[ worth it ] t.s / DISCONTINUED /

[13]

1 week later

*•. *•. *•.

David was taking me to his parents house for Thanksgiving even though I had offered to stay home. He would not listen at all.

We got off the plane in Chicago and after about an hour we had our rental car and we're heading to Davids parents house. We were surprising them a few days early, they knew we were coming just not today.

As we pulled up outside a semi-large suburban house I felt an excited feeling swell around me as I realised I was about to see my auntie, uncle and cousins for the first time in years. I greedily jumped out of Davids car and walked up to the front door of the house. I knocked on the door and waited only second before it abruptly swung open.

'Brydee....' The short woman gasped as her eyes scanned over my face. I grinned before opening my arms ready for a hug. She quickly accepted and she rubbed my back comfortingly. 'It's so great to see you aunt Jane!' I exclaimed as we let go of each other after David shoved passed us. 'David Dobrik!' Jane said harshly staring wide eyed at her son. David stepped forward and gave her a quick hug that only lasted a few seconds because 3 children burst through the doors in the hallway and began hurdling towards us screaming.

'COUSIN BRYDEE! COUSIN BRYDEE! COUSIN BRYDEE!' The tallest girl squealed and I felt two small arms wrap around me. I embraced her back and eventually the other kids were joined in. 'Cmon guys help us go get our stuff!' David said clapping his hands and gesturing towards the door. They energetically ran out of the door and towards his car.

The kids disappeared behind the car only to reappear seconds later holding my large bag full of my belongings. They looked at me proudly and I smiled in approval as they all helped each other bring it over. I meet them half way giggling as I pick up the bag letting their small bodies rest. 'It's not that heavy!' I say looking at them still laughing.

I had been set up on Esters bottom bunk bed after everyone arguing about where I slept. I shoved my bag full of clothes under the bed and followed Ester into the living room. I talked to Davids whole family for a while until Toby eventually convinced David to let them have a ride in his new Tesla. David and his siblings went out to the car and drove away.

I helped Jane make dinner and once it was done we plated we retreated to the couch waiting for them to return. 'So, how has everyone been?' Jane asked politely. Jane was my dads sister and the last she heard about my family was about Paul... 'Yeh... they are holding up...' I replied trying to keep a straight face as I thought about Paul. 'How have you been?' She questioned concern lining her voice. I opened my mouth to reply but nothing came out.

A single tear slid effortlessly down my cheek. Then another. Then another. 'Not good...' I squeaked out as tears started streaming across me face. 'Hunny, it's okay. We are all here for you,' Aunty said as she made her way of to give me a hug. I hugged her back and quickly regained my composure when I heard Davids car outside. I sniffled and wiped my face before getting up to go greet the kids.

'Ester! Sarah! Toby' I squealed as they bolted towards me. 'How long are you staying for Brydee?' Sarah asked whilst the others nodded in agreement. 'I dunno... however long David has planned for us to stay!' I shrugged. 'Dinner!' I heard Aunty Jane call from the kitchen. The children left and were replaced with David. 'Are you okay? You look like you have been crying?' He asked noticing my streaky tear stained cheeks. 'I was just talking with Jane about Paul...' I mumbled as I lead David through to the dining room.

We ate dinner happily and once we were done the kids wanted to play Monopoly, so we did. My cousins asked me so many questions and I answered the majority of them. They hadn't seen me in quite a few years so they didn't remember me too much. Ester kind of remembered Paul but not really so she hadn't been affected by the recent events. Soon enough Uncle Michael got home from his work and I jumped up to greet him.