As Always (drafts; on hold)

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT ♥ Holidays

A week after Drew got out from the hospital, Dad announced we will have our trip soon. It will take up most of my holiday vacation until New Year. "Few days after the new year, we will come back." He said.

I am packing my things for the past three days.

"Annie, don't you bring your whole damn room in the trip!" Dad complains when he sees my two stuffed luggage bags: one small, one big.

"It's just my necessities, Dad. You said we will be gone for more than two weeks." I chuckle.

He just sigh exaggeratedly. I laugh. "So what's the plan?"

"After the trip, we will go to Nanny's house then if you wanna come, which I won't let you not come, we will go to Alice's relatives somewhere north, not far from your Nanny's. So, you coming?"

I raise my eyebrows. "Do I even have a choice?"

"No."

"Okay, good that it's clear."

He smiles and left.

~~~~~~

I explain our trip to Jillian.

"I will miss you." He said and put a kiss on my forehead.

"I'll miss you too." I lean closer to him. We are on his bed. "I want to make things clear before I go."

He look at me. "What things?"

I hesitate. "My step-family. I never mention them to you."

"What? Is there something strange or wrong about them? Are they a family of vampires? Werewolves?"

I keep serious. "No, not like that... worse."

He straight up.

"I really wanted to tell you this but I don't want you to worry and all. I mean, I hope it's not big deal, but then I saw how mad you are with Xander."

"Wait, what's Xander doing with it?"

I take a deep breath. "He is my soon-to-be step brother. Sorry for not telling it to you sooner."

I dread for what he is about to react. "Don't apologize, babe. There's nothing to apologize for. I won't let him do something bad to you."

"Yeah, I won't let him, though. Who wants to be with someone like him?!"

"We used to be friends." He said, sadly.

"I know. What made you fought so bad?" I asked this to Xander but I don't understand his answer.

"I did something wrong."

I hug him. "What?"

"He said I stole something important to him. As far as I know it is not his, because if it is, he shouldn't hurt it. He should have kept and treasure it."

"Hurt it?"

"Even things have feelings. They need to be valued."

"What is this thing?" I can't think of a thing huge enough to be a reason that can cause their fight. A guitar? His car?

He looks at me and brush my hair away from my face. "Annie, someday you'll know what. He said I need to keep it between us. But promise me if you did, nothing will change."

I just nod. "I promise I'll try."

He smiles. "About your brother-in-law, I must say he is nice sometimes, but he has this side of possession over the things he loves. Including Dana, Drew and his mother. We grew old together. I know how much he loves them."