Only You Give Me That Feeling

Brian’s POV

I slowly opened my eyes only to find Stefi still in my arms. I yawned and pulled out my phone from my pocket to check the time, 4:33 pm. I sighed before I began to move my arm gently, trying not to wake her up. After a few seconds, I finally managed to set my arm free and jumped out the bunk; I stretched out and headed to the front of the bus

“Hey” I heard Matt say.
“How long ‘til we get there?” I asked, rubbing my eyes
“Around forty minutes. The bus will stop at the arena and we’ll take a cab to the hotel after dropping the girls at their home” Johnny said coming out of the driver’s area as Stephanie walked out of the bunk area.
“Morning sunshine” I said smiling.
“Morning” she said shifting a little to look at me properly “I’m sorry about earlier, I realize how stupid I might have looked. I don’t like being that weak, sorry” she said, her eyes were still a bit droopy, but she looked determined to go home. I smiled and kissed her forehead
“No apologies needed” Matt said and smiled.

I headed towards the fridge and poured myself a glass of orange juice. I turned around and my eyes skimmed over the TV, when I spotted Stephanie sitting on the big couch and walked over quickly.
“Now missy, you feel like watching TV?” I said messing her hair

“No, thank you” she said smiling and tried to push me off her. I just laughed and once again messed her hair, causing her to stop squirming and pock my left eye
“AH! Don’t do that” I said rubbing my eye and Alana walked in laughing
“You know pretty well that if you tell her to don’t do it, she would do it on purpose!” she said ash she did it again “Stop it!” I said as Alana sat down with us. “I’m going take a shower” I said and headed to the back.



After ten minutes, I walked out of the shower, and grabbed my clothes, I changed into my plain white shirt and a pair of jeans. I quickly dried my hair, grabbed my black sneakers and walked out the bathroom.
“Are you done in there?” Stefi asked as I walked into the living area, I nodded sitting down and began to put my shoes one. “I’m gonna take a shower, then” she said standing up from the couch “it is still working, isn’t it?” she asked
“Yeah, there’s still hot water left” I replied
“Okay, I’ll be right back” She said
“Don’t take long, okay?” Matt told her, she turned around and stared at him
“Why?”
“We’re 20 minutes away from the arena” He paused “So, get ready fast” Stephanie looked to the floor lost in thought then nodded and walked into the bunk area, 10 seconds she came out with her clothes in her hands and entered the bathroom.
“Then what?” Alana asked loudly from the bunks
“Then what, what?” Jimmy said
“Then we’ll take a cab” Matt answered before Alana stood up and headed to the bunks, taking her cell phone out.


“Guys, I’m bored” the Rev said
“Do we look like a funfair or something?” Matt said annoyed
“You could at least try!” He complained walking to the back of the bus “Johnny, where did you left the porn?!” he said
“Dude! Don’t jack off while we’re here!” Johnny said walking behind him
“What the fuck!” Alana came out of the bunks shouting, with her hand pressing her head to keep her hair in place “Why are Johnny and Jimmy fighting over some porn!?”
“They really are?!” Zacky said as he, Matt and I burst on laughter
“Wanna come?” Matt asked
“To watch porn? No thanks, Shads” I told him freaking out
“Of course not, Gates. To play Call of Duty while we get there” he said
“Nah, I pass. I’ll wait here” I said taking out my phone checking my messages. Matt shrugged and he and Zacky went to the back as well as Alana.



“Guys!” we’re here!” I heard the bus driver say after I felt the bus had stopped, suddenly a stampede of people came rushing from the back, everyone was talking so loud, you could not understand anything they were saying.
Somehow I managed to make my way to the bathroom door and knocked the door “Stefi! We’re here!” I said and heard the door open. Stephanie walked out wearing a pair of old shorts and a white blouse, she looked beautiful . I stared confused at her for a little while, something looked different.
“What’s wrong?” She said when she noticed me staring at her.
“You look different” I said, she shrugged her shoulders “Your hair I think” I said staring at her
“It’s because it’s down? I always wear it in a ponytail or a bun” she said walking past me and grabbing her brown purse
“No” I said and stared at her a little longer “Your hair, did you curl it?” I ask making her laugh
“Nope, my hair is this wavy, Brian. I just straighten it all the time” She laughed
“You should wear it like this, you look prettier” I said making her blush.
“Do you think I look okay?” she asked smiling
“You look perfect, like always” I said and she smiled, that sweet smile I loved so much “The guys are outside, I’ll get our suitcases” I said, she nodded and walked out the bus, along with the rest of the guys. I went to get Stephanie’s and mine suitcases; I picked them up and made my way outside.

“What now?” Jimmy said “I’m bored! I’m hungry!”
“Hungry?! Jimmy you just ate!” Alana said shocked
“So? I’m hungry. I want food” Jimmy shrugged
“You’ll eat soon, Jimmy” Stefi said walking behind him and jumping in his back “What are we gonna do?”
“Did I give you permission to use me for a piggy ride, young lady?” Jimmy said seriously making everybody laugh
“Nope”
“then, I kindly ask you to get off me, please” he said and Stephanie kissed his cheek “Okay, this is the one and only time I surrender to that, get it?” he said and Stephanie chuckled and nodded.
“Steph, are you sure of this?” Matt asked her
“We’ll already here” She shrugged
“Okay, then we’ll take a cab to the hotel”
“Hotel? Why don’t you guys stay with me?” Alana said “I got plenty of room, you’ll have to share room, though” she said
“Really?” Johnny said hugging her
“Yeah” she smiled “My sister doesn’t live there anymore, so her room is free and there’s the spare room”
“I’m allowed to come too?” Jimmy said holding Stephanie
“Why wouldn’t you?”
“I don’t know, maybe you’ll be embarrassed of me and don’t want your family to see me because they’d yell at you and then disinherit you and you’ll hate me forever” everybody stared at Jimmy with eyes wide opened, suddenly, Stephanie let out a small laugh.
“Jimmy, everyone loves you”
“Yeah, you’re allowed to stay there too, Jimmy”
“Yeah!” Jimmy started jumping with Stephanie on his back
“Jim! Stop! I’m going to fall down!” Stefi said holding tightly to Jimmy’s neck

“Okay, I’ll call a cab” Matt said taking out his cell phone, dialing a number written on a piece of paper.
“We’ll take cabs?” Stephanie asked surprised
“Yeah, why?”
“Because Alana and I live a few blocks away” she shrugged

“About that guys” Alana said staring at a black SUV that was parking on the sideway “I called my sister earlier, she said she could pick us up” she said blushing
“Cassie?” Stephanie asked. Alana nodded “I don’t know, Alana.”
“She doesn’t care, C’mon" she said grabbing her suitcase and started walking towards the SUV

“Are you okay with this, guys?” Stephanie said grabbing her suitcase. The rest of the guys shrugged and picked their luggage as well. Soon we heard girl’s screams and we turned to the SUV only to see Alana and an older girl hugging each other. Stephanie sighed and started her way to the SUV; I ran to her side and took the suitcase away from her.
“That's mine, you know”
“I know. I wanna carry this for you, it's heavy” I smiled, she blushed and kept walking

“Guys, come meet my big sister” Alana said as the guys loaded the suitcases on the trunk of the vehicle. Stephanie and I headed to the back as the guys headed to where Alana was. We could hear the greetings and laughs from everyone.

“Are you okay?” I asked
“Yeah, I’m just nervous” she replied and took a step back as I closed the trunk.
“C’mon” I said calmly and headed to where my friends were.
“Cassie, this is Brian, he’s the lead guitarist” Alana said grinning

“Hey, nice to meet you” I heard Cassie say. She looked a lot like Alana, only taller.
“Nice to meet you too” I said shacking her hand

“And who is this fine lady over here?” she said looking to my right. Stephanie soon looked up and stared at her shyly. “Oh my god, Stephanie” she said as her eyes opened wide. Stephanie quietly said hello and waved “Just that? A wave is all I get? Come here you little kid!” she said and pull her in a tight hug “This place has been so quiet and boring without you two here” she said pulling Alana into the hug “I’m so glad you’re freaking back!” she squealed and the girls pulled away smiling “Now, you’re gonna tell me why the fuck you left. No note. No goodbye. Nothing. We were worried sick!” she said changing her tone into a serious one
“We’re sorry” Alana and Stefi said in unison as both of them put their hands behind their back.
“Sorry? If it wasn’t because you called every week, mom and dad would have had a heart attack!” Cassie told Alana. The scene looked like a mother scolding her kids. The guys and I couldn’t help but laugh at this, only earning glares from the girls “And you, young lady! Your parents almost died! They did everything they could to find you!”
“I’m sorry” Stephanie said with her head low
“I’m sorry, is not enough! You put them through a lot!” she said crossing her arms over her chest “Jesus Christ! They’re gonna be so happy once they know you’re here!” she squealed again “C’mon guys I wanna go home now!” she said and opened the SUV

The entire ride, everyone was talking or listening to Alana’s sister talk. But Stephanie was silent, I saw her fidgeting, I put and arm around her shoulder so she wouldn’t feel nervous.
“It’s gonna be okay, princess”
“I know, I’m just nervous”
“Of what?”
“Realizing how much things have changed” She said as we passed in front a high school. I saw Stephanie stare at it as she let out a faint smile
“This is where Alana and I used to go” she said pointing to the high school
“Is that so?”
“Yeah, we used to hang out under that tree” Alana said pointing to a big willow, staring at the window as well. “When someone missed classes, we'd called everyone and we'd all meet there” she said and became quiet
“What?” Cassie
“Nothing” Alana replied. Stephanie sighed and rested her head on my shoulder

“Okay guys, we’re here” Cassie said pulling over in a drive way. The rest of us quickly started to get off the SUV and started to unload the luggage.

“Nice place ” I heard Matt said. I turned around and checked the place out. It was really big and nice; it looked like and old English house
“Let’s get inside, mom and dad must be in the living” Cassie said opening the front door “Good luck, Steph” she smiled and walked inside.

“Good luck, Steph” Alana said hugging her “I love you”
“Tell your parents I say hi” Stephanie replied smiling. Alana nodded and grabbed her suitcases. Everyone hugged Stephanie and said their goodbyes.
“Please tell us if you need anything, okay?” Matt said. Stephanie and I nodded
“If you miss me or wanna see me, call me. I can always just go and have a sleep over at your house” Jimmy said and spun Steph in the air
“Put her down Jimbo” Zacky said “They have to leave” he said and winked at her
“You’ll see everything is going to be just fine, Steph” Johnny told her as soon as Jimmy put her on the floor
“Thanks, midget” she laughed
“You had to ruin such a perfect moment” he said turning around shaking his head “Women” he spluttered
“Yeah! I’ll be leaving too, if you were wondering” I said as they walked into the house. They stopped and stared at me for a moment but started their way back in.
“You’re not a pretty girl in distress, so shut up” Jimmy said and walked in
“I love you!” I yelled as the door closed behind him

I sighed and turned my head towards Stephanie. I was about to say something when she turned around. “It’s going to take forever before we get a cab here, so I guess we should start walking” she said and tried to take her luggage.
I shook my head and held on tightly to the suitcases. “Mine” I said making her grunt. She shook her head and began walking out the driveway.
“It’s going to be okay!” I said and hugged her with my free arm “This is going to be a great day for you. I promise” I told her, a wide smile appeared on her face
“Thank you, Bri. I love you” she said and kissed me on the cheek
“Is it far, by the way?” I asked her after a few seconds of silent walking
“Don’t worry; it’s like 3 blocks away”
“3 big blocks, I'm guessing” I laughed
“3 huge blocks” she chuckled



We kept walking in silence for 10 minutes, I could tell she was nervous, both her hands were shaking and she was looking down her feet, never looking up to see if she was going the right way, as if she knew exactly where to go. I was lost staring at her, when she suddenly stopped and turned to where I was. I stared at her waiting for her to say something, but she didn’t. She wasn’t even staring at me. Confused I turned to my left and stared at the big house in front of us. I stared in wonder at the place Stephanie used to call home. I turned to her, my mouth slightly opened. “Holyshit, is that your-“
She nodded “That’s my” she said, I waited for her to say home, but she never did. I shook my head and turned back at the house
“You live in a fucking mansion” I said staring at her house. It looked like one of those fancy houses where people fantasize about living. Where it wasn’t hard to think you were on a permanent holiday. The house looked really fantastic and elegant, awesome architecture, huge outdoors where kids would play all day long. It seems as though this house had everything.
“I don’t live here anymore” she said quietly
“Sorry, you know what I mean. It’s huge”
“It’s not that big, Brian” she complained
“Yeah, right” I said stopped as Stephanie opened the front gate before she took a deep breath.

“Home sweet home” Stephanie said as she held my hand, and started our way to house, her hand was slightly shaking, but she still had a firm grip of my hand. Once got to the front door, I rang the bell but no one answered.
“I guess no one is here, we should leave” She said turning around, but I grabbed her by the wrist and shook my head no
“No, we’re already here” I said. She sighed and nodded. I just gave her a quick hug and smiled. I was so happy and proud of her, finally she had got the guts to see her family.
She kept knocking the door and was about to give up and leave I remembered that my mom used to hide an extra key somewhere in the garden.

“Hey, your parents don’t have a spare key hidden?” I asked her and she glared at me and shook her head
“No” she paused “Oh wait a minute!” she said, it was like a bulb was turned on over her head. I watched as she started looking in her purse for something. After a few seconds she took her key chain out and started looking for a key.
“What are you doing?” I asked confused
“When I left, I took my key with me” she paused “I guess I just hoped I’d come back someday” she said and found the key she was looking for. “Let’s hope they haven’t changed the lock” a weak smirk appeared on her face. She dug the key in the doorknob and turned it a few times until we heard a light click. She stared at the door for a few seconds before she turned back at me.
“Looks like some things haven’t changed around here” I said smiling. She smiled back at me.

“When I was younger, every time I came back late from a party, my parents used to lock me out, they'd also lock the window in my room so I wouldn’t climb back in” she said smiling showing me the key “I had to make a copy of my parent’s key so I could get back in whenever I wanted” she chuckled.

She grabbed the doorknob and I saw her hesitate, but finally started to open the door. “Come in with me” she said almost pleading me with her eyes
“I told you I would, c’mon” I said as I held her hand and walked through the door. The entrance looked like something you’d see in some sort of magazine. The walls were light beige and so was the floor. ’She was one of those people, kids envy, cause their bathrooms are bigger than their entire house’ I thought and laughed. I was about to say something when I noticed Stephanie had closed her eyes before entering the house. I quickly put the luggage next to the stairs and got back to where she was. I saw a big door frame on the left so I led her to what I guessed was the living room, I was about to led her to one of the couches, but she stopped. She let go of me and walked back to the entrance.

“Mom? Dad?” She said but all we heard was the echo of her voice.
“No one is here Stefi”
“Yeah, I know” she said seriously and looked around before she took a deep breath and grabbed my hand
“I’ll stay here until you tell me you wanna leave, okay?” I said making her smile
“Thank you” She said and hugged me “Would you like me to give you a house tour?” she grinned. I smiled and nodded “C’mon” She smiled. I nodded and followed her. “Well, you already saw the living room, and if things haven’t changed so much around here” she said walking back to the entryway and then to a door on the back “This is the kitchen” she said opening her arms. The walls were a light pinkish beige as well. Everything was spotless. “I used to spend so much time here, I always loved cooking” she smiled
“Yeah, I know. Your cooking is amazing” I said
“Thank you” She smiled “Hey, want something to drink?” She said walking to the fridge, looking at me.
“Nah, I’m okay. Thanks” I said. She leaned against the wall and stared around the place.
“Taylor, Audrey and Mel always used to sit here, waiting for me to finish making breakfast” she sighed “My dad would always be sitting over there reading the newspaper drinking coffee” she said pointing to a chair “and my mom would stand over there, watching me cook” she said staring at the counter in the middle of the kitchen “She always wanted me to be a cook when I grew up” she said and smiled
“I didn’t know you liked cooking that much” I stated
“Yeah, I was going to attend a culinary school in Manhattan. The accident happened right before I began the first year” she said staring outside a big window “Things change” she said softly and pointed to the next room “that’s the dinner room, we didn’t used to eat there unless it was a fancy dinner like thanks giving or christmas” she said and stared at the dinner for a few seconds “Anyway, every once in a while my dad liked to have a BBQ out here” she said opening the doors at the back “he always found a reason to, no matter how small it was, like when Audrey lost her first tooth” she smiled “he said it always brought family together, no matter what the reason was” she said and I stepped outside
“When I was a kid I always loved playing out here,I felt like I was at the wilds, one day I was a pirate trying to find the secret treasure and the next day I was a princess having a tea party” she said grinning like crazy. I smiled when I saw a small, old playground on the far corner. I sighed and stared back at her, a geniune smile on her face.
“Looks like you had and amazing childhood” I smiled staring at her
“I had an amazing life” She stated and got up “C’mon, you’re gonna love this room” she said walking back in
“A room? I love your entire house” I said staring around in amazement, it was fucking huge.
Once we walked back in from the back yard, she looked and me and smiled, even thought I could tell she was nervous. “What is it?” she asked once she saw me staring at her
“Nothing” I said smiling, walking back to the entryway.

“This is it” she said opening one door. I quickly noticed it was the TV room; it had a big ass screen on the wall and tons of games consoles, video games and movies. It was an awesome room
“I like this. It’s really awesome” I replied smiling. I turned around when I heard her giggle.

“Back here is where Taylor and I used to spend most of our time” she said and walked to the back of the couch and opened a curtain. I walked behind her and saw a pool table in the middle of the room, guitars and basses hanging on the walls and a drum set on the corner. On a corner there was also a home bar.
“I love this fucking room” I said in awe. She laughed
“I told you you would” she giggled. “We were always either watching TV or playing drums or guitar
"You play guitar?" i asked her surprised. She shook her head
"He did, I just watched him play” she smiled faintly “I always had my friends over so we’d play pool or just drink over here. This is my favorite part of the house, besides my room” she said “C’mon, I’ll show you the rest of the house” she said and walked back to the main entrance

“This door right here, it’s my dad’s office” she said pointing to the door next to the front door “We had forbidden to walk in there, dad said we’d mess things up” she laughed “Now I realize he was right, we would have destroyed that room” she chuckled and rested on the door “So, what do you think of this place so far?”
“Yeah, right. It’s not huge” I chuckled “I love it. This place must’ve been great for parties” I laughed
“Yeah, it was” she laughed “whenever my parents weren’t around, I’d always throw parties. They totally rocked” she grinned. I stared at her in awe
“You really were a partier, weren’t you?” I said making her laugh
“Yeah, back then, it was all about the party” she said smiling but soon became quiet and stared at the floor, probably thinking about her brother and sister.
“Hey. I wanna see upstairs! see your room!” I said excited, trying to take her mind off of them
“My room? Don’t you think you’re going a little too fast, Mr. Gates?” I turned around to face her and saw an evil smirk on her face. I felt my face turn red really fast.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it that way” I stuttered, feeling my cheeks pink up
“I’m joking, Brian” she laughed “Come on” she said.
“Should I take the luggage now?” she turned around and stared at me
“Would you?” I nodded.

I grabbed the luggage and followed her upstairs, when we got to the top of the stairs she stopped. She pointed the big ass door in front of us "mom and dad" she said “Audrey’s room is over that side of the hallway” she said pointing to the door on the back of the left hallway “the one on the right, Mel’s” she said now pointing the door next to Audrey’s "the spare room is downstairs, next to the dinner room” she said as she turned around. She took my hand in hers and led me down the hallway on the right.
When we were getting closer to the back, she pointed the door on my left as a look of sorrow appeared on her eyes "Taylor’s. I really haven’t walked into his or Mel’s room since the crash” she said and kept walking. Then she pointed to the door on the back of the hallway “Me. C’mon” she said, not letting go of my hand and headed to the last door at the hall. She opened the door and waited for me to walk in. once I was inside and so was she, she shut the door behind us.

“Wow. Your room is two times the size as mine” I said. It was true; I took a look around the room,
The walls were painted in a light shade of purple and the floor had white carpeting. The curtains were purplish and there were two doors inside the room, which I guessed lead to the closet and bathroom.
Right in the middle of the room, was a separating wall, splitting the room into two rooms. On the back, she had a king sized bed with a white and hot pink comforter on it, the pillows also matched the comforter. There was a big window next to the bed and a dressing table.
In the front of the room were a couple of pink couches and a TV hanging on the wall. There was a huge window on the wall, facing the backyard, as well. There was a desk next to it, where her computer was.
That room was pretty relaxing, there was something about that room that I liked a lot, yet it was obvious it was Steph’s room “I see you were a pinkaholic since a kid” I joked looking around

“Shut up” she laughed. I saw some photo frames on the back of the pink couches; they covered almost the entire wall. I started walking towards it when Stephanie spoke, making me turn around
“What?”
“I said I missed my bed” she chuckled as she laid on her bed. I walked over to the bed and sat next to her, making her sit back as well
“What is it?” I asked her when I saw her smiling
“It’s just..” she smiled and took a deep breath, I stared at her and waited her to go on “When we were younger, Taylor, Melanie, Audrey and I used to go to the TV room and we’d lie on the floor and watch a movie or two. When it was over, we’d always came back here to my room and Audrey would fall asleep in my bed, and the rest of us would start talking about anything, until late at night” she smiled. I stared at her dimples, I loved the way they looked on her “One night, I couldn’t sleep and mom and dad walked in. I was pretending to be asleep” she sighed “They tuck us in, mom gave us all a goodnight kiss and before I really fell asleep, I saw them resting in the doorframe, watching us sleep” she said smiling “I remember waking up the next day and see the six of us laying in my bed. And I remember feeling happy and loved, thinking I had the best family ever”

“You miss them, don’t you?”
“Not a day passed by, without me thinking about them” I kissed her forehead
“I’ve never seen you this kind of happy” I said staring at her.
“This is my home. This is happy for me” she smiled



The both of us were in total silence; clearly, we were in a world of our own.
“Brian, what’s wrong?” I heard Stephanie ask after a few minutes of silence.
“What you mean?” I said looking at her, a concerned look on her face
“You’re fidgeting, Bri. You’ve been nervous since we walked in, what’s wrong” she insisted and raised her right eyebrow
“It’s just, I’m kind of hoping your family is, well, accepting”
“Why wouldn’t they be?” She questioned me confused
“I don’t know, I mean, look at me, I’m in a band and covered in tattoos” I paused as she laughed “And your family looks, I don’t know, look at your house Stefi” I said ashamed
“Brian, are you kidding?” she asked shocked, I looked away “Bri, don’t worry, they’re not bad people” She said. I sighted
“It’s funny, I’m just nervous”
“Why?” she asked confused
“Because I’m about to meet my best friend’s parents, I just wanna make a good impression” I said and it was true, in fact I had never been this nervous when it came to meet one of my girlfriends parents, not even with Michelle’s. She laughed

“Bri, if you wanna make a good impression, then just be yourself. You’re an amazing guy and it’s not hard to see that” she told me and I smiled
“You are amazing, did you know that?” she nodded and grinned
“Yeah, I know” she smirked in a cocky way “Hey, I’m going to get something to drink, I’ll be right back” she said with a smile on her face “want me to bring you something?” she asked
“No thanks” I replied and she walked out of the room and left.

I stood up and started to look around the room, but something on the coffee table caught my attention. I walked closer and saw a picture frame. Once I reached the table I grabbed it and stared at it in awe for a couple of seconds. Stephanie and her sister were both dressed nicely, a few seconds passed before I could tell which one was Stephanie. At first it was hard because that lila dress wasn’t something she’d wore, but when I looked at her face, I recognized those eyes I loved. I stared at a much younger Stephanie and smiled, she was probably around her seventeen’s . She looked so young and beautiful, her hair was longer, her face looked sweeter ’she’s always been this beautiful’ I thought to myself. I smiled and placed the picture back in its place before I heard a noise coming from somewhere in the house. I walked towards the door and opened it as another noise was heard. I walked out the room and headed downstairs to see if everything was okay.
I reached the first floor when I heard a voice coming from somewhere; I shrugged it off and walked towards the living room to wait for Steph there. I sat on the couch and pulled out my cell phone, I checked if I had any missed calls, only two from Michelle. I sighed and put back my phone as I stood up and headed to the kitchen but I was stopped when I heard the front door opened and Stephanie appeared. She didn’t even saw me standing there, instead she headed to the stairs right after she closed the door.

“Hey, where are you going?” I asked and looked at her up and down, something looked different. She didn’t say anything, just stared at me in shock and took a several steps back “What’s wrong?”
“Get out, now” she said running upstairs. I headed to the stairs right away; planning on following her but right then my cell phone began to ring. I sighed and pulled it out only to see it was Matt calling, I rolled my eyes and ignored it. I put it back my pocket as I headed back to the stairs.

“Where are you going?” Stephanie said. I stopped and turned around to see her walking out of the kitchen. I looked up the stairs and then back at her confused.
“I thought you were upstairs” I paused and shrugged, deciding to ignore it. She stared at me confused, frowning “Never mind” I shrugged
“Are you okay Brian?” she said worried
“Yeah” I nodded
“If you say so” she laughed. “Are you coming with me?” she asked turning around
“I think we should stay down here and wait in the living” I said, she nodded.
“It’s getting cold, so I’m making tea, I'll be there in a minute” she said and walked back in the kitchen.

I walked back to the living room and sat down, for the third time in the past minutes, I pulled out my cell phone again and texted Shads, letting him know everything was okay.
“Texting the guys?” I heard Steph ask, she was walking towards me, holding two tea cups in her hands. I nodded as I put my phone back in it place
“Is that for me?” I asked her as she handed me one tea cup.
“Yeah, you’re a Cali guy in New York, you will be freezing in a few minutes” she laughed as I placed the tea cup on the coffee table in front of me.
“Thank you” I said smiling at her as she was about to sit down. She stopped dead on her tracks when we heard a noise coming from the front door.
“Oh god” I heard her say to herself, she slowly walked back to the middle of the room, where she was able to see anyone who walked into the house. I quickly followed her and held her left hand once I stood next to her. I instantly felt her tense up as she gripped tighter my hand and saw her breathing was getting heavy
“It’s going to be okay” I whispered to her but she didn’t reply at all, she just stared at me.

“Mark! How many times have I told you to not leave the front door open!” someone yelled. I saw Stephanie look away so I turned to the front door as well, a middle aged woman appeared and dropped her purse on the table at the center of the entryway. She was really petite, around 5’4 and had blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. She looked exactly like Stephanie, only older and light haired.

I looked at Stephanie and noticed she was having hard time breathing, so I caressed her hand, to make her know I was right there for her.
“She hasn’t noticed us” she said barely above a whisper, but I could hear her. Then we saw a girl’s silhouette running to the kitchen, followed by a small dog. I instantly assumed it was Audrey.

The woman started walking towards where we were, when the girl came running back from the kitchen screaming “Mom! Move over! I need to go to the bathroom!” I heard. I looked over and saw the girl’s figure ran up the stairs. I turned back to where the woman was and she was laughing at her, then a smile appeared on her face, Stephanie’s smile.

I felt Stefi’s hands shaking so I took a tighter grip on her. “You’re going to drop the tea cup, Steph. Relax” I whispered. She didn’t even hear me, I sighed and looked back to the entryway. The woman started walking towards the living not even looking at us, but stopped when she finally took a glance at us.

“Who’s your friend, sweetheart?” her mom said casually. I looked at Stephanie and by the look on her face; she was pretty confused, just like I was.
“What?” she said barely above a whisper

“Who’s your friend darling?” she asked again but Steph didn’t reply “Weren’t you wearing something different?” she said staring at her outfit when suddenly we heard someone running downstairs screaming
“DAD! There’s a freak in th-” She said and stopped on the last flight of stairs

OH MY GOD

All I could hear was Stephanie’s tea cup hitting the ground. She didn’t move at all, just stared at the girl standing right in front of us. No one said anything for a few seconds, the four of us stood on our feet frightened, not moving at all. It was until then when I noticed how different they really were, I felt ashamed I didn’t notice it was Steph’s twin when I saw her earlier. She had auburn wavy hair, unlike Steph, who’s brunette, she was a couple of inches taller. Her smile was different as well as her eyes, they didn’t shine as much as the ones I loved. I sighed and smiled at her and then at Steph.

“Stephanie?” The girl who obviously was Stefi’s twin asked. I felt Stefi’s grip tighten, I looked over her and saw her face was on pure shock and happiness “STEPHANIE!” Her twin screamed and ran towards her and hugged her.
“Melanie” she said quietly. She let go of my hand and hugged her back, she held her tightly as her arms were wrapped around Melanie’s neck. I caught a glimpse of her face and saw a tear ran down her face. A happy tear I was sure.

“Where have you been?! Have you any idea of how much I missed you!” She said letting her go, making her laugh

“Oh my god! Sweetheart! I can't believe it's you!” her mother said once they let go, running towards her and hugging her too, tears on her eyes as well. “I can’t believe this! My baby! You’re back!” she said cupping Stephanie’s face with her hands. “MARK!” she yelled

“What’s all the noise-” a man said walking into the house. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the scene happening in front of him. He looked like he’d seen a ghost; he slowly walked towards the doorframe and stood still.
“Hi daddy” Stefi said letting go of her mom.
“Stephanie” he replied in shock. Her dad soon made her way over her and embraced her in a big, protective hug.
“Audrey! Get in here!” Melanie yelled rudely as the man let her go, he smiled at her and walked over Stephanie’s mom and stared at their daughter. Both had tears in their eyes.
“What’s going on?” I heard a girl’s voice. I turned around and saw a girl standing in the doorway, she looked exactly like their dad, only light haired and blue eyed “Who did that?!” She said pointing to the broken tea cup “I’m not cleaning th-“ she complained but stopped when she saw her sister smiling at her “You’re back” I heard her say as tears formed in her eyes “You’re back!” she squealed and jump on her “I missed you!” she said as Stephanie held her tight “I never want you to leave again, understand?!” she said upset, making Steph laugh as her sister held her tighter. I turned to Stephanie, a wide smile and happiness irradiating all over her face.
Nobody said anything for like 10 seconds; Stephanie’s family was staring at the two girls holding each other like it was some sort of dream.

“C’mon Audrey, give her some air” her mom said sitting on a chair. Stephanie’s dad sat on the chair next to his wife and girls sat on the couch in front of the one I was headed. I noticed everyone staring at me and started to feel nervous when I felt Stephanie grab my hand. I turned to look at her, she was smiling at me. Genuinely smiling.

“Guys” she said “This is Brian, he’s-“
“You both look really cute together” her mom said
“What?” she said as the two of us turned to face her, our eyes wide opened
“I can tell you really love each other” she said and we looked at each other, blushing as hell
“Mom he’s n-”
“Oh, you two are together?” Melanie said seriously “I’m sorry for the freak thing” she said
“He’s not my boyfriend” she yelped “he’s my best friend”
“Oh!” They all said in unison
“Bri, these are my dad and mom” she said. I was terrified but keeping my cool. Her dad offered me his hand to shake and I did
“Nice to meet you, son” he said
“It’s nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Sloan, you have a really nice home, and an amazing daughter” I said looking at Stefi. Her parents looked at me with unreadable expressions on their faces, and then her mother just smiled at me
“Nice to meet you too, Brian” She replied and gave me a hug "we know she is" she said softly, letting me go “But, please call me Caryn and this is my husband, Mark”
“Alright, Mrs. Caryn” I said smiling

“This is my little sister, Audrey” She said pointing to the blond girl
"Hi” she said shyly to me and held out her hand. I accepted it and shook it.
"Nice to meet you Audrey, I'm Brian" I said with a smile.
"Steph, he’s hot. Nice choice!" she exclaimed and we both blushed. I looked over at Stefi still smiling and I raised my eyebrows making her laugh

“And I don’t think I have to tell you who this is” Stephanie said grinning sitting down on the couch behind us.
“Hi Melanie, it’s a pleasure to meet you” I said
“Hello” she said as she shook my hand “Sorry about earlier. I thought you broke in or something”
“No problem, I tend to scare people” I said making her smirk. I finally sat down next to Stephanie and Melanie walked over to where we were and sat on the other side, grabbing Stephanie’s hand

“You have a lot of explaining to do, young lady” Steph’s dad said “Where have you been?! What happened to you?!” he said looking at her in daze
“Mark dear, let her calm down so she can explain everything to us” her mom replied “Hunny, you want something to eat? Anything?”
“No mom, I’m fine, thank you” she said looking to the floor
“And what about you, son?” she asked me
“Oh, no I’m fine, thank you ma’am” I said

“Now, explain” her dad said and she looked up again
“Mark!” her mom glared at him “I- hunny, wh- how’ve you been?” her mother said as her eyes water.
“Okay, I guess” she answered as she shrugged her shoulders.
“We thought we’d never see you again, sweetheart”
“I’m sorry I left so sudden” she said “I didn’t know what else to do”
“But why?” Mr. Mark said “We were so worried, we kept looking for you for months” he said, mourning all over his face “I called a search party. We looked for you in every place in New York, we were desperate”
“I’m sorry, dad”
“We went through a really bad time when you left, Stephanie” her mom said “Melanie at the hospital, and two of my babies gone, All I had left was Audrey. We thought we’d die”
“I’m sorry” she said looking at her hands “I thought you didn’t want me around, so I left”
“We’ll always want you around, no matter what” Mrs. Caryn said with tears in her eyes
“Why didn’t you left s note” Mr. Mark said
“I thought it was better for you not knowing where I was” she sighed
“You’re our daughter! We’ll always wanna know where you are! If you’re okay! If you’re safe” He paused “We were worried sick! We thought something bad happened to you”
“I know I should’ve called, I’m sorry”
“But you didn’t” Audrey spoke this time
“I know” she sighed holding back tears “Why did you stop looking for me?” She asked after a couple of minutes
“We never stopped looking for you” Mrs. Caryn said “But since Alana called to tell us you were okay, we did stopped worrying so much”
“She did?” she asked surprised, her dad nodded.
“She called about a month or two after you left” her mom said
“Now can you tell us why you leaft” her dad said. I saw Stefi playing with her fingers once again, so I grabbed her hand and smiled at her. Stephanie sighed and soon enough, she started telling them what she told us earlier.

“Stephanie, you had no reason to feel that way” Mr. Mark said after Stephanie explained everything to her family.
“I thought you hated me” she sighed “I mean, after what happened to Mel and Taylor”
“We didn’t blame you for anything” her mom said seriously, her eyes were bloodshot and her nose was runny, she couldn’t stop crying.
“It’s not your fault” Melanie said looking into her eyes “You had nothing to do with it, it was an accident, don’t blame yourself” she smiled at her “Besides. I’m okay”
“I know that now” Stephanie replied hugging her.

“Why you didn’t tell us?” Mr. Mark asked “You could have said something, Melanie”
“I don’t know” she paused and stared at her little sister “I was waiting for her to come back”
“How did you know I’d come back?”
“I know you. You tend to make the wrong decisions, but at the end of the day, you always do the right thing” she said and Stephanie looked to the floor
“I was too scared to come back and face you” she said. I sighed as I squeezed her hand, when I looked up; I noticed her mom looking at us and weakly smiled. I looked away and stared at my feet.

“But you’re back, now.” her mom said standing up and kissing her forehead “My family’s complete again” she said. Stephanie let go of my hand and was about to reply but her mom cupped her face and spoke first “Yes, it is. Taylor is still here, with us. No matter what happened in the past. We’re a family once again” she said as her eyes tore a bit “I love you so much, my dear” she said.
“I’m sorry” she said quietly, holding back tears “I’m sorry for everything I put you through” she said louder so everyone could hear her
“You’re back, that’s all that matters” Mr. Mark said walking towards her and hugging her.
“We’re sorry for everything that happened” Mr. Mark said as Mrs. Caryn put Stephanie’s hair behind her hear “Not a day went by without any us thinking about you and your brother” he paused

“I love you, guys” she said and a few tears ran down her cheeks, but something was different about these tears, unlike the last time, these ones were happy tears. Finally she was back with her family.[/i