My Brother's Best Friend

Chapter 4

Dear Lauren,

How are you? I'm sorry I haven't written in a long time. I've had a lot of time to think. I've been digging a hole for years and I jumped in. Now, I want out. I need your help.

Sincerely,

Cat

The return address was in Boston, Massachusetts.

My sister Catalina had ran away from home with her boyfriend three years ago.

She was my best friend until she started coming home smelling like pot and alcohol.

I read the letter again and started to write.

Dear Catalina,

I'll be here for whatever you may need...

Drew

I rushed up the stairs of the hospital. The elevator was going to take forever.

I was thirty minutes late which was no different from being thirty seconds late.

I approached the door and saw my father standing in front of the door.  Waiting.

"Dad," I started.

"She's sleeping," he said.

"I'm sorry," I said.

"Are you? Everyday, Drew," he continued.  "Everyday she asks for you and everyday you let me down-- you let her down. And I'm tired..."

"Dad," I tried.

"I'm tired, but I'm here. For her," he continued "and I just wish you'd be here, too."

I remained silent, but kept my gaze with my father's piercing blue eyes.

"I'll try harder," I said quietly. "I'll skip soccer practice if I have to."

"I shouldn't have to remind you to visit, that's all," he said. "I get it, you're a teen. You have a life, but Samantha may not have much time left."

Him saying those words sent a shiver down my spine. The reality of death hit me hard and I couldn't stop the morbid thought from repeating in my head: My sister may die.

Lauren

It was Monday and I was throwing my backpack into my locker while Hanna looked on.

"God, my back is killing me," Hanna complained.

"I don't do old woman problems," I said smiling and grabbing my notebook.

Hanna scoffed, "Please. My wicked stepmother has me doing yoga four times a week."

She attempted to crack her back but failed, "What'd I ever do to her?"

I glared at her.

"Rhetorical question," she said flatly.

I grabbed my binder from the back of my locker.

I felt Hanna's eyes on me.

"You look extra happy," she noticed.

"Can't I be happy?" I said.

"Can't I know why you're happy or at least be happy for you?" she said.

I hesitated for a minute then said, "Catalina wrote me."

"No way!" she said.

I nodded smiling, "I think she may be coming home."

Hanna's facial expression changed.

"Here, home?" she asked "Are you sure?"

"Yes," I said positive.

"She isn't exactly on good terms with people here," she said.  "Or with you."

"That was a long time ago, Han," I argued.

"I remember it clearly. You practically got yourself into jail for her. For possession, " Hanna said.

"That's enough, Hanna," I said condescending.

She stared at me with her pleading eyes and then walked away.

I took in a deep breath and sighed. Catalina had changed, I convinced myself. Hanna didn't know what she was talking about.

My brain kept buzzing around Catalina until I got home that afternoon.

I entered the house with my backpack on my shoulder and climbed the stairs.

I was headed to my room when I bumped into a figure.

I struggled to find my balance as the figure caught me.

"Drew," I said.

"I'm sorry. It was totally my fault," he said.

"No problem," I said.

We just stood there awkwardly in the hall neither of us knowing what to say but neither of us wanting to leave.

We began to speak at once then finally he spoke.

"I don't see you as just Will's sister if that's what you think," he said.

I gazed into his chocolate brown eyes that seemed to sparkle.

"I just see you. I hope you see me because I've never tried this hard to get a girl's attention," he said getting so close I could smell his shower gel.

I heated up instantly.  "My brother is ten feet away," I reminded him.

"I don't care," he said.  "I want to ask you to a dinner for Friday and I'm hoping you'll say yes..."

I smiled at him preparing to answer and I heard the door open.

"Drew," I heard Will say.

Drew turned around and glanced back at me.

His eyes seemed surprised while mine tried to look hopeful.

He walked towards my brother's door and I just wanted to call out his name and tell him to come back, but instead I turned around and entered my room.