The Anderson Boys

The next morning, which is the 30th of December, I wake up surprisingly early. Its 8:30 a.m. Carson, true to his word, is still lying in the bed beside me. My head is pounding; it feels like someone’s on the inside of my head hitting me with a hammer repeatedly. I sigh, and rub my temples. I get from under the covers, and grab my phone. I have a missed call from my dad, and a few texts from Reed, Dylan, Leah, Lois, and Hannah. I decide to call my dad first. I can’t believe they’re all awake so early, it is 7:30 in Minnesota.

My father answers on the first ring, “Hey.”

          “Hi dad.”

          “So you know.”

I sigh, “Yes, dad I know.”

          “I’m sorry.”

          “You know what sucks dad? You knew, you knew that mom had lung cancer, and you didn’t even tell me. I’m your daughter. Your only daughter. And then to make it worse, when she died, you didn’t even have the balls to tell me; you made someone else do it.”

          “I wish you wouldn’t speak to me like that, Brooke.”

          “Well, dad, we all wish things. Doesn’t mean they come true.”

This time my dad sighs, “Well, are you coming to the funeral?”

          “Of course I’m coming to the funeral.”

Beside me, Carson groans and rolls over. I think he’s waking up.  “What was that?” My dad asks.

          “What was what?”

          “I heard something in the background.”

          “Nothing dad.”

          “Is there a boy in there with you?”

I roll my eyes, “Dad, come on.”

          “Answer me.”

How he can manage to be so overprotective all the way from Seattle, I don’t know. “Fine, yes, there is.” I tell him truthfully, seeing as how there’s nothing he can do about it.

He sighs heavily, and then speaks, “Do what you want. Just be here for the funeral.”

          “Will she be there?”

          “Who?”

          “Your new girlfriend.” I say, obviously.

          “Who told you?”

I roll my eyes, “I know you think that because I’m sixteen, I’m stupid. But, I’m not.”

          “To answer your question, yes she will be there. And I know you aren't stupid."

          “Why?”

          “Because she knows that I want her there.”

          “Why do you have to make everything so difficult?” I ask.

          “I’m not the one making things difficult.” He says.

Carson rolls over again, and I look down at him. His eyes flutter open, and he sits up beside me. “Who’s that?” He mouths.

          “My father.” I mouth back.

Carson nods his head understandingly and gets up from my bed. I think he’s giving my father and me privacy. He’s so sweet.

          “Brooke, are you there?”