It Was You

Chapter One

"Wake up small fry." I yawned and opened my sleep crusted eyes and saw my older brother, standing at my bedroom door. His light brown hair spiked up with gel and his converse shoes remained untied. He'd clearly hurried up to my dorm room.

I rolled over and checked the time on my phone, 6:30am. Of course, Chris was always the early bird in the family. I however preferred my sleep-ins. 

"Ugh," I threw my pillow over to the door, hitting him in the stomach. "Leave me alone." I groaned and covered the warm doona over my face. 

He ran over to the bed and playfully tackled me with the pillow, like we used to do when we were younger.

"You do remember what today is, right?" He grinned cheekily. Sometimes my brother could act like he was still a 10 year old. 

I shook my head.

"You goofball!" He whacked me over the head again, messing up my already birds-nest-like hair. "How could you forget your own birthday?" 

I stared at him wide-eyed, "It's the 13th already?" 

He frowned at me as though it was a terrible crime to forget my own birthday. My 18th birthday nonethless, I hadn't counted down to it like Brea had, I was too busy trying to complete my assignments. "You're 18 today my little sis!" 

"So?" I wrinkled my nose distastefully. 

"So, you can drink and party at pubs and nightclubs. Miss Amelia, you are officially an adult." 

"Christopher," I made his name the sound the way it did when he got in trouble off our mother. I climbed out of the comfort of my bed, wishing I could stay in it longer but I wasn't going to be able to get back to sleep now. "I'm not even interested in drinking or partying. It really isn't a big deal."

Chris made a pouty face, "My little sister is all grown up though." He shuffled his hands through my hair, messing it up even more. He chuckled, "I do have a ton of plans for you today." 

He pulled out a small envelope from inside his jeans pocket. 

Guys could fit so much in their pockets, I couldn't even fit my phone properly in my jeans. 

"What is it?" I stared at the white envelope with my name written on it. 

"Just open it." He smiled excitedly. How did my brother have so much energy so early in the morning? 

I ripped open the seal of the envelope and pulled out what appeared to be a a gift card. It was for the local bookshop. I stared open mouthed at how much was put on the card, "$150!" Chris was just smiling even wider now, knowing I would be surprised by it. "Where'd you get the money?"

"Well," Chris began, taking a seat on the end of my bed. "The band has been getting a lot more paid gigs lately. I've managed to save up enough money for your milestone birthday." 

Chris was the guitarist in their band titled ''Isle of Fire'. They got together when they were in high school but they hadn't been so successful moneywise.  

"You didn't have to do that..." I eyed the gift card again. All the books I could buy.

"Are you kidding? Of course I did. You're my little sister and today is your birthday. You only turn 18 once." 

I rolled my eyes, "You only turn every age once." 

"Come on," He gestured. "Get dressed, I'm taking you to have a fancy breakfast." 

I didn't argue. I went to my cupboard and quickly gathered up a pair of black leggings and a dressy green shirt before I showered and tied my blonde waves into a long braid. 

I followed him down to the cafe across the street. 

It was fancy. There were plants and pictures everywhere and the staff were all so friendly. 

Chris ordered a big breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans and buttery toast. I went for the raisin toast and a delicious caramel latte. 

"So how has your band been getting all these gigs? I thought you'd be too busy with your studies to even practice." I said between sips of my refreshing coffee. 

"I've still been maintaining my studies don't worry, all my homework is up to date- it's english so it's easy enough." He shoved a spoonful of baked beans into his mouth before he continued. "Anyway, we have a new drummer since Mick moved away, James is his name. He throws awesome parties by the way. James' brother has been helping us organize gigs and even giving us helpful tips and constructive criticism. He's a pretty cool guy too." 

"That's awesome." I grinned. 

"Oh actually," He wiped is mouth with the napkin in front of him. "Speak of the devils." He called out to the two guys who were standing ordering coffee. When they'd collected their drinks they wandered over to the table and sat down with us. I didn't recognize the red haired fellow with the bushy beard who Chris had introduced as James, but there was something familiar about his brother- who looked completely different. 

The dark hair...

The deep hazel eyes...

His sharp jawline... 

Who was this handsome guy? 

"And this is Nate." Chris introduced him. "They totally don't look it but they are actually brothers." The three of them laughed, I chuckled if only to participate in the joke. 

"Hiya," Nate said with a smirk.

That was it.

I remembered where I knew him from!

The arrogant jerk from the bookshop a few weeks ago who just had to have the book I was after.

Oh the nerve of him! 

I hadn't realized I'd been glaring for the last few mintues. 

"You ok?" Chris asked me, he'd finished up his breakfast already. 

I shook my head out of my angry daze. "Uh, yeah." I took a huge gulp of my coffee and turned to Nate, "So you're the guy who's been helping the band out?" The words came out of my mouth icier than I had intended. 

"As best I can." He smiled, pleased with himself. What a narcissist. He clearly hadn't recognised me. "Your brother's a pretty cool guy." He gently punched Chris in the arm. 

"He's the best." I smiled through gritted teeth.  

"Mia, are you sure you're ok?" Chris frowned curiously. 

I cleared my throat, "Yeah. I just have to pop by and see Brea. I'll catch up with you later. It was nice to meet you James."

"Nice to meet you too!" I heard Nate call out from behind me, noticing I'd forgotten him. Obvious sarcasm in his voice.

"Uh huh." I waved and rushed off out of the coffee shop as fast as I possibly could.