Book 1: Beyond Me and You

This is...Different

I wake up to the sound of the front door opening and closing nonstop. The clock marks 7:30 meaning I should get ready for school. After half an hour I'm all dressed and make my way downstairs only to be met with the very same eyes I've been avoiding. He stands at the entrance with slightly red cheeks from the cold wind hitting his face. Despite the cold weather his hazel eyes are still filled wth warmth. 

"I'm glad you're both here" Kayla says as her and dad appear from the kitchen. "I'm just gonna come out and say it. Dean?" she says as she turns to look at Dean. "We're moving in with John and Larkin" she says with a smile on her face. Dean is in shock at first but he quickly recovers and fakes a smile. 

"What? Why?!" I ask dad as I walk to the last step of the stairwell. 

"Your behavior has been out of control lately." he says bluntly. I stare in disbelief at what he just said. His demeanor softens and he runs his hand over his face. " Kayla and I have been talking about moving in with each other for a while now and we think this is the best time to do it. She'll be able to keep an eye on you while I'm at work."

"Okay." I say. I try my best to form the best fake smile I can possibly can. "I'm just gonna go get my bag before I'm late for school" 

Without another word I walk upstairs and grab my bag. When I go back downstairs I see Kayla and dad making breakfast. Not wanting to disturb them I quietly walk past the kitchen and close the front door. 

"Do you need a ride?" I turn to see Dean leaning on his car. Of course he looks perfect. 

"No thank you" I say as I speed walk down past him and down the street. 

I need to fix things. Tonight. 

The school day wasn't as bad as I had expected it to be. Tyler asked me to do a few more favors for him for our winter formal like usual. Caleb has been more respectful after I got him an A on the movie review, but he doesn't stop flirting. It is annoying but at this rate, I'm use to it. 

The whole walk home I thought about what I could possibly say to Dean. We're gonna be living together and I can't even spend a minute near him without feeling awkward. When I pass him in the hallway, I stare directly at the floor not wanting to make eye contact. Every time I see him, I can't help but remember when we were together. Those few days during the summer were the best. We didn't have to worry about hiding from anyone. We were happy. 

Before I know it I'm already at home. As I go to open the door, it swings open to reveal Dean in a plain white t-shirt and black joggers. 

"Hi" he says softly. I awkwardly wave at him, the lump in mu throat preventing me from speaking. "Come in, it's cold" he says as he moves to the side. I get inside and take off my coat as he closes the door. After a few seconds of silence he opens his mouth to say something but stops when Kayla appears.

"Larkin! I'm glad you're here. Your father will be home from work soon, so just go get ready for dinner" she says with a warm smile. It feels different having more people at home, I guess I just got use to it being just me and dad. 

This is..different. 

I go upstairs to my room and throw my bag on the other side of my bed. The sound of footsteps approaching my room catch my attention. Dean. 

"Lark I-"

"Yes?" I ask. He seems nervous as he scratches the back of his neck. 

"My room is right across from yours" he says as he points at the door across from mine. 

"That's-" I begin to say but Dean speaks over me. 

"I miss you" he blurts out. 

I miss you too...

"We should go. Dinner is almost ready" 

He nods in agreement and we both make our way downstairs where dad and Kayla have just finished setting up the table for dinner. The dinner was awkward, I caught Dean staring a few times. Our eyes would meet but he would look be the first to look away. After dinner I decide to go for a walk. Home use to be where I went for some space, but I guess that's impossible now. The street is empty, no sign anyone except for me. The quietness brings a sense of calmness.

The moon shines bright past the clouds that slightly cover it. The peace of the night sky was what I needed to distract me from everything. I'm not too sure how everything got so messed up, but at this point there is nothing that can be done. Someone had to sacrifice their happiness. As I reached the crossroad the hand appeared meaning I couldn't walk. As I waited for the crosswalk sign to appear, I thought about how Dean and I are getting closer to being step brother and sister. I'm snapped out of my thoughts when a black car races past the light, it seemed familiar..

I got home to dad and Kayla watching tv in the living room. Without disturbing them, I make my way up to my room and close the door behind me. 

All I can do is move on.