I sighed, looking out the window at the house I grew up in. It was more than just a building; it was like an old friend. This house had seen it all–the good times playing football in the backyard with my brothers, the late-night chats in the room we shared, and all the little moments in between. Each corner held a story, a laugh, or a memory that made me who I am. But as much as I loved this place, a part of me knew it was time for something new. I was going to miss it, sure, but life's about moving forward, right? Yet, staring at that house, I couldn't help but feel a bit sad about leaving all this behind.
“Come on, bro.” Noah hit the hood of my car.
I nodded and got out before making my way to the front door.
Louie’s voice, a joyful high-pitched squeal, pierced the air as he bolted towards Noah with unbridled excitement. “Daddy!” he exclaimed, his small arms outstretched, eyes sparkling with delight.
In response, Noah bent down, arms open, ready to catch the bundle of energy hurtling towards him. With a fluid motion, he lifted Louie effortlessly, tossing him gently into the air. Louie's laughter, pure and uninhibited, rang out, filling the space with a warmth that eased some of the tension within me. His tiny legs kicked in the air, his face alight with absolute trust and joy. Watching them, a bittersweet pang tugged at my heart; I was going to miss these simple, precious moments.
“He’s been waiting impatiently for you guys to get back. Where’ve you been?” Jane, Noah’s wife, said from the front door.
I smiled up at Jane. She had curly brown hair and big brown eyes. She always dressed impeccably and was a paralegal who, in her spare time, had been taking night classes to become a lawyer. On top of that, she was a super sweet lady and a perfect match for my brother. They fit together perfectly. You’d think they were fated. I prayed no one ever came between them.
Jane was the kind of partner everyone hoped to find, someone who not only shared your dreams but also stood by you through thick and thin. She had that rare ability to balance a career and family with a grace that made it seem effortless, though I knew she worked hard at both.
"Hey, Jane," I greeted her, trying to match her cheerfulness. "We just had a few things to take care of." My vague answer was a deliberate choice. I wasn't ready to dive into the real reason behind our delay, not with the full audience of my family yet.
Jane raised an eyebrow, a knowing look in her eyes. "Uh-huh, I'm sure," she said, her tone playful yet probing. "Well, come on in. Everyone's been asking about you two."
I followed Noah and Louie inside, the familiar scents and sounds of home wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. The living room was buzzing with the usual family chaos - siblings arguing over the TV remote, the smell of dinner wafting from the kitchen, and the constant hum of multiple conversations.
As I entered, I could feel the weight of their gazes, a mix of curiosity and concern. I braced myself for the inevitable barrage of questions and opinions. Deep down, I knew my decision to move away wouldn't just affect me, but the entire Bondar clan. This family was my rock, my haven, and stepping away from them felt like stepping into unknown waters.
Yet, as I looked around at the faces of those I loved most, I felt a newfound resolve. This change was necessary, not just for my growth, but also to prove to myself that I could stand on my own. I was ready for this new chapter, no matter the challenges it might bring.
“You’ve been gone forever. What took you so long? I thought you were just going on a little drive,” my mother said.
Camille, “Cam” Bondar might be short in stature, but she was the true boss of the house.
Noah glanced at me. His expression was one of “You’re up.” I nodded and stepped forward.
“I’m the reason we’re so late. I sort of tricked Noah along for the ride. I wanted his opinion on a house.”
My parents’ reactions were immediate. “House?”
“Schatje,you’re getting a house,” my Nana said at the same time, while my sister Olivia focused in on me.
I nodded. “I figured it was time I moved out. I’m getting too old to live at home.”
“Why didn’t you tell us sooner? You know we wouldn’t have stopped you from moving out. We encouraged each of you to be independent,” my dad said.
“Tell ’em where it is,” Noah coughed.
I glared at my older brother.
“Why? Where is it? Noah, is it in a dangerous part of the city? Lucas?” My mother asked, her wide eyes locking with mine.
I took a deep breath and cleared my throat. “Crystal Cove.”
“What!” my parents screamed.
“Oh, hell no! That’s like five hours away,” Olivia yelled.
The room erupted into a cacophony of voices, each one expressing their shock, concern, and, in Olivia's case, outright disbelief.
“Five hours?" Mom repeated, her voice laced with worry. “Lucas, that's so far.”
“It’s only three, ma,” I corrected.
