Just A Reason Why

Chapter One: It Started With A Fall

"So, how was your run?" She said, turning back to me and grabbing the plate of bacon. She slid a new plate in my direction, more bacon and a sunny-side up egg  filled it. 

"It was pretty good actually. The sunrise in the morning is beautiful you know," I said, scooping a small bite of egg and popping it into my mouth. She leaned against the counter and smirked at me.

"Yes it is beautiful, it always has been, You know Ev, you're the only one I know who's up this early for a run. Everything okay?" She eyed me cautiously. I could see the concern swimming through her eyes as if she knew something I didn't. 

I sighed heavily, tapping my fork on the plate as I tangled with my thoughts, "Of course Aunt Allie, everything's fine. I just love running, helps me clear my head." 

She nodded, folding her arms across her chest and looking at me with a sad expression, "You'd tell me if there was anything going on right Ev? I know it's been hard for you since..." I held up a hand to silence her.

"I'm fine Aunt Allie, honestly. I promise I'll tell you if something's wrong. I would never keep something like that from you," 

For a moment, It looked as if she didn't believe me. Her eyes were soft but I could see the doubt etching lines on her forehead. She started to say something but was cut off by the sound of footsteps echoing down the hallway. We both looked to the kitchen doorway where my brother Blake stood, attempting to rub the sleep from his eyes. 

"Morning," He groaned, exhaustion laced his voice. He plopped down in the stool next to me and leaned his head on my shoulder.  I stuck my fingers into the glass of ice water sitting across from my plate and swiped them across his face. He jerked up and playfully shoved me off my stool. I hit for floor with a thud, the stool falling down on me while Blake dissolved into a fit of laughter. 

"Oh now you've done it," I growled, standing up slowly, never taking my eyes away from his as I lifted up the stool and sat it down slowly.

 I held up three fingers and his eyes widened. I held eye contact as I put one of my fingers down and he stood up slowly. His eyes flashed back and forth between me and Aunt Allie who stood leaned up against the counter with her arms crossed. He shot her a pleading look and she just shook her head. Another finger went down and he took off. 

I tore after him, knocking the stool over again and ignoring my aunt's frustrated groans. Blake leaped over the couch and flew into the hallway. I was stuck just a few feet behind him, unable to catch up to him. Curse his long, soccer legs. I watched as he stumbled slightly before bursting into the door leading to Emmy's room. I heard her scream and Blake came flying back out. 

Emmy appeared in the doorway, clutching the towel wrapped around her body, water dripping to the floor as she screamed at Blake. I stopped, not wanting to invoke her wrath but it was too late. She turned her head back towards me, her eyes burning through mine. If looks could kill, I would have been dead. I grinned at her sheepishly and shrugged my shoulders. She huffed in response, heading back into her room and slamming the door. I breathed a sigh of relief until I heard Blake snicker behind me. 

~

"You didn't have to hit me so hard, I was just joking around," Blake grumbled, rubbing the slow bruise forming on his shoulder. I stuck my tongue out in response. 

"You didn't have to push me off the chair either," I said smugly. He scoffed at me as I leaned back further into my seat and gazed out the window. I just loved the ride to school, LA was so beautiful. 

"You're such a brat sometimes,"

"And you're a douche, guess neither one of us are perfect," I smirked, playfully punching his bruised shoulder. He winced and raised an eyebrow at me.