The Boy with the Vans

Chapter 18

Florida, Florida, Florida.

I kind of missed the swamps...and the crocodiles.

I yawned as we landed with a soft thud and nudged Aaron to wake him up.

He smiled and put his arm around me.

- - -

As we were walking through the airport to go get our luggage, I looked around the airport that I haven't been in for centuries.

We grabbed our suitcases and searched for my dad.

Finally we saw him, me noticing his hat waving in the air, holding a sign saying "Welcome Home Iris (: + Aaron"

"Dad!" I dropped my luggage and jumped into a bear hug.

"Hey sweet pea," he smiled kissing my head.

"Hello Mr. Scott," Aaron shook my dad's hand.

"So he's a gentleman?" My dad teased.

"Yes, now come on I'm starving!" I tugged on both of their arms.

"Ok, ok, let's go."

We ended up having some really good fast food at Popeyes and I couldn't help but tease Aaron about his addiction to waffles and chicken.

"You are obsessed, ya waffle king."

"A man can't simply love waffles and chicken in peace?"

I laughed as he finished his drink and my dad led us back to the car.

"So, Aaron. How long have you been dating Iris?" My dad asked as he looked in the rear view mirror at him.

"Well, ever since I first laid my eyes on her, sir," he smiled as he took my hand in his.

"Just be careful with her, don't be like Greyson..."

"Dad... please don't bring that up," I beg him as he looks at me sympathetically.

"It's okay, Mr. S, she told me about it. I would never treat her that way."

"Good."

****

I breathe in the scents of my house. Good to be home, yet not at the same time.

The first thing I do is go to Patrick's bedroom. I slowly opened the door to be greeted by the smell of mildew.

This boy never cleaned his room.

Clothes littered his floor here and there and his TV was on static.

I reached over to turn it off, knocking over his phone on his dresser.

• 1 new message from (563)3210887•

I know that number.

I quickly unlocked his phone and read the message.

From: (563) 321 0887

Saw Iris, be a shame if I hurt her again. Ya feel me?

My blood started to boil. Greyson did this. Him being his asshole self sent a text to my older brother, knowing he would rip the earpieces out of his ears and storm to beat the bastard up.

He was probably in such a hurry that he got in a crash... that took his life.

Aaron opened the door slowly calling my name, "Iris? You in here?"

"Yeah, over here," I replied, sitting on the corner of his bed.

"What's wrong?" He tilted my face up towards his with a frown.