Brotherly Love: Chapter Two

Brotherly Love: Chaper Two

Chapter 2: Happy Birthday

I stumbled into the apartment. Making sure to lock the door behind me. I tried not to be as loud but these wooden floors were betraying me. I took a look at my surroundings. The place was neat and tidy but dark and cold.

I fall to the couch and let out a breath of relief. It's times like this where Hope would help take me up and use her little body to guide me to my bedroom.

Grace was different though. She would let me sleep on the couch in peace knowing I don't like to be bothered. Especially with a day like tomorrow coming up.

I let my thoughts wonder , before I knew it , I was dreaming.

Dream

"Caleeb I miss you". I hear Hope's voice whimper.

I couldn't see her. Her voice seems so close but she seemed so far away. I look up and there she was . In a White meshed dress , her face pure with no makeup. Her right hand was outstretched towards me.

Soon enough she was in front of me. I could feel her hand pressed against my cheek. How smooth and soft it felt. How much I missed her touch.

I look into her brown eyes . How I missed the warmth and inviting feeling they give off. She leans in so close it was as if our lips were touching . I miss her lips . I miss waking up to kiss her in the morning . How soft they were.

"Caleeb". She whispers again. She seems cold , I could tell by the way her face became pale within seconds.

"Hope , I miss you so much". My heart started to break all over again . It was cracking by the second and I wanted it to be true . Her right now , standing in front of me , with her tiny palm pressed against my face.

"I need you to let go of me Caleeb , I know it's hard but you have to let go of me". She had so much concern in her voice .

"I can't". My head hung low , I could feel the tears building up inside my eyes. How could she ask me to do such a thing . Let go of her then who will I hold on to ? . All I have is memories, does she want me to forget those too?.

"Caleeb". She became distant again . I look up and she was being pulled away from me. I held my hand out but it was too late , I couldn't save her , I couldn't get her back.

"Caleeb....". Her voice trails off , I opened my mouth to yell her name but nothing came out.

End of Dream

"Hope!". I yell heavily jumping out of my sleep. I look around the room , shocked , terrified, heartbroken.

"Do you want breakfast ?". Grace voice calls to me.

Her face was tired. As if she had enough of my dreams of Hope. She had pain killers on the coffee table , with a small cup of orange juice next to it.

"What?". I ask puzzled."breakfast?".

"Yes I made breakfast and I wanted to know if you wanted some". Her voice was low .

I hated how I made her feel , I didn't want to drag her into this . She is such a sweet and innocent soul and anyone would be happy to have her. Yet the man she was in love with , was still in love with someone else.

*-*

We all gathered at the graveyard . Each year we would all meet for Hope's birthday. My mom , Hope's parents , my sister , Alexis . A few other people.

We just wanted her to know that we still love and miss her.

I was the first to arrive today . Grace was in the car waiting on me to finish saying what I had to .

I sat on the grass , placing a few flowers against her tombstone. Immediately tears started to cloud my eyes . It still wasn't a dream , I still had marks of pinching myself. Trying to wake up from this nightmare.

Dear Hope ,

Happy Birthday. Today you would of been 23 years old. Time sure does fly doesn't it ? I mean , it's been 5 long years and we still can't believe that your gone . I wish you could tell me how things were going for you . If your day went well or if you enjoy being away .
I wanted to ask you stupid questions like , are you eating well ? , are you safe ? , are you happy ?. But then I realized those questions weren't stupid at all. I just wanted to hear you tell me that your fine . If anything that's all I want. But I can't be selfish . I believe you are in a better place . A place I wish gave phone calls .

Your Love ,
Caleeb .

I place the diary next to me. And felt hands being rested on my shoulder. I look up to see Alexis in tears.

I stand up to hug her. We were both crying at this point. This would always happen. Especially when she would see me with Hope's Diary.

"I miss her so much Caleeb". Alexis cries into my shoulder ."it just doesn't seem real to me , I keep praying that she would just pick up my phone call already".

I heard the hurt in her voice . At this point I didn't know what to say or do . All I could do in this very moment was hold her. I can at least do that right ?.

Alexis finally pulls away. Her 7 month baby bump on full display. She was having a surprise gender reveal party soon for her baby shower. Her boyfriend Jackson walks over towards us.

"What's up man". He greets me with a bro hug .

Jackson and I have actually became good friends . I love how much of a good guy he is to Alexis , she's like my little sister and I love to see how happy she has been.

"Hey man". I reply

Before we know it I see Rodney , my mom and sister Amy walking over towards us . Behind them were Ms. Stevens and little Savanna , who was now 4.

Grace follows behind them with some red roses in her hand. She honestly looked stunning.

I hug my mom ."How are you?". She whispers into my ear.

I didn't know if I knew the answer to that question. All I could do was nod that I was fine.

Rodney gives me a quick hug . And Ms. Stevens holds me into a tight embrace. I could hear her sniff , indicating that she was indeed in tears already . But I couldn't blame her .

"Caleeb". I look down to see Savanna her tiny arms already outstretched for me to pick her up .

"Hey there princess". I say picking her up .

She looks a lot like Hope when she was smaller. She was truly adorable. She gives me a tight hug.

"I had missed you". She says with a pout.

"Oh princess I missed you more". I give her a warm hug.

More people started arriving , paying there respects . I turn to face the tombstone once again . Trying to contain my tears and being strong for them. I had to .

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I was suppose to post this yesterday but got caught up in life itself . I'll only be updating on Friday until I know I can manage to update more

Stay safe 😘