Kiss Me Before You Go

Part One

"Bran? Aren't you coming with us?" My sisters barged into my room to coax me again to go with them.

Every year, the neighboring town celebrates a festival that lasts for three days. This was the first day and my sisters were adamant in going. Not me.

If I go, I would only see someone there I didn't want to see. He works in he capital and that's over an hour flight from where we live. He comes home once or twice a year.

"I'm good. I'm not going."

"What?!" I heard them say in unison. "Mom!!!"

Here comes their cavalry. Our mother. She likes to side with my sisters because just like them, she doesn't like me cooped up in m bedroom during summer, doing whatever a loner nerdy kid would do.

And so she yanked me out of my room and dropped me inside the Jeep I received from my father on my eighteenth birthday. It's a bit old and cranky but it takes me and my sisters to wherever they go to when they steal it.

Aria and Armina hopped in the back and started making plans on how to get me a girl in the disco tonight.

Every night during the course of the celebration, the town holds a public disco at the town gymnasium. That's a big crowd to hide from if you ask me.

"We'll go there during the coronation night so behave." My mother's words surely won't stay in m sisters mind for too long. Although they don't engage in relationships yet (they're seventeen), they tend to find and cause mischief wherever they are.

I was wearing only a pair of shorts, an iron man t-shirt and we're off to the next town twenty five minutes away. I don't even think I brought my wallet with me. Just my phone.

"I'm just dropping you off, right?" I yelled to my passengers in the back.

"No! Your overnight bag is right here!"

I could only groan seeing Armina lift up my black duffel bag which seemed heavy enough to last me a week. I'm pretty sure Aria packed that.

When we arrived at our aunt and uncle's house, the two couldn't wait to run inside the house. I heard squeals as they greeted uncle Draco and aunt Gianna. I could imagine the excitement from France seeing the two bubble heads of cousins she has.

"Aren't you coming in?"

"Jesus!" My heart almost jumped out of my chest when I heard that familiar voice followed by a hand touching my cheek. I was still sitting in my jeep parked in front of my uncle and aunt's garage.

"Hi, Bran."

If he smiled like that, how was I supposed to run away? I was melting and my chest was pounding like crazy. That combination can only leave me speechless.

"Hey, are you okay?" He asked, touching my cheek again.

"Y-Yeah. I'm fine."

"Is that it?" His brows were lifted as he stared at me, waiting for something more I would probably say. "Aren't you gonna tell me that you missed me?"

His face was too close. I could even see my expression in his eyes. Those deep brown orbs I hate to see look at another person with love that I could never have for myself.

I was shaking in nervousness so I just smiled, awkwardly. "S-Sure. When did you come back?"

"Yesterday." His smile turned a little sad.

"Oh, missing someone there already?" I was joking but my heart was breaking into pieces. Asking this kind of question would only make me more miserable. Sooner or later, I would learn he has a boyfriend or a girlfriend. Sooner or later, I have to accept my fate.

I could never have this man. This handsome, sweet, gentle, and caring man.

"I was missing someone, alright," he said with eyes so solemn I would say he was speaking with love and longing for somebody.

I blinked, trying to process it. Ha. I knew it. What was I hoping to hear?

"Good for you," I said trying to be supportive, tapping his chest. "Well, I'm glad to see you home."

With that, I rushed to get out of my Jeep even when he was blocking me. It was perfect timing when France exited the front door and ran to me.

"P'Bran!!!"

"You're getting taller," I commented as I ruffled her hair.

"No, I'm not!" She gave me the side eye and I forced a laugh. I wasn't feeling okay at all. I was in a relative's house so I couldn't be myself, hide in my room and cry my heart out.

"Brandy!" Aunt Gianna wrapped me in her arms soon as I came in. France was complaining because she wanted to monopolize my attention.

"You have three days to enjoy his company, kiddo." I heard uncle Draco say. "For now, let your mother be."

This is why I feel even more guilty coming here. My aunt and uncle are such wonderful people. They treat me and my sisters like their own children.

Aunt Gianna, my mother's sister would always welcome me with a big hug. She would make my favorite food here or sometimes drive to our house just to bring it to me.

Uncle Draco would bring me to his auto shop and show me off to his employees. He calls me his other smart son. Then he would teach me how to repair this and that regarding cars or motorcycles or what not.

These two wonderful people... How much I would be hurting them if one day they find out I'm in love with their son.

______________tbc•Zia