Change of Plans - C.L. Blackwell Page 0,1

half since Caleb and Brody had become friends, our grocery bill had at least tripled. I would know since I’m the one who had been buying groceries since Mom died almost six years ago. Caleb set out all the materials for a sandwich on the wooden counter and got to work. I watched as he threw three different kinds of meats, pickles, cheese, mayo, and what I think was crumbled chips into something he considered edible. When he was finally pleased with his sandwich that was piled high enough to look like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, he grabbed the chips and a soda and sat at the worn-out, wooden table while I stayed put at my spot against the wooden counter, trying to keep as much distance between us as possible.

I tried to avoid looking at him, twisting my hands and glancing at the modern-rustic theme of our kitchen that my mom designed. But like the light at the end of a tunnel, my attention was always brought back to him. His undivided attention was on his sandwich that was currently being stuffed in his mouth. I could smell it from here, pickles and cheese didn’t make a good combo, taste or smell wise. I tried to sneak out without being noticed to escape back to my room, but Caleb wasn’t having any of that.

“So Allie, are you excited for your birthday in two weeks? Seventeen, that’s a big milestone,” he asked with a smirk between bites of his overstuffed sandwich. Was he seriously trying to make small talk with me? And how did he know my birthday was on October 26?

“Yeah, thrilled,” I answered in a monotone voice, not giving away that I was a little creeped out that he knew my birthday so well. “I’ll be upstairs, and please don't break anything this time,” I said referring to the time he broke one of the few photos of the whole family together. He smirked, reminiscing in the memory.

Turning on my heel, I headed for the stairs only to crash straight into a brick wall. Brody, while shooting daggers at Caleb, was blocking my path with his arms crossed over his chest. He didn’t seem to be fazed at all that I crashed into him, but running into him jolted my bones. I rubbed my arm from where it ran into his and glanced up at him. His frame towered over mine and I could almost see steam pouring out of his head. Even with the difference in height, anyone could tell we were siblings. We had the same crystal blue eyes that we got from Mom. But while he had Mom’s dirty blonde hair, I had Dad’s dull chestnut hair that fell almost to my elbows.

Before I could figure out what Caleb did that was so bad my brother was shooting daggers at him, my brother ordered me to go upstairs. Not asked, ordered. God, he was such a jerk lately. Ever since he turned seventeen last year he had been too cool to hang out with his younger sister anymore. He promised he would always protect me after Mom died, but here he was sending me away like I was some kind of a dog. So not cool. I wish I could blame Caleb and say that ever since they started hanging out Brody had been different, but this (for once) wasn't Caleb’s fault. It was Brody and his unbelievably rude attitude. It was like we weren't even siblings anymore; we just shared the same house and parents. And what was worse was that anytime I tried to ask him about it he would just give me vague answers about how it was for the best. Yeah sure, leaving your emotionally scarred sister to fend for herself was a great idea. Jerk.

Not being able to even look at him, I stepped around him and headed for my room. At least there I could forget about the two rudest people to ever exist sitting downstairs munching on chips.

“See you later, Allie.” Caleb’s voice followed me out of the kitchen. I didn’t think it was possible to loathe someone as much as I loathed him. So, I did the most mature thing that I could think of, I raised my hand in the air and I flipped him off.

Chapter Two

As Time Goes On

Caleb

There’s the Allie I know and love. Sarcastic, stubborn, and absolutely adorable. My eyes couldn't help but follow her cute little tush up the stairs and