Polaroid (A Phan AU)

Chapter Twenty-Four

Sometimes you just have to express your feelings and get things off your chest.

~Unknown

Thursday rolled around, and the time came for me to go home. I hugged Dan hard with the promise of skyping and coming over on Saturday. Kenji had offered to come and meet me and I'd happily accepted, unwilling to catch the bus alone.

The journey in the pick up truck was, as usual, very quiet. We didn't exchange more than a few words before my small house loomed into view.

I thanked Kenji profoundly for the ride; he drove especially to pick me up.

Trembling hands laid upon twisted bag straps as nervous, shaky legs carried me slowly towards the familiar door. Biting my lip and holding my breath, I pulled open the door.

Before I'd even properly shut it, warm, soft scented limbs encased me in a tight embrace. I'd expected Cassie, but from the height I could infer that it was, in fact, my mother.

"Philip! I'm so glad you're home, it was so quiet."

She took a step back and examined me closely. Tears filled her eyes, and so, to avoid the "I'm so proud, you're so grown up" drivel, I excused myself with the purpose of catching up with my sister.

I knocked on her door, our signature knock, and was answered with two spread out knocks, meaning 'come on in.'

My excitement suddenly too much to handle, I burst into the room with an irremovable smile on my face.

Cassie was standing waiting with her arms spread. I flew into them, holding my sister close and breathing in her nostalgia filled scent.

The embrace lasted for quite some time before we broke away and sat opposite each other on her faded purple bed.

"Did you have a nice time at Dan's Philly?" Cassie asked, playing with my fingers.

I felt my face heat up at the mention of Dan and dipped my head.

"Yeah, it was cool."

Cassie let go of my hands and tilted my head up to examine my expression, glee filling her eyes as she recognised the emotion played out across my features.

"Oh my God, you have a crush on Dan?!"
Cassie squealed, clapping her hands together. I hid my face in my palms, groaning in embarrassment.

But, suddenly, Cassie's squeaks ceased and she dragged my hands away from my face.

"Go to bed." she ordered.

"Why?" I asked, confused as to why she would want to cut our reunion short.

"Just go. Goodnight, I love you. You need sleep. Mums going out, so you'll get some peace." she then proceeded to bustle me out of her room and shut the door in my face.

"Okay..." I muttered, and retreated to bed.