Best Friend's Brother: Chapter One

I Can't Keep Lying

I tossed my phone on the coffee table and rubbed my face as I leaned back on the couch.

I can't keep doing this to her.

I ran my hands through my hair and pulling on it. I heard someone coming down the stairs and turned to see Avyana.

"What's on your mind? You look upsetti spaghetti." She wrapped her arms around my shoulders and put her head on my shoulder.

"I can't keep doing this to her, Av," I sighed, "I can't keep lying to her."

"So tell her the truth. She's your sister. There's nothing you could do to make her rip away from your life. She's pulled countless all-nighters just to make sure you came home; she packed lunches for you when you were basically drunk off no sleep. She never asks for anything from you, and she never once, from what you've told me, just abandoned you or Kari for any reason even though she has had thousands of opportunities. Harry, there is nothing you could possibly say or do to make her abandon you." Avyana kissed my head and stood up.

"It's easier said than done. I've lied to her for so long, and she's always open with me. She's going to be heartbroken by her brother, and that shouldn't happen." I angrily rubbed my face. "I'm supposed to be the strong one, I'm supposed to be the head of the house, I'm supposed to be taking care of them, not Jessica! I'm supposed to be the caretaker!"

"Harry, look at me," Avyana demanded, and I turned to her with tears in my eyes, "You were doing the best that you could while at the Factory. All you need to do is kick your ass in gear, and everything will go back to normal okay? Jessica took over because you couldn't be here to be in charge."

"The normal is having Jessica in charge, Av." An angry tear rolled out of my eye, "Jessica has been in charge since she started middle school. She has been working non-stop since she turned fifteen to help with groceries, bills, and everything else. She has made everything look amazing since the first time the man in the black suit came to the door. She has been saving my ass since day one." I paused and took a deep breath, "Jessica is the best thing to happen in my life. She has kept Kari and me out of jail; always made sure there was food on the table and clothes on our backs; always made sure we had somewhere to sleep and kept me clean for months up until last week when I ruined it."

Avyana was quiet. She looked at the neatly lined row of shoes on the rack next to the door. She took in the beauty of the house, the cleanliness of everything. 

Dust? Never heard of it. Crooked pictures? Are you on drugs? The throw pillows looked as if they had never been touched, but I had spent countless nights on them. The few movies we had were stacked neatly on the entertainment center. The whole room looks like it's from an HGTV magazine.

Avyana hopped over the couch and sat beside me. I lied my head on her shoulder. "She deserves better," I whispered and closed my eyes. A thought crossed my mind, and I shot up off of Avyana.

"That's it!" I exclaimed, "I'll have her live with Amanda!"

"Who's Amanda?"

"Her mom! She was just adopted so I can have her live with Amanda so she can have a break!" I got up off the couch and ran to the kitchen to grab the landline phone.

"Harry, shouldn't you talk to Jessica first to see if she even wants to live with her?" Avyana put her hands on her hips. I put the phone down and sighed.

"I know I should talk to her first but I feel like she's going to reject the idea because she 'has to make sure we don't kill ourselves.'" I rolled my eyes. Avyana wrapped her arms around my waist.

"You're going to be just fine without her here, but you need to make sure it's okay with her first before you just drop her with her mom. You should also check with Amanda first to make sure it's okay for both her and Melody to stay there," A flash of realization crossed her face, "She's moving in with her friends soon isn't she?"

"Oh, that's right!" I wrapped my arms around her, "I'm so glad I have you." I leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. 

My heart started racing as I looked into her eyes and I had a realization of my own, "I love you, Avyana."

She was shocked for a second before a huge smile grew on her face, "I love you too, Harry."