Ashtyn's Pov.
I look around Jacob's apartment for one of the last times, taking in the surroundings that he will be calling home for his first semester at University, and for the first time, he will be living away from home. From me.
My brother hasalways been my best friend, my buddy. Since I was little, and since I could start recalling memories, Jacob has always been there for me, even when he was unable to be. He's like my rock. And now he's in a different country, almost a twelve or so more hour drive away.
When I first found out that he was leaving, I was ecstatic because I have always wanted to go to New York for the World Instrumental Orchestra since I was younger, but we were never able to because my parents didn't want to travel for it, and because they thought it would be too difficult to travel with four of us kids and it was too costly. Not just travel wise, but too expensive to just the competition.
My thoughts are brought back to reality when Jacob and my parents enter the living room. My little twin sisters are at Grandma's back home, so it's just me and mom and dad who've helped Jacob move in.
I sigh and move away from the window where I once was.
The worry in mom's voice comes out strong, no matter how hard she tries to disguise it. "You sure you're going to be okay? Are your appliances in working order? And your water and electricity? What about food? Do you have enough food in your fridge? Do you have all the things you need? Your medicine? Hon, did I forget something? I'm sure I forgot something!"
Dad tries desperately to calm her down, but she goes off, pacing around, checking everything in the apartment once more.
"Mom…Mom! It's okay! Everything is perfectly fine, there's nothing wrong. Please calm down, please?" Jacob says desperately, his usual deep voice rising slightly. He hates seeing Mom act like this. We all do.
"Okay, okay. I'm sorry…you know how I get when things are out of order. I love you Jacob. We just want the best for you. Now please take good care of yourself—mind your health, your studies and your safety. Don't you dare think about getting drunk or taking drugs. I expect you to be responsible, but do have a little fun. Alright?" Mom says to him, holding onto him tightly before letting go of her firstborn. My dad moves towards him and gives him a hug before saying something to him.
Then Dad goes over to Mom and puts an arm around her comforting her while I go and give Jacob a hug.
I don't say a word as his arms envelope me.
"Things are different…there's change…"I state after a moment into his shoulder. There's gloom in my voice.
He sighs and inhales once more before responding, "Change is good…different is good…this year will be a good different, Ash."
I pull away and shrug on my coat before reaching for my necklace. Jacob sees this and smiles knowingly.
"I'll miss you guys…but I'll Skype you every day…'specially you Ashtyn," Jacob says to me and mom and dad.
We say our goodbyes and then we leave Jacob on his own to live here. On our drive home, I sit in the back seat beside the window, watching the buildings pass by.
On the way out of the city, we pass by Carnegie Hall and I think about the Royal Conservatory. My dream is to play there with their ensemble. As move further and further away from Jacob and New York, I think about things being different and what he said…this year would be a good different.
I don't know if I'm ready for change…not yet, that is for sure.