Well, here I was...

Sprawled across Skye's bed as she laid on the floor, stomach flat and legs swaying up in the air as she was on FaceTime with Ryan.

I didn't mind though, Skye and I could always mind our own business doing whatnot and still call it hanging out.

It was the quality time we both enjoyed in the friendship.

Suddenly my phone buzzed making my heart skip a beat when I saw Sammy's name light up on my Lock Screen.

It's been quite a while since we messaged and for a minute, I thought he was done messaging me and I debated if should even continue this little thing I was doing.

Sammy: sorry it's been a while! I broke my hand and it's been kinda hard to text with one lol but I'm still looking forward continuing that 19 questions game ;)

I chuckled at him mentioning his broken hand before I started to reply. The last thing I remember was him saying he didn't believe in ghosts.

It was literally October! The month of Halloween, and all things spooky. You're telling me the man doesn't believe in anything scary?

Eviee: Wow, for a minute I thought you forgot about me...kidding. I'd love to continue with questions. It still feels like I don't know you much

Sammy: let's change that :)

Eviee: Alright, ask me a question then.

Sammy: if you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?

I frown at the question, already knowing the answer to it. This is about to get depressing fast.

Eviee: Well, if we're going down the path of deep conversations, I'd say I would have my brother back.

I hit send with memories of my brother flashing through my mind.

    FLASHBACK

"I just don't get it, all the hype about parties?" I leaned against the bathroom door as my brother was getting ready for yet, another party.

"You don't have to get it, just go and have fun." Luke, my brother, shrugged as he flashed a memorial smile.

I chuckled, "Yeah? Getting drunk as you're surrounded by strangers is fun?"

He purses his lips out as if he were in thought, turning toward me, "Eh, I don't see it like that. I just soak life up like a sponge. Go and do things you normally wouldn't do, sis. In the end, you may regret it but at least you said you did it."

My brother was always a free spirit. Living life to its fullest.

"Huh, I never really thought of it like that." I stared down at the floor as my mind processed what had just said. His laughter filled the bathroom before playfully slapping my arm.

"See you around midnight, sis."

I stumble back as he makes his way through the doorway with his strong scent of cologne following him, "I'm sure I'll be taking care of a drunk Rowan." I remarked, making him roll his eyes.

"Most likely, that's why I'm having someone drive me." He snapped his fingers toward me, making his way down the stairs and to the front door.

And that was the last time I saw my brother.

   END OF FLASHBACK

The short memory of what I had left of my brother soon faded away as a buzz alerted on my phone signaling Sammy's name.

I stared at it as I tried collecting my thoughts and taking a deep breath.

Sammy: if we are getting too personal, let me know. I definitely don't want to push you with questions that make you feel uncomfortable

Eviee: No, no it's okay. It's good to talk about him. Anyway, yeah...life was different when he was around.

Sammy: how so?

Eviee: you know, life didn't seem as difficult back then. no messy breakup, no grieving over a loved one. even if I was sad, my brother knew the right things to say.

I admitted, and after typing all that out. I felt a relief off my chest. I truly did miss him.

Sammy: I'm sorry Eviee, I know I didn't know him, but I bet he was an amazing guy and would be so proud of you. whenever life gets difficult, you can message me and I'll be there.

My head spent in a complete 360 at Sammy's words. I was taken aback, Like a lot of the times I've been messaging him as Eviee, but mainly this time due to how caring he was being towards me.

Well...Eviee.

Eviee: I definitely will keep that in mind...now what's your answer?

Sammy: for my parents to be around more, they are business savvy or whatever that shit is. I despise it, but hey, what can I do? sometimes i wish, they just realized they have a son at home by himself 24/7.

Whoa.

I always knew Sammy's family was into business, and owned multiple businesses causing them to be so rich, but knew the downfalls that came with it, especially the ones falling onto Sammy.

Sammy: shit, I hope I'm not scaring you with all this deep talk.

He messaged once more making my frown turn into a smile.

Eviee: The deeper the questions, the closer we get :) also, I'm sorry Sammy. You don't deserve that...

I wasn't too sure what to say to his response, so I mustered up the best response I could come up with. For once in my life, I actually felt bad for Sammy.

Sammy: and you don't deserve what you went through either.

I blinked back tears as a small half-smile formed on my lips.

Eviee: Thanks Sammy.

I responded before I overheard Skye's conversation getting louder and louder.

"No! Baby, you hang up!" Skye squealed as she kicked her legs back and forth.

"No! You hang up!" Ryan's voice cheered back, making me furrow my eyebrows at their small conversation.

I never thought this actually happened in relationships.

"Guys...how about I hang up for the both of you?" I piped in, making Skye snap her head towards me as she narrowed her eyes.

"But, how could you hang up on this handsome specimen?" Skye raised her phone to show Ryan on screen as he started to laugh, making me shake my head in amusement from the bed.

"Why are you the way you are?" I joked, causing Skye to bring her phone right back to her chest as she continued with her conversation with Ryan.

"Okay babe, I'll see you tomorrow in the janitor's closet." Skye winked, acting as if I wasn't still watching or listening to the whole interaction.

"Why wait? How about you come over now?"

"No! No! I don't want to hear anything else from you two." I covered my ears, making them both laugh.

"Wait a minute, still on for tomorrow night?" I heard Ryan ask, making my ears peek up in curiosity.

Oooh where shall the two love birds be going this time...except for the janitor's closet.

I shudder in disgust before I hear my name come from the two.

"Oh yeah! Sam is so excited, right Sam?" She gave me a pointed look, making me furrow my brows.

"Huh?"

"Yep! She said she's ready."

"Great, see you tomorrow at 7." Ryan's last words ended through the phone and before I knew it Skye hung up.

Like I didn't just get invited to something I had no idea what it was about.

"Skye," I said her name and all she did was hum as she scrolled through TikTok. "What was all that  about?" I threw my phone to the side as my full attention was set on her, and she tried everything in her power to not give in to me, but she failed.

"Oh yeah, that." She acknowledged the topic as she sat up to look at me, "It's just another outing." She added, she seemed ever so casual about it but her eyes said something different.

She knew she messed up.

"Like the camping trip?" I raised a brow, searching her face for answers until her lips curved into an innocent smile.

"Surprise..." She waved her hands all jazz hands like, but I was simply not impressed.

"Skye!" I pointed a scolding finger in her direction like she was a child and she sat there effortlessly with a smile growing on her lips.

"Hey now, I feel like it's way better than you being alone at home." She reasoned, making a sigh escape my lips.

I knew what she was doing, and I did appreciate it. Lately, she's been involving me a lot in her plans whether it is grocery shopping or hanging out with her and Ryan.

She stared at me, and I stared at her.

What felt like forever, I blinked. "Fine, is Sammy going to be there too?" I asked, really hoping he wasn't. I can only handle enough of him in one week.

"Well..." She trailed out with a guilty look on her face, "Surprise..." She mimicked what she did earlier with her hands, and I threw my head back with a dramatic sigh.

For some reason, I already had a gut feeling he would be there.

How fun.