Something Great (Sequel to Something Borrowed)

Chapter 33: Starting All Over Again

I’d been staring at my bedroom ceiling for about an hour.  Jacob lay next to me sleeping soundly on the other side of the bed, a large fraction of the covers wrapped around him. Ever since we started sleeping in the same bed together I’d learned he was a bit of a cover hog but I still loved him anyway. I’d been lying there for the past hour just thinking. Many people had passed through my mind like Mother, Harry and Brooke. But the one person my mind lingered on was Michael. I didn’t know what to think of our lunch the other day. He said that he was sorry and wanted us to be friends again but I didn’t know if I could believe him or not. He’d been so manipulative in the past that I wasn’t as trusting of his word as I once was. Even though Michael hadn’t been my favorite person recently, there was a part of me that did still want to be friends with him. Michael had been my only friend for years and we had been through possibly everything you can imagine together. I didn’t want to end it all.

I’d noticed that sunlight was starting to beam through my window and decided that it was time for me to get out of bed. I might as well do something productive with my time since I’m already awake. Careful not to wake up Jake, I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to brush my teeth. When I was finished with my hygiene routine I decided to head to the kitchen to start breakfast.

 I tied my robe tightly around my waist as I retrieved a carton of eggs from the refrigerator.  I sure hope I can work a miracle on breakfast. I still don’t see how Jake wants to marry me yet I can’t cook worth crap. He really does love me. Just as I was in search of a skillet there was a knock on my door. That’s strange. No one really ever comes to visit Jacob and I. Especially at this time of morning. The person at the door was a mystery.

I sighed and reluctantly stopped my task in the kitchen before heading to the door. For some reason I had a nervous feeling in my stomach as I unlocked the front to door. Taking a deep breath I slowly pulled it open to reveal Brooke standing at my front door.

I was genuinely surprised.  About three weeks ago Brooke wouldn’t even answer her door for me and she barely listened to what I had to say at Mother’s. Why would she show up at my door now? Had Mom sent her here? I didn’t know whether or not to prepare myself for another argument or to prepare myself to come to terms with my sister. We stood there staring at each other for a while until Brooke spoke. “Hi.” She greeted me softly, folding her arms across her chest. I shoved my hands into the pocket of my robe. “Hey.” I replied. Brooke tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Can I come in?” She asked. “Oh, yeah. Sure.” I replied taken aback at Brooke’s humility. I opened the door wider, inviting her in. I was really interested to see here this would go.

“I was just about to make some breakfast. Would you like some?” I asked trying to be as cordial and hospitable as possible as I lead Brooke into the kitchen. It was weird not having her yell at me or make snide remarks. I think I’d gotten used to it.  Brooke shook her head of full bobbed cut hair. “Well, some coffee then?” I suggested. Again Brooke shook her head. “I just came to talk.” She replied. I felt a knot of nervousness forming in my stomach. “Sure. But can you please keep your voice down. Jacob’s asleep.” I answered. Having Jake find out the real reason why Brooke and I hadn’t been talking was the last thing I wanted to happen. “Alright.” She replied. I took a deep breath before making myself comfortable across the table from Brooke.  I gave her a small smile as a cue to begin. Brooke sighed before speaking.

“Remember when we were girls and we used to argue?” She asked. I nodded. Brooke and I would get in arguments a lot when we were younger. It simmered down once we became teenagers. “It was always over petty things like losing each other’s hairbrush or borrowing clothes without asking.” Brooke continued. “Never in a million years would I have guessed we’d fight over a man.” She declared sadly with a sigh. “Me neither.”  I replied softly tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. Brooke stared down at her hands before setting her gaze on me. “When I found out, I was torn. I’d never felt so broken in my life. To think, the person I’d invested so many years in doesn’t truly even love me. I’m just some second choice of his.” She spat, her voice shaking slightly.

I sighed. Poor Brooke. I placed my hand on top of hers. “Brooke, Michael married you. You weren’t his second choice. I was.” I assured her. A single tear fell out of Brooke’s blue eye. “I thought I had it all. I built my empire and watched it all come crumbling down. I’ve realized, it’s not all your fault Erin. Michael should’ve come clean and told me. He was married to me, not you.” She declared somberly. “But, we shouldn’t have kept it from you for so long. I betrayed your trust and I’m so sorry for that.” I apologized sincerely.  Even though Brooke had acknowledge that Michael was primarily at fault, I still felt the need to apologize.

Brooke shook her head. “Stop apologizing. Please! You’ve apologized enough. It’s my turn to apologize. You were right. I was selfish. It was selfish of me to date Michael without asking you how you felt about him. I created that monster. I ruined it for you. I ruined it for us all. We both could’ve saved ourselves a ton of hurt and you could’ve gotten that happy ending you always wanted.” She spoke. I sighed.  Maybe Brooke wasn’t as self absorbed as I thought, I was actually shocked that she knew about the happy ending I was waiting on. I truly believed she didn’t listen to me when I talked.“Brooke, I am getting my happy ending. I’m marrying Jacob. He’s everything I could ever ask for and more. My feelings for Michael are in the past. He’s not even worth us fighting over. Men come and go but you’ll always be my sister.” I finished passionately.

Silent tears streamed down Brooke’s face. She drew in a deep breath.”I’m so sorry Erin. .I never meant a word I said. I forgive you, will you please forgive me??” She pleaded tearfully. I could feel my own tears streaming down my cheeks. God knows I’ve been praying for this day to come. “Of course I forgive you.” I replied. I walked over to Brooke and enveloped her in the tightest embrace. “I love you sis.” I whispered. “I love you too.” Brooke replied tearfully. We just stayed like that for a while. Eventually we pulled apart. Brooke whipped her face while giving me a small smile.

“Congrats on your engagement. Is there still a spot left for me in the wedding?” She asked. I smiled. “I refused to let anyone else be my maid of honor. “ I replied. Brooke grinned. “Great, cause if you’re getting married in June we have to start like today.” She declared before reaching in her handbag and retrieving a thick bridal magazine. I giggled this was just like the Brooke I knew. “There’s more where that came from.” She replied handing the magazine over to me.  Brooke and I looked through the magazine for sometime picking out  the flowers and themes we liked the best  “Moring babe. Uh, and Brooke.” Jacob spoke groggily breaking our concentration. Brooke and I were having such a good time we didn’t even hear him come in the kitchen. I turned to him with a bright smile. His dark hair fell slightly over his sleepy blue eyes and his face screamed “I just woke up” even though he still looked ridiculously attractive. “Morning Honey.” I replied. “What are you girls up to?” He asked. Brooke and I smiled at each other. “We’re planning a wedding.” She replied. I grinned; it felt so good to have my sister back.