The Photographer | Jyatt

|Chapter 1|

Song ~ The Only Living Boy In New York

Artist ~ Simon & Garfunkel

° ° ° ° ° °

December

JAEDEN

"Jaeden, honey? Are you ready to go?" my mom asked.

I took a moment to soak in the view, and contemplate the news. I wouldn't be gone long, but I knew leaving my New York home would not be the same as when I returned.

My brother, Noah, is sick with cancer. His girlfriend, Millie, is helping to take care of him but they fear he doesn't have much time left. Now my mom and I are travelling to see him.

"Yeah" I sighed. "I'm ready"

I picked up my suitcase and put it in the trunk of my mother's car. I stared at the suitcases before closing the lid of the trunk, my thoughts flooding my brain.

I don't get to see my older brother often because he lives in Los Angeles while I live in New York, and now I only get a short time with him. And that's not the only heartbreak I've had to deal with. I've never had a big family, but the family I have keeps dying.

My father died when I was young, then my aunt a few years later. My boyfriend cheated on me and abused me, and the only family I have now is the few friends I have left, and my mom, Millie, and my brother.

But now I'm on the verge of losing him.

"Jaeden? Sweetheart, are you alright?" Mom asked concerned.

"Yeah" I huffed. "I just wish we could see him without...you know..."

"I know, baby. Me too. Try not to think about it like that, okay? We'll be there before you know it"

"Alright" I smiled halfheartedly.

She kissed my forehead and closed the trunk. I grabbed my last backpack, stole one last glance at the house, and climbed into the car. She ruffled my hair, started the car, and we were off.

--

It's a long trip from NY to LA but we arrived at my brother's house a few days later. Despite his sickness, he looked really happy when we arrived. Millie was clinging to his side as he held her close, the two waving at us as we pulled up.

I immediately unbuckled and ran up to them, nearly tackling them to the ground.

"Noah!" I hollered excitedly as I hugged him.

"Oof, easy, little bro!" he chuckled. "How you doing, big man?"

"I'm still breathing"

"Not for long, doofus" he said, and grabbed me in a headlock and ruffled my hair.

"H-Hey! C-Cut it out!" I squealed.

"Okay, take it easy boys" Millie smiled, her British accent dripping from her sweet voice.

"Hey, Mills. Still with this loser?" I teased.