Life Because of Her

Unwanted visitor

He stepped out of the SUV and made his way over to the porch. When he noticed me, he had no expression. Neither did I. Mollie turned to me with a confused look.

"Do you know him?" She asked. When I didn't answer she got the hint that I wasn't in the mood to talk. She looked back at my brother and then at me and I think that's when she realised. She was shocked and confused, which was understandable. I had never told anyone about my brother. The only people who knew were Cameron and my father.

He approached me cautiously as he didn't know what to expect, especially when it's been...

"How longs it been brother?" He asked, stopping in front of me looking me up and down to admire his younger brother.

"10 years... It's been 10 years..." I said in a low monotone voice.

10 Years ago:

I walked down the stairs in my pyjamas while holding my stuffed teddy bear. His name was Vincent. He had the same name as my older brother who meant the world to me. He was the one who got it me after all, winning it from a carnival game.

I heard shouting from the kitchen and followed the voices. It was almost midnight and I could hear Vincent shouting at our father. Why was he shouting at our father? I approached the kitchen door and they both looked at me.

"Why are you shouting?" I asked them both. Father was the first to say something.

"Harry... Go back to bed it's okay..." he said. His voice was funny, he couldn't pronounce his words properly. Vincent was facing the wall and seemed to be angry.

"But, why are you shouting?" I asked them both again.

"Just go back to bed..." My father's tone was angry and I got upset. I looked at Vincent but he was still facing the wall. Why was he ignoring me?

I turned around and ran out of the kitchen, tears in my eyes. I ran upstairs and into my bedroom.

* * *

The next morning I awoke with dried tears on my cheeks and pillows. I walked across to the bathroom, peering into my brother's bedroom as I passed. It was a mess. His drawers and wardrobe were open and empty. His bedside table had been emptied and his suitcase from the corner of his room was missing...

When I got downstairs, after using the bathroom, my father was sat in the kitchen and Vincent wasn't anywhere to be seen. My father looked upset and held an envelope. Written on the envelope was my name. Harry.

My father didn't say anything, he just gave me the note whilst giving me a look of sadness. I opened the envelope and read it...

Hey Harry, it's Vincent... I know you're probably wondering where I am in the morning. Don't worry, I'm okay little bro... Father and I have fallen out and he is very angry at me... I have to leave for a while. I love you, little bro, I'll come to visit soon, I promise... - Vincent

A tear falls down my face and I look at father before running over to where he's sat, giving him a hug. Months later he never visited, he never called, he never wrote. He had gone.

Present:

We all entered the farmhouse and gathered in the living room. It seemed like a meeting was going on... one I didn't organise.

"Why is everyone stood around here for?" I asked sternly. At the sight of my brother, I wasn't in the mood. I left the room and walked upstairs to mine and Jasmine's bedroom. I sat at the desk and placed my head in my hands. I jumped as I felt Jasmine's hand on my shoulder. I was too distracted to hear her follow me in.

"Harry?" She questioned concerned. "Who... is that guy?" I knew she was just curious and I really didn't want to talk about it. However, after some consideration, I decided that maybe talking to her about it could help. Of course, I would have to tell her eventually. Why not now.

"He's my older brother..." I simply stated. "I haven't seen or heard from him in over ten years..." She seems to be handling this better than I am.

"Can I ask why?" She innocently asked. I knew I had to tell her. So I just said to her how it was.

"He left when I was 13... I remember the night vividly. My father and Vincent were arguing about something... I still don't know what it was, my father never told me..." She nodded as I continued. "He left me a note" I stood up and wandered over to my bedside table. Picking up my wallet, I opened the pouch and pulled out the old note. I showed it to her and she read it.

Her expression was unreadable. I'm pretty sure she was just as confused as me when I read it 10 years ago. Our conversation was interrupted by a knock at the bedroom door.

"Come in," I said and the door opened. My brother walked into the room and everything turned awkward.

"I'll give you two some privacy" Jasmine politely said. She pecked at my check, planting a soft kiss. That was a mistake. My brother was definitely going to question me on that later, if not now. Jasmine left the room and closed the door which left just us two, standing there quietly, waiting for the other person to start the conversation.

"Harry..." He started to speak. I cut him off and made myself clear.

"Look... I don't know why you're here okay... I don't know what you want... Just answer me this one question..." He nodded as if he already knew what I was going to ask.

"Why did you leave?" The words exited my mouth angrily and my brother gestured for me to sit on the couch.

"You're going to want to sit down..."