~01-Oh Brother~

"Hey, Liv" my brother calls after me.

But I don't stop, I don't want to see him.

Tears spring to my eyes, blurring my vision.

"Liv, I'm sorry" but I'm already out the door, slamming the door pretty loudly in my wake.

My brother apologized, that's a first. It would be amusing if this situation wasn't so serious.

He practically ruined my life. I know he didn't mean to but he did.

I wipe my nose furiously. I'm so mad.

I get in my car and drive off to the one place I know can give me the calm I need.

~∆~

As I walk down to the beach and climb up the rocks, I jump from rock to rock until I reach the biggest rock, the rock I've sat on so many fucked up times, just like now.

I sit and enjoy the view of the bright orange sun just about to meet the water on the horizon. Enjoying the solitude I have, I close my eyes and start to hear the soothing sound of the waves brushing against the rocks.

And just like that I feel myself start to relax.

I feel the sunlight start to warm up my face and arms. Light breeze start to blow my hair to all the wrong places but I don't mind, the breeze feels so cooling on my warmed up skin.

Along with the breeze comes tiny bits of salty sand flying all over, trying to move the hair off my face I get some sand in my mouth and taste the mixture of sand grains and salt but it doesn't bother me.

In the distance I can hear people talking and laughing. Everything seems so serene.

That's why it's my favorite place to be. Just sitting here and watching nature takes it's course. It's so beautiful, mesmerizing. The view just inspires me, there's something..I don't know...spiritual about it.

"Thought I'll find you here" I hear a familiar voice say softly behind me.

I stay quiet, not wanting to ruin the calm. Without even turning I know who it is.

After a few minutes of silence, when I'm completely relaxed, I open my mouth to speak but he cuts me off even before I start.

"I'm really sorry, Liv" 

"I know" I mutter, without turning to look my brother in the eyes.

"I just wanted to play one last stupid prank. It was stupid of me" he mutters guitily

"Yes it was" I agree but even I know it wasn't totally his fault.

My brother and I have been playing extreme pranks like this on each other for years. He didn't expect this one to end like this, I can't pin all the blame on him. 

"Hey, Liv, you know I didn't mean for this to happen right?" 

"I know" I assure him softly

"And I'm sorry it did"

"Enough. I've had it with the I'm sorry's. William Hart doesn't apologize. You have a reputation to protect" I scold, turning to glare at him

He laughs a small, bitter laugh.

"You know I love you, right?" He whispers

"What's not to love" I joke

"A lot" he snorts and I know my brother is back.

"Well, at least I'm not a douche with a pretty face" I counter

"Oh, so you agree I've got a pretty face" he smirks

"What is beauty without brains¿" I retort

"Everything, all you need is a smile that can light up a disco ball" he grins, his all-american boyish grin.

"Yeah, whatever" I scoff and face the waves again

"What are you gonna do, Liv?" He asks, all serious

"Ugh, I hate serious Liam" I whine

"Sometimes a big brother has to take charge and protect his baby sister" I hear rather than see his wide grin

"You wish" I scoff "you're only older by a minute"

"Still older, now tell me" he prompts

"Honestly" I breathe "I don't know. One things for sure though, I'm keeping it"

"Good. Didn't think I was gonna let you get rid of my first nephew, did you?" 

"Or niece" I supply with a smile

"And his father¿" he furrows his eyebrows

"He's a jerk" I frown

"Oh?"

"He's married" I supply "And he doesn't want the baby"

"Asshole" Liam curses under his breath.

"Yeah, total ass" I voice it out for him with a small smile "but it doesn't matter anyway, I'm keeping my baby. We don't need anything from him"

"No, you don't" he acquiesces then comes over to give me a hug, one arm around my shoulders.

"What about dad?" I voice out what's been tugging at my heart ever since

"He knows" my eyes widen, my brows shoot to the sky as I turn to face him.

He shrugs apologetically.

"And?" I demand

"He just wants you to be fine" 

"He's not mad?"

He shakes his head 'no'

"Wow" I shake my head in surprise

"I know. I was shocked too"

"Well, I guess that's one good thing that's happened since dad moved to England" I muse

"Yeah, seems to me like he's over mom" he announces

"Good"

"We'll better get going, it's getting dark" he stands and holds out his hand to help me up.

I swat it away "I'm pregnant not disabled, douche bag"

"You need to learn how to be loved and cherished, you know" he glares at me

"Yeah, whatever" I stand and make my way down the rocks.