MY BROTHERS WIFE

As I stepped out of the car and onto the familiar driveway, a mix of emotions washed over me. It had been years since I'd last set foot in this house, years since I'd seen my family. The old oak tree, the swing hanging from its branch, the creaky front door – everything was just as I remembered. Yet, something felt different. My brother, Jack, was already waiting on the porch, a wide smile on his face. We exchanged a hearty handshake and a pat on the back, trying to make up for lost time. Our eyes locked, and I saw a hint of nervousness behind his warm gaze. "Hey, Alex! Long time no see!" Jack said, his voice a little too loud. "Hey, Jack! Good to see you, bro," I replied, trying to sound casual. As we walked into the house, the aroma of Mom's cooking enveloped me, transporting me back to childhood memories. The interior was just as I remembered – the same furniture, the same family photos, the same warm atmosphere. But something was off. "Where's Emily?" I asked, noticing the absence of Jack's wife. "Oh, she's around here somewhere," Jack replied, waving his hand dismissively. "Probably getting ready for dinner." I raised an eyebrow. "Getting ready" sounded like a euphemism for something. As we entered the living room, I spotted Emily sitting on the couch, her eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made me uncomfortable. She smiled, but it seemed forced, like she was trying too hard. "Hey, Alex! Welcome home!" she said, her voice dripping with sweetness. I forced a smile back, feeling like an outsider in my own family. The rest of the evening was a blur of small talk, awkward silences, and forced laughter. I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss, that there was a secret lurking beneath the surface. As the night drew to a close, I found myself alone with Emily in the kitchen, helping her with the dishes. "So, Emily," I said, trying to sound nonchalant, "how's life been treating you?" She hesitated, her eyes darting around the room before settling on me. "It's been...interesting," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. I sensed a hidden meaning behind her words, a secret she wasn't willing to share. As we finished the dishes, I couldn't help but wonder what was really going on in this house, what secrets were hiding behind the facade of this perfect family. And that's when I saw it – a piece of paper on the counter, a note scrawled in hasty handwriting: "Meet me at the old oak at midnight. Come alone." My heart raced as I realized that this family reunion was not what it seemed. To be continued in Chapter 2...