My Brother's Best Friend

Chapter I

Going Back

I couldn't wait for tomorrow.

I was so excited!

I was finally going to go back home to my family.

I was currently finishing up my 4-year vacation with my aunt and uncle in the hot city of California.

It took a lot of convincing for my parents to finally let me come.

I had promised, a boyfriend-free vacation,
Lie,
a party-free vacation,
Lie,
and a trouble-free vacation,
Lie.

And they bought it.

My aunt Claire was much more relieving than my mother was and my uncle John was much less protective and strict than my father was.

I was one of those kids who had strict parents and could barely hang out or go to a friend's place or do anything of the sort. That was part of the reason I wanted to come, I needed some space from them.

Don't get me wrong, they're great parents who've given me most of what I want in life and support me but they don't really let me go anywhere.

Granted, I was 13 before I left and it was much, much, much, dangerous then than it is now but, I still felt suffocated.

"Danielle, dinner is ready!" I could hear my aunt shout from the bottom of the stairs. "Alright, on my way!" I yelled back.

I quickly hopped back downstairs and took a seat at the last chair in the dining area. "Were you busy up there?" Uncle John asked as I sat down.

"Nope, just thinking" I smiled at him, which he returned.

"Ok so tonight, we are having tuna casserole." my aunt smiled at us. "Sounds great" I responded and uncle John just smiled at her.

Anyone from a mile away could see the love in their eyes after 5 years of marriage.

"So tomorrow afternoon," Aunt Claire sat down before speaking, "your plane leaves at 4 pm so you need to get there by 3 pm." I simply nodded in response.

"Are you packed and ready to go?" Uncle John queried.

"Yeah, I have the clothes for tomorrow laid out already." I replied. "Okay then." my aunt smiled.

The rest of the dinner was silent with little talking of the memories we made.

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The next morning, I woke up at 10 am. I brushed my teeth, showered and wore a matching Champions sweatshirt and sweatpants.

I really dreaded having to do this today but, I have to break up with my boyfriend.

Brad and I started dating when I was 14. He knew I would always have to go back but I never told him when, which was today. I called him yesterday letting him know that we needed to talk so here I am, about to go break up with my boyfriend of three years.

My aunt and uncle bought me a car last year for my sweet sixteen when I got my drivers license. It was a beautiful silver 2018 Toyota Camry SE and I absolutely loved it!

I drove to the park and saw Brad waiting for me at the bench.

I walked up to him and sat down.

"Hey babe" Brad pulled me into hug before kissing me.

"Hey, so we need to talk about something important." I fiddled with my fingers, not looking at him.

"You're leaving, aren't you?" he said.

I was unable to read his expression.

I just nodded.

"I'm really sorry. I know I should've done this earlier but I really didn't want to admit it." He just gave a sad smile and sighed. "It's ok. We both knew this day was coming, we just didn't expect it so soon I guess." I think he was speaking for himself at the ending of that sentence but I couldn't tell.

"Are you ok?" I asked him.

Stupid!

Why did I ask that? I knew he wasn't. Three years!? Nobody feels absolutely nothing after three years in a relationship.

"Yeah. We can still be best friends right? And talk as much as possible?" He gave a forced smile.

"The best of friends! Promise!" I grinned. We hugged and gave one final kiss. He was a huge romantic who treated me how I wanted to be treated, called me the pet names I loved and always wanted to show me off.

"I'll miss you. So much." I breathed after our lips left each other. "Not as much as I'll miss you. That's for sure." I giggled. "Cheesy." "Only with you, babe" we rested our foreheads against each other and he bit his lip.

"Promise me you'll be ok." I said.

"I promise" he whispered.

I pulled away from him and stood up. I walked back to my car but before I drove away, I gave him one last look. He smiled and waved and I did the same. I drove back to the house, ready to leave.

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Finally it was time for my plane to board. I'd been sitting there for an hour, just waiting. That's what I hated about airports, the waiting. It was excruciatingly boring. But I finally boarded and had TVD, Originals and Legacies downloaded. Those were the main shows I watched even though I watched all over three times.

I was excited to see everyone back home again. It seems our family was attracted to heat seeing as I lived in Texas and my aunt and uncle lived in California while my grandparents lived in Florida.

I looked so different from the young 13 year old my parents last saw. My hair was longer and wavier and it was a natural red. My face was clear and pimple free and a little bit more tanned, enhancing my green eyes. I stood at a good 5'6 and had a good butt and chest. I didn't feel like Kylie Jenner pretty but I didn't feel ugly either.

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I had finally landed back home and I could not have been more excited. I slept for 2 hours out of the 4 I was on the plane.

My aunt had called to let me know that she was having my car sent over to me, I don't know how but I was very excited. My parents knew I was coming this month but I never told them when to surprise them. They told me they would cancel all plans this month to be home when I got there and I felt extremely happy.

I called an Uber and got in. He took me to the 2-story house I called home 4 years ago. I was so scared, nervous, and excited all at the same time. My heart felt as if it was going to beat out of my chest.

I took a deep breath.

I walked up to the door and knocked.

There's no turning back now.