Boyfriend for Christmas

Chapter 13....

By time I came out of the bathroom Knox was gone. Olivia's suitcase was gone which meant he already put it in her room. I sat on the edge of my bed, tugging at the sleeves of my sweater. I've only been home a total of 20 minutes and yet it felt weird being here. Almost like years and years have passed when its really only been 10 months.

Not wanting to let Knox or Olivia to get stuck with my mom, I made myself get up and head downstairs. Walking down the stairs I found myself smiling softly at the pictures once more. I paused at one of us as a family. It was about two years old and it was taken on Christmas. All 5 of us dressed in matching PJ's, grinning like idiots with wrapping paper scattered all around us.

I quickly looked away and walked the rest of the way down the stairs. My stomach growled loudly as I followed the smell of food in the kitchen. The smell of cinnamon bread made my mouth water. I fully planned on pigging out this next week on my mom's food.

Walking into the kitchen my eyes immediately went to Knox. He was leaning against the counter next to his sister while my mom chatted away. Hearing my name I knew it was time to interrupt. I probably didn't want to know what my mom was saying about me before I came down.

"It smells really good in here Mom." I spoke, crossing the room and heading for the counter. The sight that greeted me made me want to moan. Desserts, bread and even pies were sitting on the counter waiting to be eaten. "Have you been baking all night?"

"Some of it is from the bakery yesterday." Sometimes dessert is better the next day.

"Well don't mind if I do." I moved around the counter and headed to the cabinet for a plate. The only thing on my mind was food.

As I was reaching for a slice of cinnamon bread and a few cookies a hand slapped mine.

"Wha..."

"You aren't even going to offer our guests some?" My mom gave me a pointed look. Trying my hardest not to roll my eyes I looked over at Olivia and Knox.

"Would you guys like some?" I asked, even though Olivia already had a plate filled with food. She shook her head and when Knox didn't say anything I took that to mean he didn't want any. Without another word I stuffed a chocolate chip cookie in my mouth.

"I thought I taught you manners young lady." My mom put her hands on her hips.

"Sorry." I talked with my mouth full, only to grin at the horrified look on my mom's face.

"I'll take that plate away from you." She warned.

"You wouldn't deprive your starving daughter of food!"

"I definitely would." I gasped at her comment.

"Cruel! That's child abuse you know." My mom shook her head at me while I grinned and shoved another cookie in my mouth.

"It's not child abuse if your 26." She looked away from me to Knox. "I'm sorry you've had to put up with my animal of a daughter."

"It has been quite hard." Knox joked, his green eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Excuse me." I looked between my mom and Knox. "You are not allowed to gang up on me!" I wiggled my finger at the two of them.

"Whatever you are doing to Aubrey, I'm in." A new voice chimed in. I knew that voice from anywhere.

"You weren't invited dingnut." I turned and found my second oldest brother walking through the doorway. The smile that took over his face made my own appear. My feet moved on their own as I crossed the kitchen and wrapped my arms around my brother.

The big bear hug he wrapped me in brought tears to my eyes. You never realize how much you miss someone until you see them again. Pulling back I tilted my head back to look at him.