Michael was driving for the first 4 hours. We would be taking turns, next was me, then Calum, and
then Luke. I sat in the passenger seat, watching everything I know and love zoom by.
The ice cream parlor. The farm. My school. Well I didn't love that last one.
The houses along my road, the kids playing outside.
I couldn't seem to fight off the smile as I remembered when Ashton and I were young.
***
"Hide and go seek? Please Ash?" I begged, staring at up my bigger brother, Ashton.
He was 7, I just turned 5.
He let out an exasperated sigh. "Okay. But you seek."
I eagerly nodded, just glad he finally agreed.
I loved playing with him.
He was my best friend.
I thought I was his best friend too.
He ruffled my hair before he ran off, leaving a smile imprinted on my face.
I felt like sometimes, when I was around him, I smiled so much that it might be permanent.
My cheeks hurt from smiling sometimes.
I wasn't amazing with counting yet, since it was only the first week of school.
The outside air was cool, soft breezes tickling my cheeks.
"10...9...8..7...6...5..4..3..." My voice got higher with each number. "2....1!"
I quickly set off, my eyes scanning the perimeter of the yard.
"Ash?" I whispered, heading inside.
I saw the tip of a converse sticking out from behind the couch, and I suppressed a giggle
long enough to go tap him on the shoulder.
"Found ya!" I exclaimed.
Ashton rolled his eyes. "Whatever."
But I could see him smiling.
And I could tell he was happy.
That made me happy too.
****
Grimacing, I turned to Michael.
"Do you miss him?" I ask.
Michael stared straight ahead for a while, not replying or even acknowledging he heard me.
He swallowed.
"All the time."
YOU ARE READING
Long Way Home
Fanfiction"We're taking the Long way Home." It's been a year since Avery Irwin has seen her brother. And now she's going to find him.
