What I Want

Chapter 7

Aubrey

Blake's words rang in my head as I ran outside and darted into the rose garden. I always use come here whenever I was upset. Petals laid all over the floor like fallen leaves. Memories of Emma and I chasing each popped into my mind and for a brief moment I smiled. Things were much simpler back then.

As for the matter at hand, Blake never liked me, not one bit. Ever since we were young he despised me. Strangely enough, I never knew why. I never did anything to hurt him he just never accepted me.

I sat on a nearby bench. I needed sometime to recuperate. I brushed my hand against the petals of a single rose, the feeling was soft and welcoming almost tempting me to wrap my fingers around the stem and hold the blossoming beauty. However, as beautiful as it may seem, the thorns were just as deadly. 

I closed my eyes and took some deep breaths.

I felt a presence beside me. It has to be Emma, she always use to come after me whenever Blake and I had our spats.

"Not now Emma. I'm in no mood to talk." I whispered.

'I'm not Emma." Haden, What was he doing here?

"Oh, what are you doing here?"

"I came looking for you." He answered sarcastically.

He actually came looking for me. That brought a small smile to my face.

"You didn't have to."

"Can you explain what happened back in there?" He questioned completely ignoring what I just said. I paused briefly before speaking. 

"That's my brother as you may have realized. I was adopted when I was a baby. My adoptive parents found me in an alley one autumn morning. I was left there in a small basket which surprisingly held enough warmth for me to survive long enough to be found. They took me home and I became part of the family. Obviously I could not remember I was adopted because I was too young. But I soon found out when I was eight. It was Blake who told me and he did it on my eighth birthday. Of course I cried my eyes out and my parents comforted me. It didn't matter if I was their biological daughter or not all that mattered was that we were a family and we loved each other. It was then I realized the motive of his actions. I realized that he treated me differently from the way he treated Emma." I glanced at Haden to see if he was listening and he nodded for me to continue.

"From then on I tried my best to avoid him as much as possible. This is not the first time he embarrassed me in front of everyone. He left for college when I was 10 and visited occasionally. Sometimes he would completely ignore me or he would make it clear that I didn't belong in this family."

"How did you put up with him for so long?" Haden questioned, surprise written on his face.

"Because some part of me believes what he says. I love my family. They are all I've ever known but this still isn't my real family. Sometimes I feel like an outsider, like I don't belong." I whispered softly as I looked away from him.

"You can't let him get to you Aubrey. You have to learn to defend yourself. Quit being a pushover."

"I know but he's still my brother and deep down I want him to accept me."

"That's it right there. Your kindness Aubrey, will be your biggest downfall." Haden stated as he stared at me with an unreadable expression.

I had no response to his statement. 

"Can you please take me home? I don't think I'll be able to go back in there." 

"Yeah let's go."

We got into the car and Haden drove off without a second glance. Well that was a disaster, maybe I should have just stayed at home.

Haden took a couple turns in a different direction from home. Where could he be taking us?

"Where are we going Haden?" I questioned only to receive no response. No surprise there.

About fifteen minutes later, we pulled up by the beach. Haden parked the car and stepped out. I quickly followed him.

"Why are we here?" I questioned.

"Whenever I need to clear my head I come to the beach. My dad and I use to come here a lot. I remember I was so upset about missing the penalty for a soccer game. I was angry at myself because I had let down

my team. My dad took me to the beach and we spent to the entire evening chatting and surfing. Then it sort of became our thing. Whenever him or I needed to clear our heads we came to the beach." Haden spoke softly. I could tell this meant a lot to him.

"That's really sweet. The connection you have with your dad." I smiled.

"Yeah he's always been there for me."

A silence overcame us, a comfortable silence, and we stayed like that for a while.

"Haden, do you really hate me?"

I could see him visibly stiffen, my question had caught him off guard.

His eyes turned cold and he stood abruptly. He turned around and walked back to the car.

What's his problem? Just when I thought we had a moment.

I got up and followed him back. This time he drove us straight home.

He retired to his room and so did I. I didn't actually think today would turn out like this.

I was snuggled in my bed when my phone went off. I checked my notifications. I had a message from Vincent. 

Me: Hey, How did you get my number?

Vincent: I stole it from Haden.

Me: Oh.. Guess I should have seen that coming.

Vincent: Yes.. So what are you up to Aubs.

Me: I was about to sleep.

Vincent: Sorry I messaged at a bad time

Me: Its fine Vincy.

Vincent: Is that my nickname now?

Me: Haha yes

Vincent and I chatted for a while then I fell asleep.

~~

I was awakened by a knock on my bedroom door. Haden stood there already dressed.

"Your parents are here." He said as he motioned downstairs.

"Alright give me a minute to get dressed."

I took a quick shower and brushed my teeth. I dressed casual and hurried downstairs as I tied my hair into a ponytail.

My parents sat on the sofa as Haden served them something to drink.

"Hey mom and dad." I greeted.

There faces held equal frowns as they stared at me.

"What's wrong?" I questioned.

"We want to apologize for Blake's behavior last night. He took it way too far." My mom sighed.

"Its okay." I responded.

"Its not okay Aubrey. The way he treated you was unfair and you shouldn't have to go through that. You are part of this family just as him. I hope you know that." My dad added.

"Dad, Mom you don't have to apologize for his behavior. If he doesn't care about me well that's just how he feels and we can't change that." I spoke strongly.

"Alright honey, we tried to convince him to come but he refused." My mom whispered. I could tell she was hurt and upset about this whole situation.

"Its fine. He doesn't have to apologize if he doesn't want to. Its best that we keep our distance anyway." 

"Enough about Blake. What's going on with your honeymoon?" Dad questioned.

"We aren't going." I responded to earn a glare from Haden. What was he upset about? He was the one that didn't want to go on a honeymoon.. 

"What? Why not?" Mom asked with a frown.

"Because we are keeping a party instead. I mean honeymoons are so traditional and we wanna be different." I lied.

"That's actually a really good idea. I love it." Mom beamed.

"So when is this party?" Dad inquired.

"We are still working out the details. But we will let you guys know." I answered and they nodded.

"You're so quiet Haden." Mom chuckled and a light blushed graced his features.

"Leave the boy honey." Dad laughed.

My parents left shortly after and Haden and I stood alone in the living room. Haden had an amused expression on his face as he stared at me.

"Great save Aubrey. With the honeymoon thing." 

"Thanks but now we have work to do." I laughed.

"What?" Haden questioned, eyebrows raised.

"We have a party to plan!"