The garage rumbled beneath my bedroom and I groaned and looked at the clock. Eight AM. Ugh mom... Park outside from now on.
I tossed the blankets aside and grabbed a white camisole tank and my favorite pair of navy blue sweats and walked over to the bathroom and took a quick shower. Not bothering with my hair or make up today, I threw my hair in a messy bun and walked into my brother’s bedroom and shook him by the shoulders.
"Wake up, lazy."
Noah groaned. "Don't wanna... No school. Sleep time."
I sighed and rolled by eyes. "Fine, whatever."
Giving him a final push, I walked downstairs and into the kitchen. The mornings of no school are pretty much the only peace and quiet I get in my whole life. No annoying brother to push my buttons, no teasing or shouting from dad, and mom is never home. The boys always sleep in and I hope it stays that way for the next 3 years.
I hummed as I dug out a pan, bread and butter, taking a knife out to spread some butter on the bread. Since it was already close to noon, I thought grilled cheese sounded absolutely amazing! Reaching for the knob to turn on the stove, I barely grazed it before a knock came at the window. I dropped my hand and looked over confused. But the confusion didn't last very long.
I came face to face with the man as a perverted smile spread across his lips. My eyes widened as I let out a scream, pulling the curtains closed and running up the stairs. Not really sure if dad was home, so I immediately barged into Noah's room and flipped his blanket off the bed.
"Oh my frickin' god wake up!" A thump coming from down the hall confirmed my question about dad being home. Noah looked up startled at me and sat up. "Come on... I'm not leaving you alone. We need to get to dad." I took his hand and started pulling him out into the hallway to the master bedroom at the end.
"W-what's happening, Carrie?" Noah asked, sounding a little more frightened then he'd ever care admit.
"He's here..." I said quietly as I pulled him into the doorway. "Dad?"
He looked up at me, a deep frown forming wrinkles in his face. "What's happening?"
"It's the man. H-he," I stammered a bit as my voice faltered, still a little too freaked to actually admit to myself he smiled at me. My body shuddered a bit at the thought.
Dad narrowed his eyes a little at the mention of him and nodded a little. "Okay, c'mon in."
Sighing, I pushed Noah in first and followed him in, closing the door. We walked over and sat on the king size bed and I hugged my knees, avoiding eye contact with anyone.
"You both stay here... I'm going to look around," Dad said as he grabbed his pistol. We both nodded slightly in an automated way like robots as he exited the room. I looked over at Noah who was shaking a little. I sighed and wrapped my arms around him in a tight embrace. "It's alright... Everything is going to be fine."
He nodded slowly and took a deep breath. I smiled a little seeing he was trying to calm himself down. After a couple minutes, Dad came back in and, like me, closed the door behind him. "He's not here anymore," he says while setting his pistol back on top of the dresser and sits with us on the bed. I let out a deep breath I never realized I was holding. He wrapped us up into one of his big bear hugs and rubbed our arms comfortingly. "Everything is gonna be alright guys."
"I sure hope you're right..." I whispered as I pulled myself out of the group hug. Noah hugged him tighter and he rubbed his back.
"I ain't gonna let him get you two..."
I smiled a little. "I know you won't, daddy..."
Dad smiled at us both. "Would you two like to sleep in here tonight?"
I shook my head and hugged my knees once again. "I think I'm good."
"N-no... I want to sleep in here tonight... I'm too afraid now to sleep in my own room..."
My heart broke seeing Noah so afraid and vulnerable. Moving to my knees, I scooted a little closer and rubbed his back. "He's gonna have to go through all of us before he gets you, squirt... He won't hurt you... And this is a promise I will keep. No matter how hard it may be."
And in truth, I really meant it. I would sacrifice my life so he wouldn't get hurt. Never in a million years will someone lay a single finger on my brother and get away with it. Never.
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