Letters To My Mate

Chapter Sixteen

SIXTEEN

After Seb told me that Ethan was his brother, I looked exactly like he did earlier; a fish out of water. My mouth was continuously opening as I tried to say something, but I had no idea what to say due to the shock I was in, and I ended up closed my mouth again - I repeated this for what felt like hours. I could tell that Seb was amused by my reaction but he, too, was in shock as he had just found out that his best friend was basically dating his brother.

"So you're who Ethan talks about in every letter he sends our family, huh?" He chuckled, trying to get a different reaction out of me.

I felt the shock start to fade away and replied, "He talks about me?"

"He never shuts up about you." He sounded annoyed, but I could tell from the curve of his lips that he was finding this situation very amusing. I just shook my head and let out a small laugh and sealed the envelope, putting a stamp on it and writing the address that I now knew off by heart. As I did so, I could hear Seb laugh quietly at himself - I had no idea what he was thinking but I could probably bet a million pounds that it wasn't as funny as he thought it was. I put the envelope safely in my bag, tucking it in one of my note books so I knew it could not possibly fall out. Looking up at Seb, I raised one eyebrow and made a circular motion with my hands as if asking to elaborate on what he was thinking.

"Oh, I was just thinking that you're basically my sister now." He pointed out as I stared at him in disbelief; he was laughing about that? I would have assumed it was a joke or funny memory but he was only thinking that I could possibly be his sister by law in the near future...

"I can't believe you." I said as the bell rang, signalling that we should start making our way to our last class of the day. I packed up my stuff that I had rested on the cafeteria table and stood up, pulling my bag onto my shoulder as I said a goodbye to Seb.

"I'll see you tomorrow." I said as I started to walk away however I tensed and flinched when I felt a strong hand grip onto my arm, stopping me from moving any further. Seb realised that I was uncomfortable with him holding my arm so he quickly let go and stood in front of me.

"Sorry, I have the same class as you next so we may as well walk together." He acknowledged, suddenly finding his shoes very interesting. I just laughed and lightly slapped his shoulder, tilting my head towards the exit of the cafeteria as a silent 'let's go.'

* * * * *

I ran inside my front door and placed my bag under a small table that was situated on the left hand side of our front door. I kicked off my shoes and lined them up with the multiple pairs that were to the left of this table - from the large amount of work boots that I could see I realised that my father was not alone. He had his 'friends' around. That was when I noticed the loud chatter and clinking of beer bottles in the living room.

Silently, I tip-toed to the kitchen and pulled out a large number of beers and placed them on a silver tray that was located in one of the cupboards. I also took the jug of coffee, a jar of sugar and a small container of milk. There was a lot on the tray and my arms lacked muscle so it was a struggle to carry the entire tray into the living room; I was so scared that I would spill something and receive a punishment for embarrassing my father in front of his friends and for making a mess. As I walked into the living room the noise died down slightly and I could feel everyone's gaze on my face but I refused to look up as my father would see it as a sign of disrespect - I should always keep my eyes on the ground unless told to do otherwise and this was a symbol of my submission to them. After placing the tray down on the wooden coffee table that was in the middle of a circle of couches I quickly made my way back into the kitchen and waited the anticipated arrival of my father.