Spies, Lies and Otherwise (Gallagher Girl Fanfic)

Chapter 2

The girl who had stepped out of the car was not my cousin. Okay, she was but she wasn't the one I remembered. What had thrown me off wasn't the way she looked. Obviously she had gotten taller and looked more mature. It was the way Cam had stepped confidently out of the car. Her head was held high and her steady gaze swept across the yard. She was so self-assured. Something I'd never really seen in her before. She was only eighteen, yet she looked wise beyond her years.

I continued to watch Cameron until her eyes found mine and she grinned. I stared back and her grin only widened. Cammie opened her mouth to say something but my grandmother interrupted. Thank you Grandma Morgan.

"Oh darling, you've grown so much!" Grandma Morgan exclaimed, running towards her eldest granddaughter. She wrapped her thick arms around Cammie. Cam laughed and returned the warm hug. Grandpa Morgan hobbled over and joined the embrace.

While the grandparents were having a moment with their grandchild, my Aunt Rachel stepped out of the vehicle. She lugged out a small suitcase. Looks like she'll only be here for a night or two. I guess nothing has changed that way. My aunt never stayed here long.

"Cam, get over here and take out your suitcase. I'm not carrying it in for you." My aunt said. Cam sighed, headed back to the vehicle and pulled it out. She was walking towards the front porch of the house when Colton rushed to her.

"CAMMIE!!!!!"He ran right up and smashed into her legs. His arms wrapped around her. Cam took a step back to regain balance. Colton looked right up at her. His eyes glowed. "Do you remember me?"

I stiffened up. What if she actually forgot that she had a younger cousin? She had only ever seen him twice. It's been years. I hoped Colton won't be crushed if she doesn't.

Cam bent down and hugged Colton back. "Of course I remember you!" Colton beamed and my worries washed away. God, it had only been a few minutes yet I felt as if I had grown grey hairs from all this stressing. Chill Jordan. She's just your cousin.

"Hello Jordan." Aunt Rachel appeared next to me.

"Hey!" Smiling, I hugged her. "Long time no see."

"You've got that right." She answered.

I didn't bother asking her why she hadn't been out forever. When I used to keep in touch she'd always say that her and Cam were too busy. It used to hurt my feelings but I learned to get over it.

"I'll carry this in for you." Colton said picking up Cam's suitcase. He took one step before he quickly dropped the suitcase down. "This is heavy. Did you pack bricks in here or something?"

Everyone laughed. "I did not. Maybe you just have no muscles." She teased.

Not picking up onto her playful tone, Colton puffed out his chest and flexed his arms. "I'm actually really strong, see? Look at my guns." I bit my lip to stiffle my laugh.

Cam smiled. "Hmm they are quite large."

"Told you." Colton beamed and turned back to the suitcase. He picked it up without any further complaints and headed to the house. Everyone followed behind.

Well everyone had followed him in except me. I went back to the corral. I was stroking Sandy when I heard a crunch on the gravel behind me.

"Hey Jordie."

I didn't turn around. I tried to say hi but the words got stuck in my throat. Seriously Jordan. She is only your cousin. No reason to be shy. We stood there for a moment in silence. Well this was awkward.

"Hi." I finally managed out.

She walked up next to me and offered Sandy a carrot. The horse happily took it from her. "What's her name?"