The Nerd's Best Friend

•THIRTY•

Word Count: 1100

***

It was now a week after my dads funeral. I had stayed in my room for the rest of spring break, and all school week. Marcus had come by everyday, staying with me until about eight. Naomi came three times every week to give me my work, which was just piled up on my desk. I haven't left my room, other than the times where my mother forced food into my mouth and to use the restroom. Claire was coming home every weekend to spend time with us, and console with us.

But today, mom decided to take us on a mini road trip. Marcus, Elliot, Ann, Baley, and Nick were coming with us, and I was very grateful. I was putting my suitcase in the trunk, when Marcus appeared beside me.

"Hey Lynnie." He said slightly cheerful, probably to try to enlighten my mood. I gave a weak wave, before climbing into the car. I got in the back back and so did Marcus. My mom and Baley were up front and Nick and Claire were in the middle. I buckled up, and stared out the window, at my house as we drove out.

Memories flashed before my eyes, and tears began to spill.

"Daddy!!!" Screeched Claire, as my dad lifted her and sling her over his shoulder. We were running in the sprinklers in our bathing suits. He came racing after me, grabbing my stomach and tickling me. We all fell on the wet grass in a heap, laughing until our stomachs hurt.

"Here comes the tickle monster!" He would scream, attacking us with murderous tickles. We would let out deafening laughs, and his bright smile etched it self into my brain.

My mom always came out, scolding us for being so careless, but also laughing at our goofiness. Sometimes, dad would also pull her into the fun.

"Come here." Marcus whispered, wrapping his arms round my waist, pulling me towards him. I gave in; and rested my body weight on him. I silently cried, as he stroked my arm.

After about five minutes, he cupped my face with his hands, looking me dead in my eyes. He placed a soft kiss to my forehead, sighing.

"I love you Raelynn." He whispered, his eyes shut. I small grin krept it's way to my lips, at the simple words. Words I longed to hear. I don't think I've smiled in two weeks, and those three simple words coming from one simple person changed that. I pressed my lips against his, savoring the feeling off our two worlds connected. This was my way of telling him he meant the world to me. That he was my everything. He was my person. My forever.

He pulled away, looking down at me, a genuine smile taking over his features.

"There's my beautiful girl." He says, as I rest my head on his lap. He runs his fingers though my long curly hair, soothingly.

"I love you too." I murmur, before falling asleep.
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"Lynnie. We're here." Marcus whispers in my ear as I'm woken up. I look around outside, and notice we're at a cemetery. I feel my heart throb and tears well up in my eyes.

"Okay." My mom says, her voice wavering. We all look at her as she takes a deep breath.

"You have an Aunt. Your father had a sister. Her name was Prudence Claire McKnight. She committed suicide when she was seventeen. We always planned on bringing y'all here, but it never happened. I know your dad would want y'all to know about Rue, so we're here. And before you ask, yes, we named y'all after her. Claire, when we adopted you, you were already given the name Claire, and we were given the chance to change it, but we chose not to. Rae, we decided to use her name as your middle name, because I loved the name and it was special to us." She explained.

I couldn't believe it. All this time, my dad had a sister who passed away. I can see why they never told us, and why they wanted to wait, but I just wish they didn't wait this long.

Marcus firmly held my hand, as we walked through the cemetery to a marble tomb stone.

Prudence Claire McKnight.
Taken too early from the ones that loved and adored her.
May 16, 1996 - June 12, 2013

Claire fell to her knees, sobbing, as I fell right beside her. I reached out, and ran my fingers along the smooth marble. I traced the lettering, grinning slightly. I know, if she was here now, we would be best friends. I imagine her with a large smile that lights up a room and dark brown hair like my dad. I frown, standing up and going to my mom, who wraps her arms around me, barely holding herself together.

"Thank you." I whisper into her shirt. She hugs me tighter, kissing my head.

"I love you," She says, and I look into her hazel eyes. They're looking back at me, with joy in them.

"I love you too." I say.

"Claire and Rae, this is for you, from Rue." She says, letting go of me and pulling out a small pink piece of paper. She hands it to me, and I slowly open it. Inside, there is delicate handwriting.

To Brody's daughter(s). I love y'all so so so much. I can only imagine the way Brody will treat y'all like little princesses. He was an amazing little brother. One with a smile that always occupied his face. One that acted so much older than he really was. He was something I wish I never have to leave. I know he forgave me, and now that you know about me, I hope you forgive me. I know what I did was dumb, but I found it to be the only way to relieve my pain. The pain of never being good enough. A good enough sister. A daughter. A cousin. And too you, an aunt. I don't ever think I would be good at that job. Brody will raise you to be perfect, amazing girls, and I know that. Because although he was younger, he raised me in a way. I will never forget him, and I will always love him, and y'all, my sweet nieces.

Rue

"This is really from her?" I mutter. My mom nods, tears coating her cheeks.

"There is a whole music box full of them to different people." She explains, and I nod, looking at the letter again.

I had an aunt.

***

And it's out. So, are y'all enjoying these heart wrenching chapters?

I have a few more coming, so just hang on.

Coming up we have:
Few school chapters
Raelynn's birthday
Few more school chapters
Prom
Graduation
Summer chapters
Epilogue

Then the book is over. So, about 7 or 8 chapters left!!!

Bye!!