it's time to move on

chapter three

I woke up to my mother slightly shaking me and whispering my name.

"Hmm" I mumbled while squinting my eyes.

"Tristan is leaving in half an hour, I thought it would be nice of me to wake you up so you can say your goodbyes"

I looked around the room to see where Tris was, there was no sign of him. All I remember was watching the film with my mother and him, I don't recall falling asleep at all. That's strange.

"He's in the dining room, on the phone at the moment just--go in love" she warming smiled at me and pulled me up gently by my hands.

"Thanks mum, for waking me up before he goes" I smiled back at her, pulling her into a loving hug. We both understand each other when it comes down to Tris leaving home to go back onto the road. But we also understand what it means to him, so we're right behind him, pushing him along. The band is doing great and I am extremely proud of my brother for coming this far with the boys. It must be a great experience, travelling and performing with your closest friends.

I brushed my knuckles on the door, indicating to him that I would be coming in. Tris turned around and shot me a cheesy grin, showing me that he was aware of me being in the room. I took a seat at the small mahogany table which was located next to the window, as I waited for him to finish his phone call.

"Yeah, that's fine James lad. But how long will it take?" he bit his lip, awaiting a reply

"Just wondering if I should wait outside or not, that's all. I will probs' see you soon then! Bye pal"

He ended the call.

"Y'all right bro?" I wondered,

"Yeah, s'all good. Was just getting told about how far they are from getting here and all that jazz"

I nodded. Silence took over.

"How--How long will you be gone?" I finally asked him.

"I don't have a clue, none of us do" he sighed. I know it's hard for him too, to leave, and it must be hard for the others too.

"You've got to promise me something, Abe," he paused, looking out the window,

"Go out" he moved his eyes to mine.

"What do you me-" he cut me off,

"I mean, go out outside instead of staying in your bedroom 24/7. It's not good for you. Go down to town, meet up with friends, just at least go outside or do something outside more than once a week." he finished.

I gave him a half smile, trying to show him that I would but we both knew that I actually won't be doing any of those things. I have no friends, no neighbours my age, so what is there to do?

~20 minutes later~

We heard a roar of an engine down the road, obviously it being the large van that they would be taken to the airport in. I sighed, knowing that I won't be seeing him for more than a month once he gets in the van. He stood up and pulled me into a friendly hug, squeezing me tight. His usual smell of aftershave hit my nostrils and it hit me, that he was actually leaving anytime now. I was distraught, my brother is the only person who knows how I feel, how to cheer me up and what I actually enjoy doing. And he won't be here to do any of that.

I followed him into the hallway where his bags and suitcases were and gave him one last smile. I picked one of his carry bags up and opened the door for him, giving him a hand. I placed the bag down on the pavement next to my mothers parked car.

"Mum," I called, "the van is here!"

She hurried outside with one of Tris' suitcases and put it down next to me. I noticed the van pulling up across the road and I felt a tear crawl it's way down my cheek. I didn't care that I was crying, I just wanted this to be over with. I hate goodbyes and they're my weakness. I don't cry at many things but that being one of them.

I locked eyes with Tris who saw that I was close to bawling, he jogged over and handed me one of his bandanas out of his jacket pocket. Why the hell do I need this? He must of realised that I was confused, that's when he pointed to my cheek on which the first tear fell down on. Ah, as a tissue.

"Smooth move, Evans"

"Wasn't it just, Evans"

We both laughed together in sync for the last time.

It was a great feeling but an empty one at the same time.

A honk from the van interrupted us as well as a slam of a door.

"Yo' Tris man, you ready?" a medium height boy ran over, jumping next to my brother. He turned to face me and the face replayed in my mind. Where have I seen him before? He is just-wow.

A green jacket with red checkered outline inside, black t-shirt, skinny jeans and finished off with a burgundy pork pie hat. Trendy.

"Oh hey, you must be Abe. I've seen you before, but I haven't full met you. I'm Brad, by the way," he extended his arm out for me to shake. Gentleman.

I reached for his hand and shoke it, shooting him a friendly smile.

I looked over at my mum, who tasked her eyebrows at me and smirked cheekily. I glared at her.

"It's very nice to finally meet you, Brad. Loving the hat" I curled my lips inwards nervously, as I tried making conversation with him. My brother just stood there like an awkward potato. I love you n'all Tris but could you like, go away. I giggled at my thoughts and carried on making small talk with Brad. My god he is gorgeous.