Our Little Secret//lh

1 • home

Meredith's p.o.v
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I had always thought about going back to Australia to see my brother and my mom, but I never thought it would actually be happening at this very moment in time. While I was nervous to see Ashton for the first time in 3 long years, I was excited to hug him again and get back to our regularly scheduled shenanigans.

But not only did I miss Ashton and our brother-sister bond, I missed his—or I suppose our—best friends. Calum especially, because he was my Calpal, and I confided to him about everything. I grew up with the 4 boys and we did just about anything and everything together, but our adventures had to come to a screeching halt when I was accepted to my dream school in the United States, The University of Pittsburgh.

The school itself was utterly gorgeous and the education was amazing. I had worked 2 jobs for as long as I could remember to help save up the money to go there, my mom helping of course. I studied hard in high school and I remember the day my acceptance letter came in. I cried tears of joy with my mother, and weeks later when a letter arrived saying I received a full ride academic scholarship, I really broke down. I remember my mother, full of pride watching me cry as I held the letter in my shaky hands.

Those were the 2 happiest days of my life.

But, sadly, that meant leaving Australia and the 4 boys that I loved so dearly. The day I left, we all cried together and reminisced on the fond memories we had right up until my last day, and when it was finally time for me to leave for the airport, Ashton broke down in my arms, completely heart broken that I, his little sister, was leaving the country and he could no longer protect me.

But now, it was time to come back, finally, after 3 years. It's the summer before my last year of college. The family I normally stayed with, so I wouldn't have the hassle of lugging all my things back and forth between Australia and the U.S, moved to the other side of the country and I figured this would be a great opportunity to return to see my family and my old pals.

The flight itself was rather relaxing in my comfy athletic shorts and overly large tshirt with a set of earbuds in, listening to music before I drifted off to sleep. Before I knew it, I was in Australia.

And with the blink of an eye, the car pulled up to the house I grew up in. I noticed mom had decided to repaint the siding from a dull yellow to a bright ocean blue.

Nice pick, ma.

"Can I help with your bags, Miss?" The driver turned to ask. I nod my head, "If you don't mind? That would be amazing." I smile.

"No trouble at all—you've got quite a lot. Where from?" He asks.

"I was in the US for university." I say before stepping out of the car. The driver pops the trunk and we grab the bags, hauling them to the front porch.

Luckily, I spoke to administrators about my situation and they agreed I could keep most of my belongings there, but they aren't liable if anything goes missing which is very understandable.

I pay the cab driver, adding $20 to tip appropriately for his help with my bags. And once he pulled out of my driveway, I found myself staring at the front door, not wanting to step through the threshold just yet.

I quickly retrieved my phone from my waist band and sent Ashton a quick text.

Meredith: im home, bud.

I slip my phone back where it was before opening the mailbox and slipping my hand inside for the key to the front door. Ashton had already warned me that our mom was going to be gone on a work shift when I arrived, but she would be back in the morning.

I swiftly unlock the door and push it open, the smell of home instantly hitting me in the face. I closed my eyes and smiled at the familiar, comforting scent.

The living room was nice and tidy and I noticed the many changes my mom had made to the house. Seems when both of your children move out, it's time to redecorate.

It was beautiful, a creme colored sectional against the light blue walls was very refreshing and relaxing. New, dark hardwood floors started in the living room and continued into the dining room and kitchen.

Seriously, ma, you have great taste.

My phone buzzed against my hip bone and I quickly retrieve it again to see who it is.

Ash: FINALLY!

Ash: we'll be there soon! We can't wait to see you.

I smile at the text and decide he doesn't need an answer. I set my phone down on the table next to the arm of the couch and decide that I should get my bags to my room and out of the way before the 4 rambunctious boys arrived.

My room, located down the hall instead of upstairs like my moms and Ashton's old room, was still the same as when I left it 3 years ago. Nothing had been out of place.

Pink Floyd and Greta Van Fleet posters were still decorated across the white walls, photos of me and the boys still hung from the fairy lights around my room. The annoying knick knacks that the boys used to buy me anytime they went to a strange place still sat on the now dusty shelves above the nook where my desk was. And lastly, the infamous spinny chair that we had to replace at least 10 times from the guys breaking it more ways that I can count.

I laughed at the memory of Luke sitting on the chair, minding his own business when Calum decides Luke needs a lap dance. Calum was, of course, drunk off of my graduation tequila that Ashton surprised me with and the weight of the two lanky boys messing around on the chair, broke it enough that the wheels wouldn't move and it no longer could spin correctly.

I begin to unpack my bags when I hear the sound of a car pull into the driveway. 4 loud, and noticeably deeper, voices begin to get closer and closer until the sound of the front door swinging open and in unison, sing-songy voices yell,

"Ohhhh Meredith!"

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howdy,

so the picture above the chapter is what I picture Miss Meredith Irwin to look like/portray in this book. I'm not sure who the girl is, but she's so so pretty! So yeah— that's all.

Hope you enjoyed this chapter! More juicy things to come!

                      xoxo,
                               natalie