Facing him again (complete)

Chapter 6 - My brother's arrival

"Here is some coffee Azora." I look up from my computer just in time to see my dad holding out a cup of coffee to me.

"Thanks dad." Mmm it smells good.

"So what are you up to sweet pea? It looks like smoke is going to come out of your ears from all the frowning and concentration." He chuckles to himself as if there is more behind what he just said.

"I'm trying to figure out a schedule for all my extra classes I have. Some of my students need one on one time to get them back on track not just academically but also emotionally. Most of them have personal issues that are holding them back. So my job is to try and help them with those issues so that they can move on with their lives." I close my laptop deciding to take a break and to enjoy my dad's company.

He looks like he is in deep thought so I just sit quietly looking at him. He still looks the same, broad strong shoulders, large strong arms, hands, and legs. My mom used to say his legs are like huge tree trunks. His black hair has gotten more grey and looks like he decided to keep the facial hair to a minimal. He has the same blue, grey eyes as me along with his oval shaped face. I actually forgot how much alike we look. My brother takes more after my mother, tall and skinny with almost white hair.

"So you're basically like a counselor?" I nod at my dad in reply. "I thought that all the surprises are out of the bag, but you still have some left I see. I'm proud of you my lady bug." I smile at his nickname he gave me since I was a baby.

"Thanks daddy. I hope that I will be able to make you proud of me for the rest of my life."

"Oh I have no doubt about that. You did so far and because I know your fighting spirit I know you will come very  far. You always complete the things that you put your mind to. It doesn't matter to you if it looks impossible to everyone else, you just jump head first in to it."

"It did not feel like that the first 3 years that I was gone" I mumble under my breath, but clearly my dad heard me, because he got up and sat next to me on the couch putting an arm around me.

"Don't you ever doubt yourself lady bug. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for. Just look at what you have achieved in these 5 years and under so much stress and uncertainty. Clearly you have grown up and might I add, you have grown up in to an astonishing woman. Damion doesn't know how big of a mistake he made" I smile slightly at what my dad said even though it's hard to hear his name after all these years. "but then again if it wasn't for him you wouldn't have turned out to be such a strong woman. I'm glad and proud of who you have become, my heart just breaks to know that to get to this point you had to go through so much heartache and pain.

"Thanks dad, I never thought of it in such a way."

"Azora! It's time to help me in the kitchen your brother should arrive in about three hours. He's bringing Suzanna with him. I'm so excited!"

I sigh before replying my mom. "I'm coming just a sec please." I Look back at my dad about to ask a question, but he beat me to it answering me before I could even ask. "Suzanna is your brother's girlfriend."

"The one you think he's going to propose to?"

"That's the one kiddo." I stand up and give my dad a great big bear hug and a kiss on the cheek before I disappear into the kitchen.

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Cooking with my mom was very enjoyable it's like I never even left, but my mind was still on the fact that my brother was going to propose to her. I really hope that he's making the right decision. I close my eyes and sink deeper into the tub deciding to let it go and just relax while I can.

My eyes snap open as I hear my parents downstairs talking excitedly. My brother has arrived. Why am I so nervous all of a sudden? It's not like I need to be, he is my brother after all. Maybe it's the fact that I haven't seen or talked to him in a very long time. We lost connection 3 years ago and I haven't heard of him since. As I get out of the bath I hear my dad telling them I should be down soon, at the same time there is a knock at my door. "Honey your brother and Suzanna is here."

"Thanks mom I'll be there ... soon."

"Are you okay Azora? You don't sound good." Dam why did my voice have to deceive me?

"I'm okay mom just ..." I sigh loudly. "I'm nervous." I sound like a small child again

"Can I come in sweet heart?" I wrap myself in my towel before telling her she can come in. My mom rushes to me and hugs me tightly. "Azora don't be nervous I know he is going to be thrilled to see you and Suzanna is a very nice person. Do you want me to send Keven up? Then you can see him first before Suzanna" I ponder on the thought for a bit but decided that I'm an adult know and I'm not the shy girl I used to be. "No, it's okay I'll be downstairs in ten minutes. Thanks anyway mom."

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Ten minutes later I stood at the top of the staircase ready to go to the living room. I descend down the staircase but stop half way when I hear a female voice, probably Suzanne's.

"I can't believe she has the audacity to show up suddenly after all this time. She should have stayed where she came from. Can't she see she has put you through hell?" She doesn't sound happy and my little bit of confidence slips away.