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Time felt like nothing but a blur as I wasted my days. I got along fine with Adrian and Andrew, Sam was kind as always, Damian kept up with his role as the strict older brother, and Callan was the stand-offish youngest.

I did see why Callan acted out a bit. I could see how everyone practically ignored him. They all felt guilty, and didn't want to address his anger.

"Hey....." I called out, sitting next to Callan, who was resting on the patio.

Callan looked confused, and raised a brow.

"Hi?"

"We haven't really talked...." I trailed off, giving him a small smile.

"Yeah. We haven't." He answered bluntly.

"So, I'll give a proper introduction. I'm Caspian. I'm sorry I've been imposing. I didn't really mean to." I laughed.

Callan shared a smile as he shrugged. "It's fine. I'm sorry I always kind of ignored you. I'm just don't want..."

"Don't want?" I questioned when he suddenly went silent.

He let out a huge sigh and shrugged. "I... Don't want to live this life anymore. I don't want to fear for my life. I want to live a normal life. Ya know?"

I widened my eyes and nodded furiously. "Yeah! I totally see your point! My life was ruined and I don't think I'll ever get it back."

Callan nodded. "But I can't tell anyone that. They try their best to keep me out of all the dangerous stuff, but if I'm being honest, there's no point. I'm a liability, so I can't go out whenever I please. I can't be friends with just anyone. I can't date anyone I want to. Because of this stupid family." He grumbled.

My expression softened. I did understand him. It must hurt even more since no one even listened to him.

"I'm sorry. I get it." I replied, running my fingers along the ground.

"Thanks." He whispered.

"You probably have it hard too, huh?" He asked, glancing at me. "I mean, you're hiding from the mafia...."

I laughed. "Sorry. It sounds so... Funny. I still can't process it."

Callan's eyes looked absolutely jaw-dropping at this moment. His golden eyes were being lit up by the moonlight.

"Hey! Where have you been sleeping all this time?" He randomly asked.

"Oh, in the guest bedroom...." I replied, confused.

"Why don't we have a sleepover? Skippy would love to meet you!"

"Actually, I've already met Skippy." I admitted, standing up.

"You have?" He asked, a little surprised.

"Yep. I was with Arthur when you came to get her."

"Oh! That idiot! Sorry I didn't introduce myself then...." He apologized sheepishly.

"No, it's fine. I didn't take it personally."

The two of us practically ran over to Callan's bedroom, and the moment we stepped in, I was completely stoked. It screamed teenager.

The walls were covered in posters. Lava lamps of all colors sat on every surface imaginable. Two bean bag chairs sat on front of the T.V, and game cases were scattered on the ground.

"I, uh, spend a lot of time indoors." He admitted, scratching the back of his neck. I was still in shock.

I had always wanted this kind of room. But I grew up poor, and couldn't afford half the things in here. It was sort of a dream of mine.

Skippy was asleep on his bed, but awoke when we walked in. She jumped at the sight of us. First, she ran to Callan, then onto me.

"Your room is so cool." I complimented a little late.

"Really? Damian makes fun of it all the time!"

"What? Let me guess, his room is a tan color. His furniture is brown, and he has books on his nightstand?"

Callan laughed loudly. "How did you know?! You saw it, didn't you?"

I shook my head, giggling. "My dad had the same exact room!"

I felt a tinge of pain as I remembered.

But I kept on smiling. "They're all the same. Boring."

Callan nodded in agreement.

"Adrian and Andrew's room are even worse. Do not step in there if you value your life." He cautioned.

"Why? How bad could it be?" I asked, my eyes wide.

"Oh, very bad. It smells like glue, for whatever reason. Just, don't go in. Promise me."

"I promise." I grinned.

I finally felt normal, for once. I was interacting with someone my age, joking, hanging out.

Is this what I've been missing? Is this what was taken from me?

A knock interrupted us, and Sam's head popped from behind the door. "Callan, dinners ready- oh. Caspian's in here too? Saves me the trip."

I nodded, smiling up at him. "Yeah, we're just talking." I replied. I looked over at Callan, shocked to see his expression. He wasn't so happy anymore. His head hung low, and his eyes were glued to the ground.

I touched his shoulder, hoping to comfort him, and he looked up, just a little bit, and continued to look down. "We'll be there in a bit." I answered.

He left without another word and I looked to Callan. "You okay?"

He nodded, but I seriously doubted it.

"I- I can't treat them like they're family anymore. I just can't. They- don't deserve it." He rambled, his eyes glossy.

I shook my head. "It's okay. Just give them time. I know it seems hard, and I don't really know anything, but sort out your feelings. They'll do the same."

He nodded and swiped at his nose, which was running a bit.

"Shall we go eat?" I said with a small smile, and he nodded. I walked with him, I sat with him, and I ate with him.

He was quiet the entire time. His brothers all had their own conversations, but the two of us were as quiet as mice in the night.

I would usually partake in all the chattering, but it felt right to be there for Callan. So we wouldn't feel left out.

We did get a few glances from the brothers, but we ignored them. Then, after dinner, we went back to Callan's room, and the two of us talked more and more.

It felt right. To be there for him. And secretly, he was there for me too. Even if he didn't realize it.

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