Aubrey

Blake's words rang through my head as I ran outside and darted into the rose garden. I use to always come here whenever I was upset.

Blake never liked me, not one bit. Ever since we were young he despised me.

Sitting on a nearby bench, I took some deep breaths. I needed some time to recuperate.

I felt a presence beside me. It has to be Emma she always use to come after me.

"Not now Emma. I'm in no mood to talk." I whispered.

'I'm not Emma." Haden spoke huskily.

"Oh, what are you doing here?"

"I don't know, I came to look at the moon." He answered sarcastically.

He actually came looking for me. That brought a small smile to my face.

"You didn't have to."

"Can you explain what happened back in there?" He questioned completely ignoring what I just said.

"That's my brother as you may have realised. I was adopted when I was a baby. My adoptive parents found me in an alley one autumn morning. I was left there in a small basket which surprisingly held enough warmth for me to survive long enough to be found. They took me home and I became part of the family. Obviously I could not remember I was adopted because I was too young. But I soon found out when I was eight. It was Blake who told me and he did it on my eighth birthday. Of course I cried my eyes out and my parents comforted me. It was then I realised the motive of his actions. I realised that he treated me differently from the way he treated Emma." I glanced at Haden to see if he was listening and he nodded for me to continue.

"From then on I tried my best to avoid him as much as possible. This is not the first time he embarrassed me infront of everyone. He left for college when I was 10 and visited occasionally. Sometimes he would ignore me or he would make it clear that I didn't belong in this family." I explained.

"How did you put up with him for so long?" Haden asked. He was surprised at my words.

"Because I believe what he says. I love my family. They are all I've ever known but this still isn't my real family. Sometimes I feel like an outsider." I whispered softly as I looked away from him.

"You can't let him get to you Aubrey. You have to learn to defend yourself. Quit being a pushover."

"I know but he's still my brother and deep down I want him to accept me."

"That's it right there. Your kindness Aubrey, will be your biggest downfall." Haden stated as he stared at me with an unreadable expression.

I had no response to his statement. He was right. I am too kind. But that's just my personality.

"Can you please take me home. I don't think I'll be able to go back in there." I requested.

"Yeah let's go."

We got into the car and Haden drove off without a second glance.

I realised we were going in a different direction from home.

"Where are we going Haden?" I questioned only to receive no response.

About fifteen minutes later, we pulled up by the beach. Haden parked the car and stepped out. I quickly followed him.

"Why are we here?" I questioned.

"Whenever I need to clear my head I come to the beach. My dad and I use to come here alot. I remember I was so upset about missing the penalty for a soccer game. I was angry at myself because I had let my team down. My dad took me to the beach and we spent to the entire evening chatting and surfing. Then it sort of became our thing. Whenever him or I needed to clear our heads we came to the beach." Haden whispered. I could tell this meant alot to him.

"That's really sweet. The connection you have with your dad." I smiled.

"Yeah he's always been there for me."

We stayed in a comfortable silence for a while.

"Haden, do you really hate me?"

My question caught him off guard because his eyes turned cold and he stood abruptly. He turned around and walked back to the car.

What's his problem?

I got up and followed him back. This time he drove us straight home.

He retired to his room and so did I. I didn't actually think today would turn out like this.

I was snuggled in my bed when my phone went off. I checked my notifications. I had a message.

It was a message from Vincent.

..

to Aubs?

:

Vincent and I chatted for a while then I fell asleep. He was actually a really funny guy.

~~

I was awakened by a knock on my bedroom door. Haden stood there already dressed.

"Your parents are here." He said as he motioned downstairs.

"Alright give me a minute to get dressed."

I took a quick shower and brushed my teeth. I dressed casually and hurried downstairs as I tied my hair into a ponytail.

My parents sat on the sofa as Haden served them something to drink.

"Hey mom and dad." I greeted.

There faces held equal frowns as they stared at me.

"What's wrong?" I questioned.

"We want to apologise for Blake's behaviour last night. He took it way too far." My mom started.

"Its okay." I responded.

"Its not okay Aubrey. The way he treated you was unfair and you shouldn't have to go through that. You are part of this family just as him." My dad added.

"Dad, Mom you don't have to apologise for his behavior. If he doesn't care about me well that's just how he feels and we can't change that."

"Alright honey, we tried to convince him to come but he refused." My mom whispered. I could tell she was hurt and upset about this whole situation.

"Its fine. He doesn't have to apologise if he doesn't want to." I answered.

"Enough about Blake. What's going on with your honeymoon?" Dad questioned.

"We aren't going." I responded and earned a glare from Haden.

"What? Why not?" Mom asked with a frown.

"Because we are keeping a party instead. I mean honeymoons are so traditional and we wanna be different." I lied.

'That's actually a really good idea. I love it." My mom beamed.

"So when is this party?" My dad inquired.

"We are still working out the details. But we will let you guys know." I answered and they nodded.

"You're so quiet Haden." My mom chuckled and Haden blushed.

"Leave the boy alone honey." My dad laughed.

My parents left shortly after and Haden and I stood alone in the living room.

"Great save Aubrey. With the honeymoon thing." Haden said.

"Thanks but now we have work to do." I laughed.

"What?" Haden questioned, eyebrows raised.

"We have a party to plan!"