My Brother's Best Friend

Chapter 17

Natalia

"Good job, everyone. Tomorrow morning, I will post a list with everyone who made the play, so make sure you look for it on your way in," Ms. Jonas, my theater teacher, tells us all. All I can think about is how great that went. I nailed my lines. The director seemed happy with my performance. I just hope I blew their minds.

I grab my backpack and make my way out. "You were amazing, Nat. Hopefully we both land a role and I get to spend more time with you," Hector tells me. I nod even though I know we will not be spending any time together, unless it's for the play. "We'll see," I say, and walk out of the building. I head towards the back gate, where the baseball and soccer fields are at. The gates are locked since school is not over. I refuse to walk back to the front, so I just jump the fence and make my way to work.

"Before you start working, please help yourself to some lunch. I want you to taste my favorite dishes from a take-out restaurant I really like. I ordered so much so you can try a bit of everything." My heart does that funny, big thump it does when Mike, Mia and Jace do something nice for me. Even when Billy is extra nice and includes me in his and Mike's plans. I just get these really big feelings.

Ms. Sally has slowly become a trusted adult. I think I can go to her or Billy if I ever need help.

It is Thai take-out. Most of these dishes I have never tried. I might have seen pictures or read about them. I am so excited. We walk around the table as Ms. Sally names every dish and tells me why she thinks is the best dish on the table, which seems to be all of them. Everything smells so good. My mouth is watering, and I am ready to dig in. I make sure to serve myself a scoop of everything so she doesn't feel offended.

I try these big noodles with a spicy buttery sauce first. My eyes widen and Ms. Sally's smile grows. "Good, huh?" I nod. This has to be the kind of food rich people eat. I have never tasted anything as good as this.

"This is the best thing I ever tasted," I try to say through a mouthful. She chuckles. I try some kind of saucy chicken and another dish that has a ton of vegetables. "Mmmm," The food is delicious. I must know the name of this place. Maybe I can invite Blake to eat here soon. He loves noodles, so I think it will be a hit with him. I shovel this amazing food in my mouth. Thanks to Ms. Sally, I have been fed like never before.

"I am going to take a call while you finish eating. Then we can get to work," she tells me and walks to the front. "Thai Deli," I place the box back. I have never heard of this place, but it is amazing. Now that I get tips and a pay check, I can invite my friends here. I am sure they will all love it too.

I am picking up the last of the hair when the front doorbell goes off.

"How is my favorite girl in the world doing?"

Ms. Sally giggles.

"Are you talking to me, or to Nattie?" I shake my head.

"You know I am talking to you, Ms. Sally," Mike tells her.

She swats him away. "Nattie, if you are done, you can go. I am just going to count the money and close up," I fiddle with my hands. I hate leaving her alone. She is old, and what if someone tries to steal from her? "Are you sure?" I ask. She lifts her shirt and I can't help but laugh. "I carry her everywhere. Just because I am getting older doesn't mean I can't defend myself." She wasn't lying when she said she carries her gun everywhere. She even has extra ones stashed around this place, all of her cars and all of her houses. I know some of her secret stashes. "See you tomorrow," I say. Mike grabs my things and waits for me outside while I go pee.

Mike is standing far away from the door. He is on the phone, and it looks like he is having a heated discussion. He looks angry or frustrated. Maybe he is mad he had to come here?

I begin walking towards him. "Please believe me. It isn't what you think," he says. I wonder who is making him this upset. "Come on, you know, I love you. Why are you being like this?" he says. I keep walking closer, but I act like I can't hear anything. I didn't even know Mike was talking to anyone. Def not in love, but it isn't any of my business. People are allowed their secrets. If he ever wants to tell me, I will listen.

"I don't know what you want from me?" I hear him shout. I decide to stay over here and let him finish his conversation, because it sounds intense. "No, it isn't like that. Meet me in 15 minutes and I will explain it all." He spots me, and his voice softens to almost a whisper. He speaks for another minute before he hangs up and walks over to me.

Mike pulls out an envelope. "I brought the money. I was going to take you to find Blake real quick, but something came up, so we can go tomorrow after Jace's baseball game. I will just take it back," he drags his hand through his hair. He looks scared and frustrated. I hope all is well. I don't want him worried about me more than he already does.

"You have already gone out of your way bringing it all the way here. Why don't I just hold on to it, and you can go do whatever you have to do, and we figure it out some other time," I tell him. "I don't know," he begins to say, but I put my hand up to shut him up.

"Come on Mike. It sounds like you have to go handle your business. I'll be fine, and we will both go find him tomorrow," I lie, knowing that if I say the truth, he won't agree, because when it comes to my brother, Blake, Mike has some big opinions that I do not agree with.

"Alright, let's get you home," he says, but I shake my head. "I'm meeting with Mia to get ready for that party, so I am going to buy an outfit, grab food, then go meet her. Don't worry about me. Go do what you have to do," he kisses the top of my head. "Be careful," he waves as he takes off and quickly turns the corner.

I have an hour before I have to meet Mia, so I go looking for Blake.

I walk past a library that has people hanging out in the parking lot, but none are Blake. I walk past multiple bus stops, but no-one there is Blake. I arrive at the park I had found him at before. I walk around the whole park twice. He isn't here. I decide to walk down to the liquor store to grab a drink and some snacks before going to Mia's. Maybe I will have better luck tomorrow.

I see a group of people standing there as I get closer.

"Blake," I spot my brother.

All I can think of is how happy he will be to know we can finally get our own place.

He has been down on his luck, so I hope my good news cheers him up and motivates him, because all we have got is each other.

I hope I am making him proud.

I wave and scream his name.

I see him bend down and tell his girlfriend something.

She looks at me and frowns, but nods.

He walks over and I nearly jump on him.

I hug him tightly. I don't want to let go. I miss him so much.

"I got the money, Blake. I have enough for us to find a place and pay a couple of months in advance, or furnish it all, and get groceries too. I was thinking you could get us the place, and the day before I turn 18 I could leave the house. I already have a plan in my head. I am going to perfect it and I will update you so we can both be prepared," he chuckles.

"You do love to prepare," he jokes. "I am so excited, Blake. Mom isn't getting better, and David is a pig. I can't live in that house anymore. I worked so hard and I saved everything." Blake doesn't say anything. He just stares off into nothing.

"Blake, did you hear me?" he nods. "Where is the money, Nat?" he sticks his hands out. I grab the envelope and hand it to him. He opens it. "It's 10 thousand, Blake. Make sure you get two key copies so I can get my own, and if you can find a place close to the college, even better. I am going to look around too. Maybe we can meet here daily and update each other on places we have found and make appointments to tour them. I want to make sure we are both comfortable with our living arrangements," I try to tell him everything on my mind. We have to keep each other in consideration.

"Okay, meet me here tomorrow, but don't tell anyone anything, Nat." he says and walks away. I stare at his back. I nod even though he is no longer looking at me. "Bye. I love you and will see you tomorrow," I say, and make my way to meet Mia in the cave, feeling lighter than ever. I am so happy. My living situation is about to improve drastically.