Prologue
"Where the hell do you think you're going?" I ask my older brother Lucas as I catch him just out the door.
Lucas, my brother, has been sneaking out lately and the only answer he's been giving me is "Everything will be okay." What the heck does that mean? Whatever Lucas has gotten himself into, I want to help!
"I'm going over to Cyrus' house. He's back in town and I'm gonna pay him a surprise visit," he explains casually.
I mentally shake my head. Cyrus always had this dangerous edge to him that I never liked. He's also tried to flirt with me, which is very uncomfortable. I question the friends Lucas has.
"What's in the bag?" I point to the paper bag in his hand.
He smiles and says, "Alcohol."
I chuckle. "Of course it is. Just don't drink too much. Remember that you've got to study for the upcoming exams."
"How could I forget when I can practically hear you worrying at three in the morning?" He rolls his eyes. "Damn Mads, ever heard of sleeping?"
I stick my tongue out at him. I love my brother. He's been the person I look up to ever since I was young. He's so intelligent and is still able to have fun despite the stress. Like that one day when I was six; he brought me out for ice cream and we went on a bike ride for the whole day, even though he had a test the next day. It's also the fact he doesn't see me as the annoying little sister that makes me admire him.
"Says the one that sneaks in and out these days," I counter with narrowed eyes. "What's going on, Lucas? I'm starting to get worried."
He sighs and looks me in the eye. "I promise you everything's going to be fine. I just have some things to take care of, that's all."
I stare at him. I would never take my brother for a liar, but something feels off about him. He looks happy and content, and yet I wonder if there's more to this than he's letting on...
He reaches into the bag and brings out a few cans. "Don't tell anyone. Here, have a night to yourself and loosen up."
I raise an eyebrow. "Are you buying my silence?"
He chuckles. "Just for now. I promise I'll explain everything to you after I take care of this. But for now, this is something I have to do on my own. Okay?"
I hang my head in defeat and whisper, "Fine."
He gives me a warm smile. "Thank you, Mads."
Just before he steps out of the house, he pauses. After he put the bag down, he goes to hug me.
"Luc-"
"Mads, please don't ask questions. They'll all be explained soon."
He kisses the top of my head then leaves. I take a deep breathe and look at the cans he left for me. May as well put them to use.
