Not the Same

Chapter thirty-one

Before I can change my mind, I quickly run after Adam, leaving the gym and everyone in it.

Making my way into the hallway I look around, hoping to find Adam somewhere. Not seeing him right away, I started to jog up and down the hallways wondering where he could have gone.

After a minute or so it, hits me.

He went to the soccer field.

Sighing, I turn around and start to walk to the soccer field, knowing that my brother will be there.

What do I even say to him? Why am I going after him? He's made it his mission to make me miserable for so long. Ever since everything happened. Why am I rushing to his side?

Because he needs me.

As I'm finishing up my inner debate, I arrive at the soccer field and see Adam standing near one of the goals with a soccer ball by his feet.

His tie hangs loosely from his neck and his suit jacket lies on the grass of the field. His shirt is no longer tucked in and his hair looks as though he has frustrated run his hands through it a hundred times.

Seeing him like this, heartbroken and vulnerable causes me to feel an ache deep in my stomach. He's really hurting.

I quietly make my way towards him, trying to not alert him so I can take in his appearance some more.

As if sensing my presence, Adam turns around and is now facing me.

"Hi," I say quietly, not knowing what else to say.

"Avery, just don't," he says dejectedly.

"I just wanted to make sure you're okay," I say sincerely, taking a step closer.

Surprising me, he laughs bitterly.

"Avery, just stop okay?" He says taking a step closer so we're about four feet apart.

"Stop what?" I say back, getting slightly annoyed. "Stop trying to be nice?"

"I don't deserve it. I don't deserve your kindness" he yells back, looking angry, causing me to flinch.

He continues. "I don't deserve you checking up on me to make sure I'm okay when you've been through hell and back and most of it is because of me."

"Adam," I say, trying to calm him down.

"No, Avery," he says cutting me off. "I ruined your life. You should hate me. Why aren't you yelling at me or telling me that I deserve this? I don't get it."

I take a deep breath. Adam has never talked to me like this, so vulnerably. He's never opened up to me before or shown any kind of regret for everything that's happened between us.

"Because," I say, taking a deep breath. "You're my brother."

Despite everything that has happened between us, he's still my brother, and tonight, for the first time in a long time, I saw a glimpse of the old him. The brother that I used to call my best friend.

The two of us take a moment to process everything and catch our breath.

Adam runs his hand through his hair and noticeably looses some of the tension in his shoulders.

"I'm really sorry, Avery," Adam says with vulnerably and sincerity in his eyes. "For everything."

"I'm sorry, but did Adam just apologize? TO AVERY?"

Adam and I turn our heads and see our friends standing on the edge of the soccer field.

Each one of them stands there with a shocked look on their face, but no one looks as shocked as Eric.