Stepbrother (Sequel to Stockholm Syndrome)

29

    I was too stubborn just to go home after a couple hours of driving around town. So by the time I found a grocery store – the ultimate goal – I opted not to go in, because of the time. Instead I sat in the parking lot for three minutes, relishing the fact I had actually found the store on my own.

On the way home, I went through a Dari Mart drive thru and got milk and a couple bottles of soda just to make sure it didn't look like I had been out for hours and didn't bring anything back. I responded to a text from Luke, asking if I was alright, before continuing home.

        By the time I got there, it was a little past eight at night and it made me realize how long it took to go anywhere from where Luke lived. Luke was at the door within seconds when I got back, not used to us being apart for as long as we had been today. I handed him his keychain.

    "No scratches, I promise." I told him, referring to the car. He shook his head, grunting in amusement.

        "Thanks."

    "Where's your mom?"

        "Unpacking. I told her she could use my bedroom and I'd sleep on the couch." He warned off the look I gave him. "She'll only be here a week."

    "What about the guest room I'm not in?"

        "It doesn't have a bed."

    "If the couch gets uncomfortable you can use my bed."

        "You really think my mom would like that?"

    "She'd probably think it was a 'cute sibling thing' just like everything else we do when we interact." I retorted. "Which if you think about it, isn't too far from what it is." I decided. Luke chuckled.

        "I'll consider your offer. For tonight, I'm on the couch and I think everyone's tired and is planning on an early retirement today." He informed me. I nodded. "Mom said she was unpacking and then going to bed. I think you and I should kick the can too." He told me. I nodded.

    "Alright." We hugged and I made my way upstairs. I changed into sweatpants and one of Luke's shirts I'd stolen. Then I went into the bathroom and brushed my teeth. While I did so, I watched Luke walk past to his bedroom.

There, he talked to his mom and then I watched him walk back past with clothes to change into for the night. We nodded to each other before he left. I finished in the bathroom before making my way to my bedroom. When I was by my door I heard faint footsteps and the creaking of a door.

        "Madeline?" Mrs. Rose's voice was hesitant. She walked out in pajama shorts and a sweatshirt. She held out an envelope. "I haven't always been too good with words but I did have some things I wanted to make sure I told you." She gave a halfhearted grin. I took the envelope. "Don't worry, I gave one to Luke as well, nothing to be nervous about." She murmured. I nodded.

    "Alright, thank you." I copied her halfhearted smile.

        "I hope we can get to know each other a little bit." She smiled hopefully and I nodded.

    "I'm not too great with people but I think it'd be fun." I agreed.

        "Don't worry, I don't hold any high expectations when it comes to other peoples' social skills. Remember, I raised Luke. And he may be good to have a conversation with but he isn't the best with people either." She gave a brief laugh and I joined. "Alright, I'll let you get to sleep." We gave each other a quick side hug before we both disappeared into our rooms. I closed the door and situated myself on my bed, opening the envelope. Inside, it contained a letter with semi-swirly handwriting. It was neat and beautiful and definitely looked like something directly from Mrs. Rose. I read it.

    "Dear Madeline,

        I so look forward to meeting you. Sitting here on the plane, I know you'll be great, even if it might be a little bumpy trying to get to know each other... I haven't been in contact with my son much before these past few weeks but every time we did manage to talk, he would always bring you into the conversation. You two have had a lot of interesting adventures. He loves telling me about the time you two spend together. I haven't seen so much light present in his eyes since his birth father died! Thank you so much for being there for him even though he can make it hard sometimes. He's needed his sister lately.

I suppose I felt the urge to write this to you because I know how twisted up situations involving your father can get. I just don't ever want you to feel out of place or like I don't love you as much as I would if you were my biological baby. You are a part of this family now. 

Please never be afraid to come to me – for anything. Anywhere from tampons to things you just need to get off your chest, I'm here.

Again, I can't thank you enough for being there for Luke even though your 'meeting' circumstances weren't so fabulous...

I'll have to take you to Starbucks someday – we can skip the part where you jump out of the car at the drive thru – and we can have a girl day.

                    All my love,

                            Mellisa."

When I finished the letter, there was a small, genuine smile glued onto my face and it stayed there as I turned out the lights and fell asleep, securing the letter in the drawer of the bedside table.