Chapter six
Rachel dropped the grocery bag on the floor and ran to hug Charles. Her brother was back, and it felt like the world had shifted back into place.
Charles was, and still remains, the pillar that holds their family together. He had talked their father out of his drinking habits and encouraged him to be there for his sisters. He had always listened to his sisters on the phone whenever they called to complain, or cry—a diary book, really. He was everything they could ask for.
It was no wonder Rachel was so surprised to see him behind the wheel of such a powerful car. He was the steady, reliable one, not the type to attract attention with a flashy vehicle. It was almost like he was hiding a part of himself, a part that craved excitement and adventure.
She freed herself from the hug and proceeded to take a look at the car, as curious as ever. With every new look, she asked "How?"
It was a question she couldn't seem to stop asking, a question that mirrored the confusion she felt. How had her brother, the one who always seemed content with his books and video games, become the owner of a car like this?
She couldn't wait to hear the story, to understand what had changed, and what had led him to this moment.
Charles asked her if she wanted to take a ride with it around the block, and although she jokingly turned him down, she took the keys anyway.
She couldn't resist the allure of the car, the feeling of its power radiating off of it. She knew she couldn't stay away from the chance to experience it firsthand.
The thought of driving her brother's car, the car that seemed to represent a new chapter in his life, was too tempting to ignore.
Her destination was Sally's house. She had to show off. She was only allowed to drive her father's old Kia Rio once, and that was when her dad had the flu and she had to pick up Lydia from the grocery store down the block.
This was different. This was a chance to experience the freedom of the road, to feel the power of a car that wasn't just a means of transportation. It was a chance to feel like she was living a different life, a life that was more exciting, more adventurous.
She could imagine Sally's reaction. She could hear her gasp, see her eyes widen, and feel the envy in her voice. It was a feeling that Rachel knew well, the feeling of wanting what someone else had, the feeling of being left behind.
This time, though, she was the one who had something to show off, something to make Sally jealous. And for a moment, she relished in that feeling, in the power that came with having something that was different, something that was special.
He missed his dad and his dad missed him too. Although they tried to be manly and not show it, Charles still went in for a hug and asked his dad how he'd been.
His dad grunted, a little surprised, and then patted him on the back. "I'm alright, son. Just keeping busy."
Charles knew that wasn't entirely true. His dad had been quiet lately, withdrawn. He knew it was because of his mom, because she had been gone for a year now. But he also knew that his dad was trying to be strong, trying to hold it together for him.
"How's school?" his dad asked, trying to change the subject.
Charles shrugged. "It's alright. Same old, same old."
He knew his dad wanted to hear more, but he didn't want to talk about it. He didn't want to burden him with his own problems. He knew his dad had enough on his plate.
"Well, just make sure you keep your head down and do your best," his dad said, his voice a little gruff. "That's all I ask."
Charles nodded, knowing that was all his dad really wanted. He just wanted him to be safe, to be successful, to be happy. He wanted him to be the man he was meant to be.
He knew he couldn't live up to his dad's expectations, but he would try. He would try his best. He would try to make him proud.
He missed his dad and his dad missed him too. Although they tried to be manly and not show it, Charles still went in for a hug and asked his dad how he'd been.
His dad grunted, a little surprised, and then patted him on the back. "I'm alright, son. Just keeping busy."
Charles knew that wasn't entirely true. His dad had been quiet lately, withdrawn. He knew it was because of the anniversary of his mom's passing, but he also knew that his dad was trying to be strong, trying to hold it together. Their mother had died from cancer some years back. Although his father and mother were divorced. His father still loved his wife to this day.
"How's work?" his dad asked, trying to change the subject.
Charles shrugged. "It's alright. Same old, same old."
He knew his dad wanted to hear more, but he didn't want to talk about it. He didn't want to burden him with his own problems. He knew his dad had enough on his plate.
"Well, just make sure you keep your head down and do your best," his dad said, his voice a little gruff. "That's all I ask."
Charles nodded, knowing that was all his dad really wanted. He just wanted him to be safe, to be successful, to be happy. He wanted him to be the man he was meant to be.
He knew he couldn't live up to his dad's expectations, but he would try. He would try his best. He would try to make him proud.
"Where's Lydia?" Charles asked his father, who had gone back to arranging the groceries.
"She's with Jonathan. They'll be back soon," his dad said, without looking up.
Charles nodded, but his stomach twisted uncomfortably. He hadn't seen Lydia in ages, not since he'd moved out to go to college. He knew she was happy with Jonathan, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He couldn't quite explain it, but there was something about Jonathan that rubbed him the wrong way. Maybe it was the way he always seemed to be trying too hard, or maybe it was the way he looked at Lydia sometimes, like she was a prize he'd won. Whatever it was, it made Charles uneasy.
He hoped that Lydia was happy, but he couldn't help but feel a pang of protectiveness towards his little sister. He wanted to make sure she was safe, that she wasn't being taken advantage of. He knew he couldn't control her life, but he couldn't help but worry about her. He had always been the overprotective older brother, and that feeling hadn't faded even though he was gone now.
He just hoped that Lydia was happy, and that Jonathan wasn't the kind of guy who would hurt her.
The house was quiet, except for the occasional clinking of dishes as Charles' dad put away the groceries. Charles sat on the couch, flipping through channels on the TV, but his mind was elsewhere. He was still thinking about Lydia and Jonathan, and the uneasy feeling he had about them.
Then, a familiar roar broke the silence. Charles jumped up, a grin spreading across his face. It was his car, the one he'd modified to sound like a beast. He rushed to the window and watched as Rachel pulled into the driveway.
Rachel and sally got out of the car first, followed by Lydia. They all walked towards the entrance of the house. Lydia was really excited to see Charles. She was even more excited to hear about his accomplishment.
Lydia ran up to Charles who was helping their dad set up the dining area and gave him a warm hug. She had missed her brother. Her had cutleries he was about to set down in one hand and a plate on the other. He accepted the hug nonetheless.
"We thought you cut ties with us" Lydia sarcastically remarked. " I could never " Charles snorted. When Charles is around Lydia becomes a different person. Her inner child lets loose as he always reminds her that he was the older brother and she didn't have to go through everything alone.
"We're almost done setting up, help me get the pot and I'll get us drinks". He proceeded to the fridge and picked out everyone's favorite. They gathered in the dining section to eat and catch up. He informed them of his new job as a remote web developer. A skill he has acquired while going to college. He informed them of his plan to buy a house as his job paid him very well. He asked Lydia to move in with him when and go to the university in his city. A request for which she initially turned down. She couldn't imagine leaving her life behind. She's had her ups and down in this town but it was where she grew up. She'd missed Jonathan immensely and her sister even more.