by Jo Cattell
“Mom just called. They are down the street,” their father announced. “Mark, you’re going to see her in like four and a half hours, give it a rest.” Kevin watched his older brother type out another text to Claire.
“Jealous much, Kev?” Mark taunted.
“Oh, he is so jealous.” Nick laughed as he himself checked to see if Chloe had texted him.
“Why, because you two have girlfriends? Trust me, I don’t want the hassle,” Kevin said as he leaned against the van.
“Yeah, remember that on New Year’s Eve when we’re kissing our girlfriends and you’re sitting with no one,” Mark shot at him.
“Oh, boo freakin’ woo. Trust me, I won’t be alone.” Kevin gave them a cocky grin.
“Really? Are you seriously thinking you’re going to meet someone at the lodge again?” Nick remembered what happened last year and how Kevin had gotten burned.
“I did last year,” he reminded Nick.
“Was that the blonde who disappeared right after dinner with Rendell Monroe?” Mark looked up from his cell phone.
“I thought it was Ronald she went off with.” Nick piped in.
Kevin’s face got red. “It was Rendell, that spoiled punk ass. ‘Oh, it’s the Allen boys. They let anyone in here.’“he mimicked.”God, I hate them,”
“Every year it is the same thing with those two. ‘What’s a matter, Nick, your parents couldn’t send you to boarding school this year? We have a spot for you on the polo team. Ha-ha.’” Nick added, thinking about the twins and their perfect hair.
“Why do you two let them bother you?” Mark asked.
“Hello? Have you met the twins? ‘We’re stinking rich and love to flaunt it. We have the best of everything and you’re just the mud on our boots,’” Kevin continued to mimic them.
“Let’s lock them in the supply closet like we did when we were little. Ronny was so scared, he peed his pants!” Nick laughed.
“See, little Bro, this is why we’re so in sync with each other. Do you think Chloe can lure them there?” Kevin asked as though hatching a plot.
“Kidnapping is a crime and you both know those two will say that’s what you were doing,” Mark reminded them.
“He’s right. We could put ex-lax in a brownie. That could work,” Kevin suggested.
“Okay, I don’t want to hear anymore, because I’m not going down if you two get caught. Mom’s here, so let’s get ready to go.” Mark put his phone away.
“Chloe, you know what bags are going, so tell the boys and have them load the van,” Gina said as she got out of the car.
“You said you would be home by noon. It is quarter after,” their father asked.
“There was a lot of traffic around the mall. By the way, you now have a daughter. I have adopted Chloe,” Gina said, smiling and patting his cheek.
“Hear that boys? You now have a sister. I expect you to take good care of her.” Their father was laughing as he shook his head.
“Wow, Nick, your dating your sister? That’s kinda creepy.” Kevin laughed as he put his arm around Chloe.
“She was kidding. Chloe, tell them she was kidding,” Nick almost begged her.
“No, she’s serious. She said I was the daughter she always wanted,” she answered.
“Mom, how can Chloe be my sister?” Nick asked her as she came back out.
“You know what?” Gina looked stunned by the entire concept now. “I didn’t think about that, and it was wrong of me on so many levels. Okay, she isn’t your sister. But she is for you two,” she explained as she pointed to her other two sons.
Both Mark and Kevin wore smirking grins.
“Mother, do you ever think about what you say before you say it?” Nick called to her, knowing that they were going to really let him have it now.
Chloe went over to him. “Baby, she was only kidding.”
Nick smiled at her and leaned in to kiss her.
Kevin and Mark both jumped in and stopped him. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?!” Kevin yelled at him as Mark pulled them apart.
“I was going to kiss my girlfriend, Hello? Since I haven’t seen her sine 4:30 this morning,” Nick explained and tried to break out of Mark’s grasp.
“No, you’re not. This is our baby sister and we’re not going to let some guy we know nothing about to just up and kiss her,” Mark added.
“But, Guys, he is kinda cute.” Chloe was joining in on the fun.
Kevin put his arm around her shoulders. “Yeah, it’s the cute ones you have to watch out for and I’ve heard stories about this one.”
“Are you serious? What do you mean you know nothing about me? I’m your brother and you have known me for seventeen years,” Nick argued.
“Yeah, I’m with Kevin on this one. That’s what really has me concerned. I mean, did you make her cry last night when you got into that fight with her?” Mark questioned him.
“He got into a fight with her? Did he try something with you? I will kick his ass if he did!” Kevin yelled.
Seeing that Nick was getting mad, Chloe had to put a stop to the teasing. “Okay, guys, leave him alone.”
“Mom was only kidding,” Nick said and pouted, putting his arm around her.
“No, she wasn’t and just keep your hands to yourself,” Kevin warned him.
“Yeah, we’re watching you,” Mark added as he crossed his arms and stared Nick down.
“Yeah, watch this.” Nick grabbed Chloe and kissed her hard, letting his hand drift down to her butt. The next thing he knew, he was on the ground and Mark and Kevin were on top of him.
“Boys, let’s go. If you break any bones, you will just have to wait until we get to your uncle’s to go to the hospital,” their mother yelled at them and waited for everyone to load into the car.
After a few hours of traveling, they stopped to fuel up the van and everyone piled out, Nick held back. He’d heard her phone chime, and when he looked at Chloe, he saw that something had unnerved her. “What’s up?”
Chloe had been looking at her phone and slipped it into her pocket. “I just got a text from Shelly. They’re having a wonderful time and wanted to let me know the treatment worked and they’re now expecting. They’re coming home early because she has to be somewhere about a new job this week.”
Nick hugged her, knowing that this was the blow to her ego that she really didn’t need. “Did you text her back?”
“No, why should I? I have this strange feeling that my days are numbered at my house. Kind of like the next room that will need to be cleaned out is mine. I’m not going to let this ruin my time. I had a great morning and I’m really looking forward to New Year’s Eve.” She faked a smile and rested her head on his shoulder.
“I know this will sound crazy, but maybe things will change. If he doesn’t, maybe she will,” Nick suggested. He knew that it wasn’t true, but things happened when people have kids. Maybe Shelly would change her attitude.
“Maybe. Hey, I got this great idea? Let’s not talk about it. That way, I won’t dwell on it and we won’t have any arguments.” She looked up at him and tried to be sarcastic.
“Okay, well, since your ‘brothers’ have left the car, how about we go in and I buy you an Icee?”
“Only if I can mix it with cherry and cola.” She laughed and held on to his unzipped coat.
“If it will make you smile, then sure. Just make sure your ‘brothers’ stay out of my seat when we get back.” He put his arm around her and they went into the store.
* * * *
After fuelling the car and getting snacks, they were on their way to the mountains.
Nick and Kevin got into a heated game over their Game Boys. Max watched movies, and Mark was texting Claire.
Chloe sat back and watched as the trees sped past the car. As hard as she tried, her mind kept going back to the text she received from Shelly, and she thought about the baby. Taking her phone out, she looked at the message again. This was what her father wanted now. He was ready a
nd it was his second chance. She wondered if she would even have the chance to get to know the baby. Or if this was the reason they were waiting for. To finally ask her to leave. It was obvious that she wasn’t wanted there. She was a burden left to them by her dying mother.
The thought crossed her mind about leaving again. Where would she go? Would she come back? Would her father even care if she was gone? But she knew that answer. He would be free and never think of her again. B One question came to mind that she hadn’t thought about before. Could she leave Nick? Last night, she’d thought about it. When he had come to her and asked to talk, she thought that was it. It hurt to think of him not in her life. But they were still kids and had their whole lives ahead of them. Things could change and he would feel trapped, like her father. It was a fear she would always have no matter who she was with.
She looked over at him as he played a game with Kevin. His expression looked so intense as he competed against his older brother. Suddenly, she wished she’d gone with him to her house last night. She missed his touch and the way he held her. Sleeping in his arms last night was heaven. If she could have, she would have gone back to bed with him that morning.
The game was getting pretty intense and Kevin was winning, but not by much. “So, Taylor isn’t going to be there this week, is she?” He’d just slammed Nick’s game car into a wall.
“You’re an ass,” Nick said, recovering and trying to catch up.
Mark didn’t bother looking up and answered, “Actually, she is. Claire said she should be there sometime after we get there. Why?”
“I can’t play your distraction this year. I have Chloe and I don’t think she would like it much if I was hitting on Taylor.” Nick laughed and then looked at her. She was starting to fall asleep. “I’m out, Dude. Chlo, come here, baby,” he said and she was more than happy to fall into his arms and sleep.
“You know, Kev, you should just be nice and take her to the party. Claire said she has really grown up this past year,” Mark said as he picked up Nick’s game and took over where he’d left off.
“I’m sure she has, but she will still have the thick glasses and braces she’s had for the past three years. Isn’t one brother dating an O’Rourke sister enough?” Kevin tried to slam Mark’s car but he was too fast for him.
“Think of it as you’re doing that brother a favor and taking his girlfriend’s sister out. I would ask Nick, but he has Chloe,” Mark replied.
“What are the chances of you two breaking up for one night and you taking Taylor?” Kevin looked at Nick now.
Nick looked at him and snickered. “Hmm, that’s a tough one. Slim and none, I would have to say. Why don’t you just wait until you see her, and then decide? She could’ve really grown up this year, like Mark said.”
“Because I know exactly what will happen. She will follow me around and try batting her eyes, and then when I don’t take her out, she will sit at our table and sulk, like she does every year.”
“I don’t know about that. It may be you sulking this year. Claire said she has really changed,” Mark informed him again and smashed his game car into a tree.
“Have you even for one minute thought that maybe she’s saying that, so you would convince me to take her?” Kevin put the game down and looked at Mark.
“Yeah, Mark, your letting her walk all over you again and you two haven’t even seen each other yet. She’s forcing you to make your little brother take her sister to the New Year’s party,” Nick pointed out.
“This from the boy who let the girl he was in love with go out with a jock because he was too scared to admit he really liked her,” Mark said, teasing Nick.
“Yeah, but where is she now? Lying right here, in my arms, fast asleep,” Nick shot back.
“I’m not fast asleep, because all I can hear is you three going on about this poor girl. And, no, Kevin, we aren’t going to break up so you can duck her.” Chloe tried to go back to sleep.
“We’re sorry. Go back to sleep,” Nick whispered and then laughed at Kevin.
An hour later, the bright sun through the windows gave the effect it was warmer outside than it was. They were making one last stop. The air had gotten colder, if that was even possible. Nick got out of the van and he could see his breath in the air.
“When did it get so cold?” Chloe wished she had grabbed her coat. She put her arms around her body and tried to stay warm.
“We are in the mountains now. It’s going to get really cold. You did pack enough to be warm, right?” Nick asked her, rubbing her arms to warm her up.
“Yes, I did. I’m not stupid. I just didn’t expect it to get this cold so fast. How much longer do we have to go?” She laid her head on his chest and wanted to just stay in his embrace.
“I think about an hour.”
She pulled away from him and started toward the restroom, but before she could get any farther, he grabbed her arm. “Come here.” He put his hands to her face.
She loved it when he kissed her like this. The feel of his hands in her hair and the warmth of his lips took away the chill of the air. When he pulled away, she smiled. “What was that about?” she purred.
“Let’s just say I had a really nice dream about you and wanted it to end on a great note.” He smiled wickedly.
She touched his face. “What is it about you that makes me love you so much?”
“Wow, we would be here all day if I had to list them. You want to start with how I can make you blush just by whispering in your ear?” he teased.
She laughed. “On that note, we better get moving. Or we will be in big trouble when your family gets back and catches us in the van.”
He agreed and they went in.
Once they were back on the road, Nick couldn’t keep his eyes off her. She’d been playing with her phone and not paying attention to what was going on around her. He took out his phone and texted her. U R beautiful.
Her phone chimed. She read the message and smiled at him. “What are you doing?” She was a little puzzled that he had done that.
Nothing, he replied. I really need 2 b with u.
She laughed and texted him back. Problem?
Nick smiled a devilish grin. Thinking about the snowstorm.
Chloe blushed. She bit her lip and texted again. Long 4 ur touches.
“What the hell are you two doing?” Kevin asked.
They both smiled.
“Nothing you need to worry about,” Nick retorted as he sent her another text. Need ur touches. Need u.
“You two are getting as bad as Mark. We’re like forty-five minutes away, and all you guys are doing is texting. It’s bad enough h’es texting Claire, but you two are right next to each other,” Kevin shot out again.
“Yeah, and maybe we’re talking about you and don’t want you to know. Mark and I could start speaking French.” Nick laughed.
“Oui!” Mark added as he kept texting Claire.
“Don’t start!” Kevin yelled at them.
“But you’re such an easy target,” Nick continued and his phone chimed.
Chloe had texted him back. Soon?
Now he had to think about his answer. He’d been thinking about it a lot lately. They had said it to each other that night. The question was, could he go so far as to break the purity promise he’d made to his parents and himself? He just knew he loved her, and for some reason, it felt right. When u r ready. Just really need 2 b with u. Nick replied.
She smiled and sent back, Must have been a really good dream.
He winked at her.
Chloe closed her phone and moved closer to him. She leaned in and whispered in his ear, “And just what is it you need?”
“For you to come be bad with me,” he said playfully.
“And by bad you mean?” she questioned.
“Trust me. I think you know what I mean,” he teased and kissed her lightly.
“Knock it off,” Mark spoke up, not even looking at them.
They both smiled at each other and
went back to texting.
* * * *
Forty-five minutes later, they arrived at an enormous log and brick house. Chloe could not believe this was where she would be staying for the next few days. Arriving at the front door was amazing as they sauntered down a cobblestone walk that led to a large carved oak double door. Mrs. Allen opened the door and they all filed in.
“Hey, anyone here?” Mr. Allen yelled.
“What did you do, speed here? You made good time,” a tall, dark-haired man called as he came into the room. He looked a lot like Kevin but with blue eyes.
“I had to, Gina was late coming home,” Mr. Allen explained while putting down the bag he was carrying.
“Gina, why do you put up with this bum? I could’ve given you the world and maybe a daughter. Seeing how he’s stuck you with these four.” The man laughed and kissed her cheek.
“But see, I like two of them. And you kept me waiting way too long. How are you, Robb?” she joked, too, and hugged him.
“Good, good. Glad for a break. How’s my brother?”
“Annoyed that you’re still trying to take my wife,” Mr. Allen retorted. “Nice to see you, too.”
“So, let me see your boys. Where is little Maxwell? He can’t be this strapping young lad right here, can he?” Their uncle picked him up.
“I grew three inches!” Max announced proudly.
“So you have. What is this? Are you washing behind your ears?” His uncle asked and gave him a twenty dollar bill.
“I will now! Is Collin here?” Max asked, excited to have money to spend.
Their uncle laughed at Max’s enthusiasm. “He will be here soon. Rosa made some cookies for you two. I bet she would give you one if you asked.”
That was all Max needed to hear and he was off and running.
Their uncle then turned and looked at the three older boys. “I know someone who’s been waiting for you. Try not to screw it up this time. How are you, Son, how’s school?” He hugged Mark.
“It’s going good. I am acing most of my classes. And I’m going to try really hard not to mess it up this time,” Mark replied.