Stranger

ch39

And just like that, this morning I wake up a year older.

Time really passes by quicker as years go by and this year was no different. No, I am lying, this year was different. It was the most different and eventful year. At least half of it was. But, just for today, I plan on keeping this to the back of my mind for as much as I can. Today is all about celebrating. 

I am not much of a party person or wanting for a party to be thrown for me, I am pleased with just having my friends and family with me for a small gathering. I also have been lucky until now because they always listened to me and never overdid any of my birthday parties, but even staying home I also consider it as celebrating. 

My family and best friend though had another thing in mind. After waking me up, or if I were to explain it more precisely, after they startled me from my sleep while singing the birthday song at the top of their lungs, I had been informed that instead of staying at home, we would be going out to whatever place I choose. 

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't such a party pooper, but I really didn't want another family dinner at some fancy restaurant. So, rebelling in my own way, I proposed going to the mall where fast food and sweets are the main source of food. I loved both of those so, since I was being allowed to make the decision for the day, I might as well use it and indulge in it. 

None of my people liked the idea, but because I was the birthday girl, they swallowed their comments and just smiled in agreement. That's why we are at the entrance of the sliding doors. 

"Can you, at least for today, not give me the cold shoulder?"-Trish pleads with me, looping her arm to mine as we walk a few steps in front of my parents and brother, Ethan consumed in his phone as mom and dad talk about the shops and prices. 

Now, I know you are curious as to why I have been giving my best friend the cold shoulder and I will tell you that it is right of you to wonder that. And I'm also here to tell you that I have the perfect reason for it. 

Trish, my smart, but also very stupid friend did a lifelong fatal error and went and told her boyfriend, which happens to be my brother, everything about the mansion, about me having the keys to it, about Devon owning it and, last but not least in any case, about me and Devon. 

Yes, yes, that's correct. She told my brother, my older brother that I had feelings for Devon. I found out a few days ago and she was lucky Ethan stopped me in time because I am sure I would have strangled her right then and there. 

Ethan, on the other part, had taken the news better than I excepted him to. He always acted as a typical older brother, always looking out for me and trying to protect me, so his laid back and chill reaction, filled with jokes and teases had positively surprised me. 

I though he would threaten to kick Devon's butt or show him his place, but none of that happened. He just makes fun of me by teasing me, wiggling his eyebrows at me followed by a wink or dropping comments that make me choke on my drink or food. 

You must ask why am I keeping a grudge on Trish if my brother reacted to the news this way. Well, I'm about to explain myself for that too. 

I have always done things my way, had my life in my own hands and have done things on my own. I wanted to tell my brother and my parents for Devon on my own terms, at my own pace, at the moment I chose and when the time came, not the moment it was forced upon me and this is what Trish took from me. 

I wasn't going to be mad at her forever, but she needed to learn what she did was wrong and that she can't repeat it. Yes, she is my brother's girlfriend, but she is my friend first. I want to have someone to talk to without having the fear of my words being spread around when I don't want them too.