Ellie and I hung out many times since our first meeting, and I can absolutely say that she's quite delightful.

Conversation with her is so easy, she listens and responds earnestly.

She's cute, stylish and funny as well!

We've already got a meeting set up with the owner of the flat that we've picked.

The thought made me smile as I wiped down one of the tables in the cafe.

I finished up my shift rather quickly, the day held a steady stream of business.

I wiped my brow and made my way to the back to gather my things. 

I threw my bag over my shoulder and headed for the front door, waving goodbye to Mrs. Ayoade, who took over after my shift was done. 

As I stepped out the front door, I looked up to see Matty, leaning against a pole, a cigarette dangling from his left hand as he bites the nails on his right. 

His hair is a bit longer, the chocolate colored curls covering his eyes. 

At first, I'm in a bit of shock. 

I haven't seen Matty for almost a month. 

When I'd stopped by his flat the first time a few weeks ago, George had only opened the door a sliver, telling me that Matty went on a trip. 

The second time I came around, there was no answer. 

As I looked at Matty more, I noticed his hands shaking slightly. 

"Matty?"

He looked up, eyes looking quite tired, and his face a bit thinner than the last time I saw him.

"Sarah, love," he spoke, giving me that grin of his.

Something was off about it.

"Where have you been? Are you alright?" I asked, stepping towards him.

He instantly reached out, grabbing my hand.

"I'm, I'm alright." He stopped me.

"Well, where have you been?"

He bit his lip before taking a puff from his cig.

"Around." He replied.

Before I could ask him what he meant , he threw his arm around my shoulder.

"I'll walk you home, yeah? How was your day?"

~~~

It wasn't long before we had reached my front door. 

I turned around, glancing Matty over quickly. 

"Dinner?" I ask, motioning towards the door. 

He looks me in the eye for one second, quickly casting his gaze down, an expression visible on his face that I couldn't quite read. 

"Not today." he gave me a weak smile. 

"Matty-" 

"I've got to go," he begins. "Got some things to sort out." 

I suddenly feel like water could rush to my eyes any moment. 

Somethings wrong. 

As he turns, I grab his hand. 

"Matty," he turns and looks at my, eyebrows raised in attendance. 

I look him dead in the eyes. 

"I love you, you know that, yeah?" 

He looks between my eyes, as if he's reading something there. 

"I know." he nods, patting my hand with his other one. 

He squeezes my hand, nodding tightly. 

"I know." 

I squeeze his hand one more time, hoping that he can feel my sincerity. 

He lets go and meanders away in that oh-so-Matty-way that he does. 

I watch him for a minute before turning and unlocking the door to the house. 

As I step in, I notice an extra pair of familiar shoes at the door. 

I am quick to remove my own and step into the living room, where I find Nick, watching the television. 

"Nick!" I shout. 

He turns and looks at me, flashing me his wonderful, dimply smile. 

I let my bag slip to the floor as he stands and I step into his arms, giving him a huge hug. 

God, I've missed my brother. 

Since I've been getting myself ready to move, and getting to know Ellie, it's been total madness, especially with my work hours. 

So much so that I hadn't even seen my brother in all that time. 

"Hey, pip. How you doing?" he asks, parting from me and looking me up and down. 

"I've been grand," I smile. "Finalizing the flat situation, and before you know it I'll be living on my own! Well, with a flat mate." I laugh to myself. 

"I've yet to meet her." he points out. 

"I'm going to have her over, maybe sometime next week to meet mum, and dad if he ever comes out the office." 

"Let me know." he notes. 

"How've you been?" I ask punching him in the arm. 

He lets out a laugh, leaning to the side. 

"Been alright. The boys... we... Been working on some new stuff, just ideas. Maybe got a bit of a concept for what's next." He explains cautiously. 

"Really?" I ask, excited. 

"Yeah. Our High Green Agile Beast really cracked down on some beats." 

"And how is the beast?" I ask, moving to the kitchen as Nick follows. 

"Been alright. Man never rests." Nick says as I kiss mum on the cheek, saying a gentle hello to her as she cooks something on the stove. 

I get myself a glass of water. 

"What's new?" I laugh as I take a sip. 

"You'll never believe this, he's started wearing Crocs." 

"He what?" I ask, almost choking. 

"Crocs! He doesn't even like them." He laughs. 

"Ridiculous." I say, letting out a chuckle. "Can he even drum in them?"

"Apparently so." Nick says, giving me a look something akin to him having a war flashback. 

"That's something." I say. 

I pause for a moment in thought. 

"Crocs aren't that bad, though." I note. 

Nick stares at me as if he can't believe what I'd just said. 

"You're joking." he says. 

"No! They're practical. A little funny looking but they work out." 

"They're hideous." 

"So are you! and people still love you." I point out. 

Mum lets out a quiet snort. 

Nick and I gaze over at her, then back at each other as we both laugh. 

"You're quick on your feet now a days." e points out. 

"Quick on my Croc covered feet." I say. 

Nick gives me a funny look and says, "I've never seen you wear anything other than sand shoes, boots, and the occasional flat." 

"Chuck Taylors are not sand shoes." 

"Yes they are." he says, snatching an apple off the counter and making his way back into the living room. 

I follow.

God, I've missed my brother.