My Brother's Best Friend | ✓

21. "dad"

I came home and kicked my shoes off. I was so full of emotions but the one feeling I could focus on was anger. I don't know why I felt so angry when I knew this would happen. He just made it feel like everything was going to be okay, then he shut me down like that. Mom was on the couch and when she saw me huffing my way upstairs she asked me what was wrong but I couldn't say anything.

I came into my room slamming the door loudly. I faceplanted onto my bed and just laid there for a while. Eventually, I lifted my head up for a breath and I ran my hand through my messy wavy hair.

I looked over at my bookshelf and saw the monopoly box on the top shelf. A memory resurfaced but I quickly shook the thought. Why am I like this? He was just some guy that happened to stay at my house for a couple of weeks. That's all.

Either way, I don't understand how I managed to fuck everything up so bad. I clearly meant nothing to him so I just need to move on. Who knows maybe I'll actually give Jacob a try and go out with him.

All of this sucks so bad. My brother hates me, Sawyer is done with me and Camille is moving on to her next boyfriend by now.

I tried calling my brother's phone since he obviously ignores me in real life. I left him a bunch of messages explaining that I had nothing to do with his break up but he just doesn't believe me. I even tried reaching out to Georgia, no matter how hard that was, to get in touch with Tracy but she just laughed and hung up on me.

I figured since I'm not wanted here, I'll take mom up on her offer and actually go visit dad for a bit because he always makes things easier. So that's exactly what I did.

I packed my bags really fast and made sure to grab all of my everyday essentials; hairbrush, makeup bag, clothes, and laptop. As soon as I told mom, she grabbed her keys and we started to drive. 

She had to drive me to my dads because he lived a few towns away. He resided in a wonderful neighborhood filled with lots of happy families with dogs. His house was enormous and could fit about two small families and a horse, but he lived alone. I haven't visited in a while because I was busy with school and Camille and I always had plans on the weekends.

I got dropped off as soon as all my stuff was out. Dad came up to the car and he and mom exchanged awkward looks. He thanked her for driving and helped me with my stuff. As soon as I said my goodbyes, mom drove off and we were left on the driveway. 

Dad lived in a big stone walled house with dark brown roofing, doors, and windows. I always admired the way the colors complement each other. The front lawn was also very nicely landscaped and had a few bushes lining the house. 

After he greeted me with a warm welcoming hug, I could see he already had dinner set up for both of us. "Is Ryan not coming?" he asked cheerfully as he helped me with my bags. "No dad, not this week".

"That's fine, more bonding time for us, kiddo" he hugged me with his free hand as we walked into the echoey house. He was very tall and had dark brown hair, like me, with a few grey hairs peeking through. Mom is really short so I guess I got my height from her because dad just towered over me. 

I could tell he was lonely here by the way he his eyes lit up when I looked at him. He clearly missed me and I really did too. Dad always managed to find a way to cheer me up and lift my mood, no matter how bad it was. That's why I love him.

After catching up on school and other things over a wonderful dinner, dad helped me get settled into my room and kissed me goodnight. However, it was only 9:00 pm and I was not going to bed anytime soon. I swear my room got bigger since last time I was here. The size made my room back at mom's feel like my closet. I definitely had a huge bed back at home as well but the one here was even bigger.

Dad still kept the pink sheets and comforter that I had left from before and it brought a smile to my face. The room was an off-white color with a bunch of band posters taped to the walls. My bed also had fairy lights hanging over it and a fluffy poof at the end of it. My favorite part of the room, however, was the vanity because it was vintage and dad and I found it in a junkyard. It was still in pretty good condition so we just bought some white furniture paint and painted it in the backyard that day. It was a good day.

I remember when we went to the paint store this group of really hot guys said hi to me and when we came home, dad was so cool about it. Later on, we all got ice cream together with Ryan and mom when she picked us up. We all sat there in the little shop and just talked. That was probably the best memory because it felt like how things were before. Mom actually laughed and so did dad.

I decided to text Jacob because I couldn't avoid him forever and he, after all, he did apologize. I decided at this point it couldn't get any worse so I told him all about Sawyer and what happened with my brother because maybe another guy's opinion could help.

Me
Yea, so do you think I'm a bad person?

Jacob
No Holly, you did what you thought was right

Me
But now neither of them will talk to me

Jacob
Well Ryan just needs time, plus he's going through a breakup and thinks it's all your fault

Me
Gee thanks

Jacob
No, what I mean is, it's hard but he's not going to stay mad forever. It's not even you that he should be mad at, it's Sawyer

Me
Well it's not all his fault either

Jacob
Right

Me
It doesn't matter anyway because he already found someone new

Jacob
Then he's a jerk and clearly just used you

Me
:(

Jacob
I would never have done that