Me and Liam were the poster children for perfect couples. We were both smart, came from wealthy families, seen as beautiful to the public eye, perfect, as many say.
I loved him. I still love him. But there are complications.
And the complications are not my fault. You see, I didn't even know this particular complication existed.
Liam and his family had moved here 9 months ago. I met him in a coffee shop at the edge of town.
I always loved that coffee shop. I was having a bad day (yes, those exist for me too. Contrary to people believing I live the luxurious life my parents make it seem.) and I saw a cute guy sitting by himself at my usual spot.
I sat down with him. We introduced ourselves. We hung out. We exchanged numbers.
We stayed friends for about 3 weeks before he got the courage to ask me out. The date he took me on was perfect.
See how that word keeps coming up?
We fell in love. 2 people in college. We wanted excitement. We wanted love.
It had been just over 8 months for us, when I found out about him.
Him being that complication I was talking about earlier.
I knew Liam had a brother. I'd seen pictures of them as kids.
Other than the fact that this brother didn't live with the rest of the family, I didn't know anything about him.
Liam refused to talk about him. I didn't push it.
One day, I'd gone over to the Wright's household. It was right after they'd gotten back from a 2 week vacation.
I'd been invited, but between applications and preparation for college, I politely declined.
Liam has asked me to come over. Of course I agreed. I missed him while he was away.
So anyway, back to what I was saying.
I'd gone over to the Wright house. Mansion really.
I'd rung the doorbell.
I'd waited a minute.
And then Liam opened the door.
Only, it wasn't Liam.
At the time though, I didn't see this.
"Hey!" I had greeted him, pulling him close for a hug, which he'd returned with a skeptical look.
"How was the Caribbean? Did you get to see everything on your list?" I had asked, and in return I'd gotten a cocked head.
"I think you've got the wrong person."
His voice was the first giveaway. It was a little deeper, almost unnoticeable.
And then there was his hair. It was longer. Liam always kept his hair short.
And then there was the build. Once again, almost unnoticeable.
"Um.. Sorry, who are you?" I'd asked with an embarrassed chuckle.
"Name's Tyson." He grins.
"My name is Chloe. Nice to meet you." I put my hand out for him to shake, which he did.
This must be Liam's brother.
I had thought.
And of course I was right. Who else would he be?
"Chloe?" I heard someone say from above.
At the top of the staircase was Liam.
"I didn't here the bell. Sorry. Have you waited long?" He asked, coming down the stairs.
"No, not really. So do you wanna introduce us?"
"Oh, right. This is Tyson. My brother. And Tyson, this is Chloe, my girlfriend."
"Little Liam has a girlfriend? This is quite the surprise." Tyson said sarcastically.
Liam had just rolled his eyes and then he took my hand.
"We can hang out at your place instead."
"Why?"
"If you want."
"I'm fine here." I'd told him, and he nodded.
"Let's go upstairs."
"To the bedroom." Tyson raised his eyebrows, making me laugh.
"Let's go."
Once we were in his room, I waited for an explanation that he hadn't had the intention to give.
"Why didn't you tell me you're brother was coming to visit?"
"He's not here to visit. He's here to stay."
"You don't seem very happy."
"I'm not."
"Didn't you miss him?"
"We aren't close."
"But he's still family. Don't you love him?"
I yearned for a sibling. Sure, I had friends. But with my parents dedicating their lives to build up this face of protection, keeping everything perfect, it got hard at times.
Mom and dad really did love each other. Still do. And they're good parents.
But we lack the connection I want. The connection I see other kids having.
In answer to my question, Liam just shrugged.
"Well this house is definitely big enough for the both of you."
"I guess."
He was acting weird and I didn't like it.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Nothing." He gave me a small smile.
"Just missed you, that's all." He leaned in for a kiss.
I kissed back.
"I missed you too."
He'd gone on to tell me about the trip. All the sights and the beach. The resort and the weather. I'd listened. He seemed happier talking about anything else than his family. Particularly his brother.
So like always, I stayed out of it. He'd tell me if it were important.
