“Don't let anyone mess with you. If they do, you tell me or your brother.”
Dad’s words are so low only I can hear. Despite the fact he is a high school math teacher and looks the stereotypical part, he really is a force to be reckoned with.
“Don't worry; if I need someone's ass kicked I’ll get Alex on it.” I’m teasing, kind of. I know Alex will watch out for me. He always does. He is a big brother in every sense of the word.
“I know, honey. Your mother and I just worry about you.”
I hug him tighter, feeling tears prick my eyes. I am excited to start this new chapter in my life, but I will miss home. Having Alex attend the same school will help some of the homesickness I know I will be feeling.
I feel Alex wrap his arm around my shoulder. We both watch our parents leave. Our mother has tears streaking down her cheeks, but her smile is wide and proud.
“Well, you ready for all of this?” Alex turns me to face him, his smile wide and somewhat suspicious. My look causes him to laugh hard and he shakes his head. “Listen, go get settled in and I’ll be back in a few hours to pick you up.”
“Pick me up?” He's already leading me back to the front entrance of my dorm.
“Yeah, my roommates and I are having a small party tonight. I figure you can meet them since I know you'll be over constantly to see this mutt.” He gently squeezes Frank’s side and he yelps. Frank starts licking Alex's hand. “Holden's looking forward to seeing you, too.”
I feel this flush steal over me.
Holden has been my brother’s best friend since grade school, and one of his roommates. He is also the guy I have secretly had a crush on since I knew what the word meant.
“Party, Alex? I don't know.” I know all about his “parties.” In high school they consisted of our parents gone for the weekend, alcohol, and usually topless girls giving lap dances to the football players.
He shakes his head. “Come on, Sky.” He chucks me under the chin. “There will be food, Holden’s there.” He winks and I feel my cheeks heat. “And it’ll be nice hanging with you.”
“I don’t know. I should unpack—”
“It’ll be fine. You need to get out. I know damn well you have been cooped up at home.”
He gives me a pathetic look and I chuckle. “Okay.” He gives me a hug, pulls back, and scoops Frank up.
“I’ll let you unpack, and take this mutt to my place to get used to it. Keep your phone by you and I’ll send you a text before I leave the house to come get you.” I nod and watch Frank’s fat little tail wagging as he watches me over Alex’s arm. I feel a twinge of sadness. Frank and I have been inseparable for four years, and although he won't be sleeping in my bed anymore, I know Alex will take good care of him. Alex was, after all, the one who got Frank for me.
I turn and stare at the building. This is it, and there is no going back now. I just need to not make a fool out of myself when I see Holden again.