1 The Beginning

Unknown

Fourteen. I was Fourteen when I moved into a house full of strangers. I was fourteen when everyone introduced themselves to me; it was the most out of place I had ever felt. I was fourteen when everything changed, well, when everything started.

I still remember that morning, just like any other, when grandma called me down for breakfast. Morning toast and jelly, with a side of juice, was something only grandma and I looked forward to. Everyone else in town had fancy breakfasts: eggs, bacon, milk, and more. I never understood how one could eat so much, but alas, I was grateful for my days with gran.

That morning, after breakfast, grandma sat me down again. She said, "My child, it is time you go back to your parents. The only reason you were brought here is because your mommy and daddy couldn't afford to give you a good life. They let me raise you, and for that I am forever grateful, but they have a good home and good people ready to welcome you. They can afford to give you everything you need so there is no reason for you to stay stuck with me. I hope you are able to make long lasting friends, I hope you find a nice partner to your wishes and liking, and I hope you live a wonderful life that you can be proud of." I still remember the smile she gave, it held so much love.

With that I knew what she wanted to say. Grandma wanted me to meet more people, to explore the world, and I couldn't do that if I stayed in a small town with her. So, I agreed. It wasn't like I'd be leaving her forever; I promised to stay every summer and call her often.

The next week, I packed my bags and parted.

Sept. 5th, 2020 (Sunday)

Sunlight shines through the curtains, peeking past the closed blinds. My eyes struggle to open as I'm reminded of last night's dream.

I dreamed of memories, my most cherished to be exact. The dreams were rather random, but definitely not unwelcome. I begin to think about the possible reasons behind the dreams as I get ready for the day.

Walking down the stairs and towards the kitchen, I decided that the dreams were just a reminder to call gran, I mean, I haven't called her in three weeks.

A yawn escapes my lips, eyes opening back up in time to meet someone else's. I jump back in shock and fear, only now realizing who the eyes belonged to.

Aust Aseo, a boy 1 year older than me and my brother's friend. He has beautiful brown hair and a perfect shade of blue eyes. It's an interesting combination but Aseo can pull it off.

It's not until he coughs a little that I realize I'd been staring.

"Oh sorry." I mumble while beginning to walk again.

If Aseo is here then my brother must be too. That's enough of a reason to leave just as quickly as I came. I don't hate my brother, but he doesn't seem to be too fond of me either.

"Soul! Bring me some juice!" I hear my brother, Ezial, yell.

I huff and fix him a drink. After giving it to him and offering some strawberry milk to Aseo, I fix myself some breakfast.

Before I can even begin, however, I start to question how Aseo can deal being with my brother for so long. If Aseo is somewhere, so is Ezial, sadly. It's quite a shame to be honest, such a beautiful soul being wasted on a rather nasty one.

The day seems to pass fast.

After breakfast I finished some homework, made plans with a friend, took a nap, and ate.

Night comes and the air cools.

Walking down stairs, I see that Aseo is getting ready to leave. I get closer and hear everyone beginning to part.

"It's cold, do you need me to call someone?" Ezial asks.

"No, I think I'll be fine." Aseo replies. Aish, such a stubborn boy.

"I'll walk you home." I speak up.

"What do you see in him?" I ask as the chilly breeze hits my nose. September is just beginning, although the season has quickly begun to change.

Aseo looks taken aback by my question, "What do you mean?"

I sigh, knowing full well he understands what I was asking.

"You know what I mean, Aseo." I reply, a little stern.

Aseo looks down and I can't help but feel like I've hurt him. I begin to apologize but he says something first.

"I don't know. He's just so kind and caring."

I try hard not to scoff. My brother is, truly, nothing like that. Sure, he's nice sometimes, but he has no respect. That itself is a definite no for me. He has barely any respect for himself and, hidden under those layers, none for others.

It hurts to think of this; it hurts to think of the changes in him. Well, I suppose that after all this time, the heart changes.

He used to be kind, even I know that. He used to smile with meaning and he used to give for nothing in return. I may have only been a little older than a toddler, but I still remember my, once, dear brother. Before I left to live with my grandmother, at age six, he was the nicest person I knew. But, when I returned, he wasn't the same; at least, he's wasn't the same to me.

I unknowingly smile and Aseo doesn't miss it.

"What's got you smiling like that?" He asks with playfulness in his voice.

"Mmm nothing." I smile again. He laughs a little and so do I.

This time, though, my smile isn't because of my memories. It's because of him. My smile, my laughter, happen because of the boy in front of me; because of Aust Aseo.

"Soul? Hellooooo?" Aseo waves his hand in front of me, calling my name.

"Huh? Yes?" I question, snapping out of my trance.

"You spaced out on me there." Aseo answers. I apologize and almost run into a door.

Aseo laughs, "We're here"

"oh," is all I manage to say, not yet registering what has happened.

"Well, umm, goodnight!" I say and begin to speed walk home.

Once I'm far enough away that he won't see me, I slow down and put my hands in my pockets.

Late night walks and adventures are my favorites.

I used to have many with my grandma and I'd love to have even more with someone else.

Walking on the sidewalk, hands in my pockets and head down while kicking a rock, I think of one last thing.

How in love I am with Aust Aseo…and how much he loves my brother, Star Ezial.