"Michaels home!" I yell throughout the house as Michaels tour bus pulls up the driveway. Usually its just him, I havent met any of the members of his band yet, but it looks like I will today.
Honestly, when Michael is home, everything is easier. We play video games and eat pizza, and get into these never-ending conversations about the stupidest things. He makes everything okay for a little while. When hes off on tour though, my anxiety seems a lot worse and theres nothing i can do about it. I usually dont talk much when hes not home. Nothing is the same.
I ran past my mom nearly pushing her over. "Brooke Lynn Clifford!" She yelled at me, but I didnt turn around. I was too excited. I opened the front door while the bright sun made me squint. When did I last go outside? I immediately scanned the driveway for my brother when I finally saw bright green hair stepping out if the tour bus. "Michael!" I yelled loud enough for him to hear.
"Brooke!" He yelled back. He jogged across the driveway to me and lifted me up. "I cant stand to be without you anymore." I whispered, trying not to cry. "I know its hard Brooke," he said as he gently set me down. "But I have to go, you know that."
"Yeah, I know." I said, looking at my feet, just as the other boys came out of the bus, pushing eachother and joking around. "Hey Michael, is this your sister you told us so much about?!" one of the boys yelled, as i blushed and turned around to Michael who is now hugging our mom.
He walked up to me and said "Yes Calum, this is Brooke Lynn, my 17 year old sister." Calum walked up to me with the rest of the boys following. Luke was the first to speak, "Well hey there Brooke Lynn." I looked up at this skyscraper of a boy. "You can call me Brooke." I say shyly. His face blushed as he looked down. "Ok, Brooke."
"Its really nice to meet you Brooke!" Ashton says excitedly. "You too Ashton, Ive actually been waiting to meet you guys for a while now." He giggles like I hear him in the Keek videos. I have to say its pretty adorable. "We better get going soon, we have to get back on tour." Michael says sadly, not wanting to leave his home. My eyes widen, "Already?! Michael, you just got here.."
"I know Brooke, but you know how busy the band is." he says with a sigh. I feel my eyes beginning to sting. How can he leave? How will I get through the summer? "I would bring you with me if I could." he says. "Well, why cant you?" I answer back, not looking at him. "Brooke dont do this to me..." He says quietly looking down.
"Yeah, why cant you?" Luke pipes up. We both look at him in shock. "There is an extra bunk on the bus.. just sayin." He says looking down. I look to Michael for approval and he asks to talk to me in private. The other boys seem confused, but I know exactly what this is about.
We walked up to my room and sat on my bed, its squeaking breaking the silence. "Brooke Lynn. You know why Im unsure about this." I stare at my hands, too nervous to look him in the eye. "Who knows what could happen with your anxiety and panick attacks, with all those fans and concerts!"
"I know, I know.." I say while sighing. "How has your anxiety been lately anyway?" He asks, never taking his eyes off me. I dont look up at him or answer. Hes not gonna like the answer. He gently places his hand on my back as I sigh. "Its been really bad since you've been gone.."
"Thats what i thought." He says rubbing his neck. Hes about to stand up when I stop him. "Maybe going with you, will help me. I mean, its worse when Im not with you. And I havent been out all summer." He looks at me like Im a dying animal. "You havent been out all summer? You know what the doctor said!" He said almost shouting.
"I know. And this tour is my chance!" I say finally looking him in the eyes. "And I know that mom would agree. And so do your friends." He lets out a big sigh and finally gives in. "Alright Brooke Lynn. You can come." I scream and hug him, I am so happy! "Ow!" I yell. "He pushes me back, "What? Whats wrong? Did i hurt you?" Still smiling I say "No Michael, my cheeks hurt cause I havent smiled in so long." He hugged me tighter "Well you Better get used to it"
