Dream or Reality

Chapter Twenty-Nine

I was led in the tall grass with the grass tickling my toes and sweetest flowers you could ever smell filled my nostrils. The sun light was blinding my eyes and the soft summer breeze was blowing though my hair. It was the perfect day. I could hear the sound of laughter which made me smile. Jamie was laughing so much that I don't think he was able to breathe. Max and Kerion were smashing food into each other's face's. Everything was great and this was an amazing day. Luckily, this wasn't a dream but an actual real day. I had no evil alarm waking me up and dragging me back to a world I hated but instead when my alarm would go off I'm brought back to a reality that I love and enjoy.

"Come on everyone the BBQ is ready," Mel shouted so we all got up and went to grab burgers, hot dogs, chicken, kebabs and salad. It was the day Alex was leaving for college so Mel had organised a garden party and invited our neighbours, my friends, a few family members and Alex's friends that actually stayed his friend after his fight with Matt. Matt and Cole were both off to college with black eyes. Alex didn't get into any trouble as he didn't cause the fight as he was just defending Jamie and Matt's dad didn't press any charges as he didn't want there to be any bad press involving Matt. The garden was covered with fairly lights, streamers, pillows, tables and chairs and embarrassing photos of Alex that showed his journey through life which of course Alex hated. "I just want to say a few words." Mel began, "I'm so proud of Alex. He did good in his exams, graduated high school and is now off to college so well done. So, let's give him a round of applause and have fun and let's drink." Everyone was now clapping and cheering whilst Alex stood there awkwardly. Eventually, everyone went back to eating and chatting. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Alex slip off into the house.

"I wonder where he's off to." Jamie said.

"I don't know I'll go check," I said as I wondered off.

I found Alex in his room sat on the window seal looking down at the garden party. He didn't pay any attention to me until a few minutes later when he finally said, "I'm sorry that I've been a bad brother all of these years. Mum and dad were gone and Mel was never around and when she was she was drunk. I'm the one who was supposed to take care of you but I failed. I failed at being your big brother. Your life was a living hell and I did nothing to stop it. I didn't even realise you were feeling the way you were and I should have but I was too darn wrapped up in my own world. I'm sorry I wasn't your big brother." Alex started to cry and I ran over and gave him a big bear hug and he wrapped his arms around me to. He has never been like this around me. "No matter what you will always be my big brother." We stayed there for a bit. It felt nice. "What's brought this all on?" I asked.

"Whilst you were in the hospital I found this..." Alex stated as he handed me a shoe box that was decorated in lace and glitter. "It's from mum and dad. It's full of baby photos of you and me but I've taken mine out as I looked like a potato when I was a baby. There is a silver locket that mum and dad were going to give you the day you would leave for college but I think you should have it now." I put all of the photos to the side and Alex handed me a beautiful locket with stunning detail around the edge and inside there was two photos: one was of my parents holding me as a baby and the other was of Alex holding me as a baby. Alex continued, "there was a letter for me dated the day... you know and it contained a photo of me meeting you for the first time. The letter said stuff about them being sorry and saying goodbye but what stood out the most was them asking me to look after you and protect you but I didn't. I failed." Alex broke down again. I just hugged him and kept reassuring him that he is my brother and I love him and nothing can change that. "Mel is probably wondering where we've gone off to so let's head back," Alex said as he smiled.

I followed Alex back to the garden and re-joined Jamie and the others. "What was that all about?" Max asked.

"Nothing. I just now have a big brother again." They all looked at me confused and I just stood there laughing. We spent the rest of the afternoon stuffing our faces until it felt like our bellies were going to explode and dancing to the music Mel had picked so it was at least a hundred years old. Of course, Jamie was taking loads of pictures with his new camera that his mum had bought him for doing amazing in his exams. It was one of my favourite days even though I was about to say goodbye to my brother.

It was about six o'clock and it was sadly time to say goodbye to Alex. I helped Max load the last few bags into Mel's car as Alex said his goodbyes to everyone. "Good luck with college Al," Max said as he walked off with Kerion to get more burgers.

"Have fun," Jamie stated.

"You better take care of my sister and if you ever hurt her you'll end up worse than Matt. I can promise you that. Also, take care of yourself because I won't be here to help you in any fights." Alex said as he awkwardly patted him on the shoulder then walked over to me where I was leaning on the car. "Now you're a whole other story and I'm going to miss you the most and will constantly be worrying about you."

"I'll be fine, I have Jamie and the others."

"And you'll always have me and I promise to never not be your brother again."

"You're stuck with me," I laughed. "Goodbye big brother."

"Bye little sister. You better come and visit. I love you so much Ellie." That was the first time he said that to me.

"I love you to."

"By the way, so does someone else and probably more than you think." Alex said eyeing Jamie. Alex got into the car and we all waved as him and Mel drove off. Jamie came over and stood by my side, I carefully slipped my hand into his.

I was going to be okay. I had my friends and it was only going to grow but most importantly I had my brother. I'm not Eggy Ellie I'm Ellie Mills and no one can ever change that.