Chapter 1

“Welcome to your new home, Mia.”

Drew steps aside a smile spreading across his face as he shows me the apartment.

I look around the cozy space taking everything in. It’s smaller than I imagined but at this point I would live in a shoe box if it meant being reunited with my brother again.

I look at the worn hardwood floors, and the compact kitchenette opening to the living room where faded curtains hang and I smile to myself.

I turn to Drew, my face lighting up with excitement. "It's perfect, D!"

I launch myself into his arms for a tight hug and he chuckles as he wraps his own around me.

"I know it's small, but it's what I can afford right now.” He says and I can hear the apology in his voice.

I know the sacrifices Drew has already made just so that I could move in with him. He’s only twenty, juggling two jobs all while attending college and now he has taken on the responsibility of taking care of me. It’s more than I can ask for and I can’t even begin to let him know how much I appreciate him.

“I love it, Drew. Really.” I tell him squeezing his hand so that he knows I’m being sincere.

Just then, we hear a groan echo from the back of the room.

“Mia! This box is freaking heavy! Where do you want it?" Hayden asks as he comes in stumbling slightly, struggling to manage a bulky box filled with my books.

I quickly let go of Drew and rush over to help Hayden, my hands grasping for the box.

“Hey, careful with those!" I warn as I help him set it down gently on the floor. “These are my babies!”

Hayden let’s out a breath and shakes his head at me. “Could you be any more of a nerd?”

I grin at him and hit him playfully.

“Mia seriously, how much stuff do you own!” Scott groans dramatically as he walks in with my pink purse slung awkwardly across his shoulder, dragging my suitcase behind him.

I fight the urge to laugh at the sight of him wearing one of my pink hats, dangling a pair of my heels in his other hand.

Hayden, never one to miss an opportunity, strolls over and adjusts the hat on Scott's head, teasing, "Aw, don't you look like a pretty little princess?"

Drew takes out his phone and snaps a quick photo while Hayden makes a peace sign.

Tom just dead pans as the flash goes off.

"Screw all of you.”

I chuckle and hurry over to help Scott. "Thanks, Scotty, I think that's about it," I say placing a kiss on his cheek.

“Gosh, I can’t believe you’re gonna be our new housemate.” Hayden says brushing his blonde hair out of his face as he pushes another of my boxed up stuff towards my new room.

To be honest, I can’t believe it either. I never imagined I’d get this taste of freedom before I turned eighteen but here I am.

"Alright, listen up!" Drew announces going to stand on the couch, his eyes narrow as he stares down Hayden and Scott. “I have some rules."

Scott and Hayden groaned in unison and I can tell Drew is about to go into overprotective big brother mode.

"Mia's officially living here and taking over my room, so all you idiots need to learn how to act with a girl living in the house now!" Drew yells.

I know me being here will be quite the adjustment considering how it’s been an all boys house until my arrival.

“Y’all need to learn how to keep it down. It’s Mia’s senior year and she needs to focus. Number two, Mia’s only seventeen so let’s keep it PG. I’m talking to you Hayden.“

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Hayden protests.

“It means no more one night stands,” Scott hits him and chuckles. “At least not here.”

Hayden looks dejected but before he can protest Drew continues; “and number 3, no leaving your drawers all over the freaking place!”

“I second that!” I speak raising my hands earnestly.

Scott attacks me in a hug, playfully messing up my hair.

“Don’t worry, M, we’ll be the perfect gentlemen for our little princess.” He said with a smile as I pushed him away.

"Yeah, you'll totally love it here, M. And I promise to leave the toilet seat down." Hayden chimed in holding up a hand in a scout’s honour gesture

I can’t help but smile.

Only days ago, I was living in my own personal hell with my dad but now my older brother had custody of me and I’m going to be living with him and his best friends who have known me long enough to be like brothers to me as well.

It feels good, like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

I know I’ll be safe here. Way safer than I was at home anyway.

“Thank you guys.” I say, “really, it means a lot that you’re all taking me in.”

Drew gives me a sad smile. He knows what I’ve been through. How hard it was for me back home.

He walks over and gives me a hug, kissing my forehead.

“Don’t worry, M, you’re safe here.” He reassures me, his voice gentle and protective.

Scott, places a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Yeah, no one's touching you with us around.”

I feel tears prick at my eyes touched by their words. Before I can process the emotions swirling inside me, Hayden's booming voice cuts through the air. "Group hug!" he yells, and in an instant, his large frame envelops us in a massive bear hug.

"Hayden, can't breathe!" Drew groans, his voice muffled by Hayden's grip.

But Hayden just chuckles, his deep voice rumbling. "Just embrace it and feel the love, brother!"

I laugh, feeling a sense of belonging wash over me. In this moment, surrounded by by my brother and his friends, I realize I might have just found the family I've always wanted.