Escape from Tragedy

Chapter 33: He should be here...

"Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to Ethan, happy birthday to you!!" We sang to Ethan, he had the biggest smile on his face.

"Make a wish buddy" my dad said recording him.

Ethan closed his eyes and then blew out the candles, we all cheered of excitement and couldn't wait to eat the cake.

"Milivia, can I open presents?" Ethan asked me. He couldn't say my name but I loved the way he said it, it was the cutest thing ever.

"Let's eat cake first and then we'll open them" I told him hoping he wouldn't get upset.

"Otay" he said and then smiled at his cake with big eyes.

"Here you go peanut, the first slice for the birthday boy" My mom said handing him his slice of cake.

"Milivia, big boy cake" he said so happy he got his own slice of cake.

"Oh yeah, big boy" I said giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"Nove you" he said giving me a kiss on the cheek.

"I love you, peanut" I told him feeling so happy he is having fun at his birthday party but also so in love with my little brother. He is my favorite little person, he will always have my heart and I'll always protect him.

"Smile!" My mom said ready to take Ethan and I picture.

I woke up with tears streaming down my face, as I was holding my brothers blanket so tight and close to my heart. I sat up in my bed, still clenching his blanket. I wiped away some of the tears and got up walking to my window to open the curtains. The late morning sun shinning through the window.

I stood there starring at the sky, hoping my parents and Ethan are looking down at me, I smiled at the thought of them. Knowing today would've been a fun day, for my brother.

Ring,Ring,Ring..

I jumped at the sound of my phone, I walked over to it and its My grandma facetiming me.

Me: "Hey Grandma" I said as I sat down on my chair.

Grandma: "Hey Honey, How are you doing?" My grandma asked me with so much emotion in her voice.

Me: "I'm okay?" I said not sure what to say, but I know she can see it on my face, the tears streaming down, and the shakiness in my voice.

Grandma: "I want you to know that.." she started to say but got chocked up. "I want you to know that Ethan is with you, even your parents. Especially today, they wouldn't leave you. You know that right?" She asked me as she stared crying, I know she is hurting because that is, was her daughter, son-in-law and gradson. I know she is hurting but trying to sound strong for me.

Me: "I know grandma, I'm just trying to be happy for him, but I can't because he's not here to celebrate his fourth birthday, he should be here grandma" I told her crying harder and louder. "He should be here Grandma" I whispered .

My grandma didn't know what to say, what is there to say. I know, she knows I'm right, they should all be here, espically Ethan. I shouldn't have called them in need, I should have just waited until the next day to come home like planned. I should've told them no, that I'll drive, but I didn't because I was selfish and now my brother and parents are gone.

Me: "I shouldn't have called, grandma. I should've waited, cause then they would be here" I told her wiping away the tears.

Grandma: "No, Olivia, you did the right thing, you called your parents in need. You can't beat yourself over that. They would've came to your rescue either way, that is what parents do." She told me with a stern voice trying to get me to listen to her, for me not to beat myself up .