The Reason Winter is My Favorite...

Chapter 3- Brandon's Mind

I was happy to have Leo and Co. Everybody understood me, they sympathized with me. Every inch of pain seemed to be healed just kind of having them around, they treated me with kindness while also giving me the care Leo provided to me throughout the years. These people were who I considered my family.

Despite Gury being the shy one of the group, Nicole was the one talking the least. She smiled anyway, glad to see us at the very least. I spoke to Brandon since he'd probably understand what's up with her. "Your sister talk much?" I whispered to him casually. In the background was Leo, Gury, and Nicole talking about what coffee was better, Starbucks or the stuff Nicole fixes up. Brandon- pretty much done with the conversation- turned to me and responded. "About as much as Gury. Though, she's roughly spoken a word since we got here." Having a past of anxiety and shyness, I know that lack of conversation is almost completely normal. "Any clue why?" I asked. "Well, she hasn't eaten anything today, that might be it..." Brandon spoke with a sigh. I heard is stomach growl, he hadn't eaten either, and yet he focused on me being more concerned about Nicole. I have to do something.

"Ay Leo!" I called. He turned to me with a smile. "Got any ingredients?"
"I have bacon. My Mom's shopping tomorrow."
"I'll be back in like 30 minutes, alright?" I called running out the door. Not sure what his reaction was, but knowing him he probably smiled and shrugged it off. He was always the kind of person to accept situations and deal with any consequences there may be.

I ran to the store and bought a bunch of things I thought everyone might like. I spent everything I had, really they deserve it. Amongst walking back into Leo's house I was cold. I had left my jacket inside, not giving a thought about the winter weather. Everyone was talking on the couches, this is a great time. I went to the kitchen and made breakfast for everyone. Everybody was so grateful, they thanked me, told me I didn't have to do that, they were all too nice to me... But best of all, Brandon and Nicole were full. I was glad to have done something for them, especially something like this.

Brandon and Nicole walked up to me later on and took me outside with them. Nicole was smiling a rather innocent, shy, slight smile. Brandon closed the door behind us. "Thank you, Reno..." Brandon spoke. "Truly, thank you... Mom and Dad haven't came home for days now, so our food is very limited... You don't understand how grateful we are..."
"No need to thank me, Brandon. Stop by my place sometime, I'm sure my Mother could cook something up for us sometime. Don't worry, Leo surprise visits all the time so, don't be shy!" I respond. Their faces lit up, Brandon let out a slight giggle, and-.... Nicole hugged me. I embraced her cold body gently, careful not to damage her fragile, young self. She let go, and we smiled at each other.

Brandon told Nicole to go inside, she gave me a kind "see you soon!" And entered the door, closing it behind her. "Since you shared your secrets with me, I should do something in return" he said with a slight frown. "Mom and Dad haven't came back home for a week now... Their jobs shouldn't have been a problem... And clearly they didn't just go shopping as they said beforehand... I think something is up but I refuse to accept it... Despite what we've been through, Nicole and I have given our most sincere love to our parents.... So... For them to possibly be gone.... I..." Brandon fought his tears, he was hurt at the thought of losing his loved ones, and as you could guess, I don't blame him. I know what's going on with him. He's fighting. He's fighting for Nicole and himself.

"Brandon, I know what it's like to lose loved ones, as I mentioned earlier... I don't blame your feelings, not one bit. You're holding up for Nicole's sake because she's really what you hold so dearly, I've roughly known you a day and I already see that, that says something. I'm here if you need me, hopefully we get to know each other a little more." I responded happily. "Yeah..." He sighed. "We should go back in, before of of us gets a cold. Don't think Leo would like either of us like that" I said with a giggle, followed by his own. "Yeah, of course! Also... Talk to Nicole sometime,  if you can help me, you'll do wonders for her."

After he said that, my mind wasn't asking how I could feel so close to people I just met. I wasn't thinking about going inside for warmth. I wasn't even thinking about Brandon for a second.
For what I was thinking of....
Was how happy I was to possibly make a difference in Nicole's life.