John yawned and streched his arms to pull Alex closer to him. But he only found a pillow. He opened his eyes, surprise that she had awoke before him. He usually hear everything that goes on in his room. He sat up in his bed when there was a knock on the door. He checked his watch, it was already evening.
'' Come in! ''
He answered as he grabbed a jersey and put it on. Alex was still no where in sight and he was sure she wouldn't bother to knock. He looked up as the door opened and saw Sean shyly get in.
'' What's up bro?''
He wanted to make Sean understand there was no hard feelings between them.
'' I'm beeing shipped to Iraq John. I'm so sorry for acting the way I did. I was just so confused.''
Sean was barely audible, he was greatly embarrassed that he acted like a kid earlier. He truly hoped his big bro would understand and forgive him. He also hoped he would be able to patch things up with Alex, he probably scared her. Catherine was right, their little sister needed love and affection, not two brothers fighting over her. And Sean knew too well that it would be hopeless to try to win her over John. His story was over with Alex, it never really was a good romance. Her heart had always belonged to John, he was able to admit it now.
John looked at his younger borther, rasing his eyebrows. Iraq? So that was why he acted like that? Man, Sean must have been so freaking scared.
'' Sean, I'm not mad at ya, you know that, right? I told you, family matters to me more than anything. I had to be a little rough with you and I'm sorry, but it was for Alex. We deeply shocked her lately. We weren't helping her as much as we could have. Come here....''
The two brothers exchanged a hug, which was stronger than any apologies. Sean sat down with John and they talked, like they haven't in a long time. Talked about their lives, their hopes their dreams. Only one subject didn't came up, Alexandra. Sean wouldn't have minded, but John wasn't ready to spoke his feelings outloud. He was only beginning to understand them. But he also noticed that Sean was nervously running his hand through his hair, looking around in the room.
'' Hey Bro? What's still on your mind? Affraid Alex is gonna come in here? Haven't you told her what you told me? She'll understand, don't you even worry about that. She's the most sensitive person in the world. Her heart is so full of love, I can almost not believe it...''
Sean's first reaction was to smile at the soft expression and the tone of voice John changed when he mentionned Alex. Man, he was truly in love, how come no one noticed before? But then, he took in what John just said.
'' Isn't she with ya? When we left you were both sleeping, we didn't disturbed you. I know Matt and Dan left a few hours ago, but I don't recall she left with them. Where's Wolfie by the way?''
They both looked at each other, worry growing in their eyes. John stood up and opened his drawer. No girl clothes anymore. He ran to the closet, nothing there not belonging to him, not even a luggage. He opened the door and whistled.
'' Wolfie! Come here my boy, where's your mommy huh? WOLFIE!!!'' He looked at Sean. '' Something's wrong my man, come on, I gotta see mom.''
They ran downstairs, where John and Catherine were drinking a cup of tea, again, chatting peacefully. Catherine looked up, feeling that something was wrong.
'' Is everything alright my boys? You settled your arguments?''
'' Mom, do you know where Alex is? She and Wolfie are nowhere to find. I woke up and she was gone. No note, no nothing, she's just vanished. She even took all her stuff with her. Did Dan and Matt said where they were going? I dunno but maybe she went with them?''
Catherine's smile disapeared from her face. '' What do you mean her stuff is gone? Why would she bring her stuff if she went out with your brothers? Anyway they left before we even did, while you were in your room, comforting one another. Honey?''
She grasped her husband's hand in an attempt to be stronger. She was scared. Her husband make a cooing noise and got up.
'' Alright everyone, we cannot go into a panick state. We have to wait for the boys to come back, Alex probably needed some fresh air and they took Wolfie out for a walk.''
They all tried to interupt him. It made no sense. He raised his hands in the air.
'' Listen up you lot. I said no need to panick just yet. We need to keep our heads cool in case we need to act. I'm still the chief of the family and that's what I've decided. Agreed?''
'' Alright Dad, you finally put your pants! We're proud of ya. So what's the crisis now?''
They all turned on their feet to face Matt and Dan who had just came inside the kitchen. They were completely soaked.
'' Yeah I know Mom.'' Begun Matt. '' We'll go change right away if we don't want to be sick. We got caught up in the rain that's why. But why the low faces? Don't tell me someone else died?''
Catherine threw a look at her husband like '' Can I panick now?'' He just walked besde her and held her tight. John grew mad.
'' Was Alex with you guys? Did you saw her or Wolfie? Come on, tell me!''
Dan shook his head. '' No, bro, she was with you when we left. We haven't seen her since that. Why? Did you lost her or something?''
'' Stop joking around!'' Exploded Sean. '' This is serious. You know how vulnerable she is right now. We have to find her, who knows what she's capable of doing? Where could she have gone?''
John Sr. took back the control of the situation. '' Alright guys, we all sit down now. We will make a list of all the places she could have gone, then we will split up and try to find her. We'll stay up all night if we have to, I'll even go to Canada to get her back from her school if that's where she went to hide. Our little girl needs us, we're not going to let her face this alone. Even if she thinks she's strong enough, she's not. Come on now, we've got work to do.''
I was curled up on my parents's bed, listening to the sound of the rain on the windows. The storm going on in my heart and soul seemed to have gotten outside too. The scent of my mother's perfume was filling my nostrils. This was the place where I felt their presence the most. Why have I ever thought that coming back here would be difficult? It was soothing, I almost felt like they were still here. My dad's cologne was still floating in the bathroom, like he had just left for work. Everywhere in the house, my parents were felt. Even Wolfie remained incredibly quiet and still, curled up at my feet. Maybe he understood more than a dog was suppose to, maybe he just appreciated to be on the bed, which he had never been allowed to before.
Before. What was life before? What's a normal life suppose to be like? I tried my hardest to remember, but I couldn't. Tears were still running down my cheeks but I couldn't feel them anymore. I didn't cared anymore. I was comfortable here, alone with my pain, trying my best to bring my parents back. When I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, I could almost pretend they were. Oh, deep inside I knew they weren't, that they couldn't ever be back. But it was comforting to imagine them here. My mother stroking my hair, my dad watching over my sleep. Why was I doomed to loose everyone that mattered to me? Mam, dada, John......
I knew I couldn't stay here long, people would know where to find me. I had to go back to school. I could always rent a little appartement near campus so I could keep Wolfie with me. But now that I was in this house, where I've been raised, where me and my parents were so happy, I couldn't convince myself to leave. I had this strong feeling like I wanted to raise my kids in here. The day where I would have a family of my own, I wanted them to grow up here, in this peaceful town where I had been so happy. This town, this house, they were the only things that kept me hoping. Hoping for a future, hoping that the sun would shine again. But without John? Would I ever be able to go on?
A/N: I am sooo sorry it took me so long to update. But now that I'm back on the road with this story, it shouldn't take too long anymore. I got my ideas back in place, so I know where to go from here. I hope you'll still like my little story!!! Thanks for all your nice comments everyone!