dripped down my cheeks and Jake rubbed up and down my arm, a few tears falling down his face too.

"Do you wanna come hang at the house?" Jake asked after they had finished and I nodded.

I gave Louise and Alex a hug as I passed them and followed Jake to his car, getting in the passenger seat. Louise had brought me here so he would have to take me home sometime. Guess it isn't my home for much longer. I shook the thought from my head and watched out the window at the passing gravestones. We made it onto the freeway and Jake kept the radio quiet as he drove towards the house and once there, I got out, taking the flag with me.

"Want some tea or anything?" Jake asked and I nodded, sitting down at the counter.

"Do you have coffee?"

"Anything for my baby sister." He rolled his eyes and I lightly laughed, kicking my boots off.

I watched as he put the pot of coffee on and once it was finished, he grabbed two mugs from the cabinet. I walked around the counter to fix mine and poured the coffee into a mug about three fourths of the way full. I added sugar and milk and took a sip, going to the living room. I sat on the couch next to Jake and pulled my legs up under my butt, leaning back on the couch. I drank my whole cup after a while and sat the mug on the side table, resting my head on Jake's shoulder.

"Tired?" Jake wondered and I nodded, closing my eyes. "I'll take you home later, alright?"

"Thanks, Jake."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I'll talk to you later, okay?" I told Jake, getting out of the car. "Thanks for the ride."

"Bye sissy poo." He cooed and I laughed, rolling my eyes.

"Bye."

I slung my bag over my shoulder and walked to the stairs, going upstairs to the apartment. I twisted the key in the lock and went inside, locking the door behind me. I knew Louise was home because the TV was on so I just went to my room, seeing her and Harry on the couch. Of course. I just shut my bedroom door behind me and looked around it, seeing the boxes and suitcases that were empty. I moved out in two days and I needed to start packing.

I unfolded a box and started putting my picture frames in it, wrapping them in bubble wrap so they wouldn't break. I taped up the box once it was full with pictures and set it to the side, getting another. I got the stuff in my desk from school and all my records along with the record player. Just as I was about to get another box, my door opened, Louise stepping in. She left the door opened and I just continued working, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.