A few days before my eighteenth birthday, I get an invitation through the front door. Dad picks it up, inspecting the front and back. The white envelope is outlined in gold and when he passes it to me, I raise an intrigued brow
—
“Is this an invitation for Buckingham Palace?” I joke, tearing it open.
“You’d bore the queen to death and we really need a royal family in this country.” Jedd jokes, smirking at his response. I roll my eyes at him, “Oh, haha. You’re hilarious Jedd.”
“It’s my job as older brother.” He grins, taking a seat next to me. I elbow him lightly before scanning over the letter. Eventually I let out a small chuckle, shaking my head at Tia’s antics.
“I’ve been invited to Tia’s family cabin for the weekend and I get to take whoever I want.” I explain to Dad and Jedd who are waiting apprehensively.
“That’s awesome Bella, birthday celebrations I presume?” Dad smiles, walking over to the cooker to stir his beef and onion stew. The scent wafting through the air is incredible and Jedd and I have been camping out in the kitchen, waiting for it to be done.
“You’re not eighteen yet, no alcohol. Got it?” Jedd says firmly. I nod my head, having no intentions of drinking anyway.
“Of course not. Underage drinking isn’t on my agenda.” I re-assure him, passing the letter between my hands. I nibble nervously on my bottom lip and Jedd’s face softens —
“What’s wrong? You are going to go, right?” He prods and I sigh, placing the letter down onto the kitchen table. A few months ago, I would have automatically rejected the invitation from fear of being socially awkward. I still am socially awkward but I’m working on it which means pushing myself out of my comfort zones.
“I’m not sure yet.” I murmur, a hundred and one thoughts running through my head. Who else would Tia invite? I know she’d want a couple of kids from school, including Trent. Her and Trent keep going from strength to strength but he still hasn’t asked her the question she’s dying to be asked. I flip out my phone, giving Tia a call. After two rings, she answers —
“Hey Bestie.”
“Hey, I just got your invitation through the post.” I smile, fiddling with the edge of the paper. Tia gasps, excitement filling her voice.
“I am so excited! You are coming, right Bella? Its your birthday, Mum and Dad insisted we use the cabin for a weekend.”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I come?” I respond, feeling guilty for doubting my answer.
“I know you’ll be nervous but don’t be. I really want to have fun and make memories before the end of the school year.” Tia explains, her voice pleading. I close my eyes and inhale deeply, plastering a smile on my face.
“I understand. It’s a great idea Tia, really. Tell your parents I said thank you.” She squeals in excitement on the other end.
“I will do! We should invite a few people from school, the ones we can tolerate.”
“Do you mean Trent?” I smirk, knowing full well her intentions are to invite him. Tia pauses on the other end and doesn’t even try to deny it.
“I can invite him, right? Please say I can invite him!” She pleads with me, her tone desperate.
“Tia, of course you can! He’s your guy and it’s your parents cabin.” I shrug, my eyes lighting up as I notice Dad plating up his stew. On the other end of the line, Tia releases a dramatic sigh of relief.
“Thank you. This is why you’re my best friend, I can’t wait to celebrate your birthday without adult supervision!” Tia exclaims, the excitement inside of her building up until she sounds like she’s about to explode. I chuckle quietly and say goodbye as I end the conversation. A bowl of hot stew is placed right in front of me and I lick my lips.
I reach for a piece of bread, forgetting about my worries regarding the cabin weekend. Unfortunately for me, Jedd wants to continue the conversation.
“So who are you taking along with you?” He asks, handing me a spoon. I shrug, not paying it any thoughts. A silence falls upon us and I know Jedd wants to ask me something but is refraining from doing so.
“Any boys?” He asks a little tightly and I pause, my throat tightening. I eventually shake my head, giving him a firm no.
“I’m not interested in anyone.” I mumble, pouring myself a glass of water. Beside me, Jedd gives me a hard stare and I roll my eyes, ignoring how over protective he’s become since Brody broke my heart.
“Are you sure you’re not interested in anyone?”
“Jedd, I’m almost eighteen. Even if I was, you can’t tell me who I can and cannot be interested in.” I defend myself, shooting him a stare. He holds eye contact, narrowing his eyes at me.
“Of course I can. I’m your brother.”
“You don’t get to rule my life, tell him Dad.” I protest, gesturing at my father. He nods his head, taking a seat opposite us. Lately he’s been making more of an effort to eat with us on the weekends, when he isn’t too busy. It’s nice to finally spend time with my father and both Jedd and I have noticeably been happier.
“Your sister is right, she’s almost an adult. Leave her be.” Dad says casually. My lips stretch out into a small victorious smirk and Jedd scowls at me, his shoulders slumping in defeat.
“No boys.” Jedd repeats, ignoring Dad’s words completely.
“Not every boy is going to break me Jedd, I’m stronger now.” I say firmly, becoming increasingly agitated. I know he’s looking out for me but I don’t want him ruling my entire life. He clears his throat, his eyes dropping down to his lap.
“I know Bells, I’m really proud of you. I just want you to know that if anyone hurts you again, I will personally break their legs.”
“You will do no such thing.” Dad cuts in, his eyebrow raised high at Jedd. I roll my eyes and begin eating whilst blocking out their arguing voices. It’ll probably last a while and I intend to stay well out of it.
*****
I glance around my room, zipping up my suitcase with ease.
“Do you have everything?” Jedd asks me, leaning against my doorframe. His car keys are in his hand, twirling around one finger. I nod my head, the nerves inside my stomach increasing.
“Yeah, I think so.” I mumble, glancing around my room one last time. I’d be away from it for two whole days, the longest I’ve gone from home. Jedd notices my worried expression and he walks in, placing a hand on my shoulder.
“You’ll be fine Bells. If you need anything, call me. I’m only a few hours away.” He says softly, his words reassuring. I nod and smile tightly, lifting my suitcase from the bed and pulling my jacket on.
“I’m ready.” I say confidently, holding my head high. Jedd shoots me a wide smile, taking the suitcase from my hands and heading for the stairs.
“Come on, we’re on a tight schedule!” He yells after me and I inhale sharply, allowing the oxygen to fill my lungs deeply. Before I go, I remind myself of how far I’ve come and I immediately feel a little better.
“Coming!” I yell after Jedd, taking my cash and phone with me.
We’ve already been driving for two hours. The radio is on inside the car, filling the silence between us and occasionally distracting me from my thoughts.
“I can’t believe you’re going to be eighteen in a few days. You won’t be my little sister anymore.” Jedd says, breaking the silence. I turn towards him, giving him a reassuring smile.
“I’ll always be your little sister Jedd.”
His eyes light up at my words and he grins before focusing on the road again. A small patter of rain begins hitting the roof and I turn my head, watching it out of the passenger window.
I love the rain, it has a calming effect on me and my thoughts. I’ve fallen asleep to the sound of the rain multiple times and even now I can feel my eyes growing heavy. The sound of the radio buzzes in the background and I feel my body grow heavy with sleep, slumping against the seat.
The soothing motion of the car underneath me has me falling asleep within minutes, drifting off into dreamland.