My room never looked so empty, and yet, I had barely packed a third of my clothes. All my luggage is already loaded in the car, ready to go to university, but I'm not sure to be.

A part of me feels excited by this change, but another is afraid, and it's not in my habit to fear something.

I'm not going to the same university as my friends. I could have, but I preferred not to. As silly as it sounds, I need to do this alone, to push myself to somewhere I've never been before. I want to start a new life, to get to know new people without being tied to the old ones. I love them, but I have lived with them all my life and never had a chance to do anything on my own.

Another excuse among others.

We already said goodbye a week ago, during a party we had thrown for the occasion, and my heart almost broke when I realized I would not see them for a while. I wish they were here with me right now...

"Olivia, hurry up! I want to be back before dusk!" Alex shouts downstairs, jerking me out of my thoughts. I roll my eyes. Can he be more gentle?!

I put my concerns aside to give a last glance at my reflection in the mirror. The outfit I picked does seem in harmony with each piece of clothing. I play it simple with a pair of black jeans, my overused black New Balance, and a black top. Comfy and classy. Perfect for the two coming hours ride. My eyes land on a picture of me and my family as I check my clothes. We were all smiling, all happy..

"Olivia!" he impatiently shouts again.

"I'm coming!" I annoyingly shout back. I love my brother, but he sometimes can be a real pain in the ass.

I take my bag and my leather jacket from my bed to hang them in the crook of my arm, as well as my phone that I keep in my hand.

When I grab the doorknob, I can't help but gaze around the room one last time. I take a step back, closing the door behind and feel a peak of nostalgia crawling into me. I sigh. I am going to miss my room.

The front door is already opened when I get down, my brother waiting for me outside. His slender body is leaned casually against the car while the sun rays come to reflect on the strand of his jet-black hair that he doesn't brush on purpose. He is watching the screen of his phone in a way the majority of his face is hidden from me. But he isn't the one I am looking for.

I glance around, but I don't see any sign of our father. I wouldn't be surprised if he were still locked up in his office.

"Dad isn't here?" I ask Alex through the open door, loud enough to be sure he hears me. He barely lifts his eyes when I talk, too absorbed by what he is doing.

I roll mine. I swear he drives me crazy.

"Of course, I am here. I am not going to miss the departure of my baby girl." The deep warm voice coming from behind raise a light smile on the corner of my lips. I turn to face him.

As usual, he is wearing one of his suit that perfectly matches his dark hair and brown eyes, giving him a real elegance and presence. The deep black hair is our family signature.

He opens his arms where I fall. He isn't the kind who distributes hugs at every corner, so I enjoy it. I bury my face in his chest, wrapping my arms around him. I feel his mouth leaving a warm kiss on the top of my head while I breathe in his scent that has always reassured me no matter the situation. I could recognize it everywhere with closed eyes.

"Take care of yourself. Do not misbehave or I will know," he whispers against my hair, making me slightly shiver. His warnings are not to be taken lightly; you don't mess with Hiram Valdez. He makes me feel like a child, but I'm not a little girl anymore. I raise my head to give him my most charming smile.

"I'll do my best," I reply with a playful smirk before I break away from his arms.

"I'll call you when I am settled," I promise him while I put a kiss on his cheek, forcing me to stand on my tiptoes to reach it. I notice a small smile curving on his lips. My heart tears apart as I move further away from him. I feel a light stinging behind my eyes, but I fight against. I have to be strong. I've never been the kind to cry anyway.

My brother settles in the driver's seat when he sees me stepping out of the house. I climb in next to him. I put my bag and my jacket on the back seat to keep only my phone in my hands.

"Ready?" Alex asks with a kind smile.

I look one last time at the mansion, thinking of how much I am going to miss this place.

"Yes. Let's go."

I place my chin in my hand, resting my elbow on the window frame, as I watch outside while Alex starts the engine. Our father stares at us through the door with his impenetrable expression. I haven't proposed to him to come along, I know how busy he is, and I'm bored with that excuse.

I put the radio on while Alex drives us away. I would not shout it from the rooftop, but I am glad he is coming with me.

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