Chapter 1:
"Mel! Get out here or we're going to be late for our first day!" I heard Jeremy yell over the clashing of dishes thanks to the cooking crew and the vacuuming and cleaning from the maids. Grabbing my new, red Vera Bradley bag, I quickly ran down the spiraling staircase and rushed through the door only to be greeted by my brother's abrupt laughter, "Whoa Melanie! Where's the fire?" Becoming defensive I retaliated, "You're the one who screamed for me to hurry Jare!"
"Just get in the car," Jeremy replied as he entered on the left side of the blue BMW, "Apparently the fire's up your ass."
He might've whispered the last part but I heard it like a baby's scream. My dad used to tell me I was heaven sent, because of my exceptional hearing. But I would soon realize as I grew more into my teenage years, that this "heaven sent gift" was a burden, a curse, and would never help me in reaching my most valuable goal since I was 5, that being happiness.
"Jeremy! I'll be fine, really!" I assured my older brother one last time, putting intentional emphasis on really. Jeremy might only be 10 minutes older then me but he still had all the qualities of a protective older brother. At times, his protectiveness became over top and unreasonable, but considering the childhood we endured…its no surprise and in fact, completely understandable.
Jeremy sighed, "Alright, but if anything happens call my cell okay?"
"Yeah we've been over this in the car, the walk to the front door, the walk to my locker, at my locker, and now my walk away from my locker. Jeremy Maxwell Parker, I promise you I will be fine during my two minute walk to homeroom." Inside I laughed a little, because we only took two steps away from my locker, 411, before Jeremy confronted me with the all so familiar question yet another time.
"Okay, okay, I was just making sure. I guess I'll go to my locker now. See you in homeroom sis?" Easily distracted, Jeremy's eyes followed a pretty, blonde girl down the hall and I could tell he would go after her as soon as I answered.
Giving my own knowing and slightly amused sigh I said a hushed "sure" and went off to room 200, Ms. Darbus. Just as predicted, Jeremy took off after that blonde who I'm sure has a normal teenage life. Being annoyed by parents, drama over boys, gossip and slumber parties with girls… and she probably doesn't appreciate any of it. Ever since my parent's and older brother by four years, Michael, were killed in an unexpected plane crash, I became this withdrawn, frightened, and shy girl. That was my way of dealing with their deaths and from my opinion, the correct way, the accurate way. Jeremy's technique always confused, disgusted and intrigued me all at the same time. Just as I used to be before the tragedy, he was loud and outgoing and easily made friends. And he stayed exactly the same as before our loss, dare I say he became even more rowdy and sociable. Sure we were both devastated and shared a good amount of tears, but that was it for him. He let it out and moved on. The affect it had on me, left me being chastised wherever I go. I thought it was anything but fair and on more than one occasion I found myself wondering why Jeremy couldn't be punished for not saving our family, hoping he could play the part of big brother and take some of the pain off my shoulders. And all too soon did I discover how wrong I was to wish those things and how wrong I was about Jeremy and his feelings.
A/N: tell me what u think )