THIS BOOK IS NOT COMPLETED AS IT WILL BE PUBLISHED IN OCTOBER 2016. FOR PUBLISHING PURPOSES, I WAS REQUIRED TO REMOVE SOME PARTS OF THE BOOK. ALL DETAILS ON THE PUBLICATION ARE ON THE  'SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT' CHAPTER OF THIS BOOK. THANK YOU!

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be used or reproduced in any manner without permission of the author. This book is a work of fiction -- names, characters, places and incidents are either products of author's imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without permission in writing from the author. 

* * *

Fall 2011,

"Can we buy some chocolates?"

"No," I stated, crouching down to look at my ten year old sister. "You ate the whole candy floss for  yourself. No more candies for today." 

"Please.." Sophie pouted.

My little sister looked like any ten-year old girls would look like; she had dark brown hair, and blue eyes like my dad, and she was the kind of person who people really couldn't help falling in love with. 

She just kept looking at me with her pair of infamous puppy eyes that everyone would eventually fall for. 

Everyone but me. "No, Sophie. You can't." I told her once again. 

She grumbled, crossing her arms to her chest. "Whatever. Aaron will buy me some when he gets here," she said, looking away from me.

"If he ever gets here." I sighed, rolling my eyes. It'd been two hours of waiting, and there was still no sign of my ungrateful brother. It was bad enough I never had a cell phone, nor could I remember his phone number.

He didn't forget about us, did he?

So here I was, standing with my sister at the airport with our luggage, and I was wearing one of those lost person expressions.

I looked around, chewing my nails nervously. My feet were shifting uneasily. I really didn't know what  would do if he forgot to pick us today. 

The day was beautiful — the sun was shining brightly, typical Florida weather, and the sky streaked with red, pink and gold. At least the weather cheered me up a bit, even though it was warm compared to Lenoir. 

Growing up in a small village, where there were days when you couldn't just see the sun, Florida was a huge change for me. 

I circled around like an idiot, hoping my brother would show up anytime soon. Should I tell somebody about this? What if Aaron never showed up? What was I supposed to do? It was not like I've been here before  — heck, I've never actually been twenty miles away from Lenoir. 

"Ellie! Sophie!"

I heard a familiar voice from behind, so I turned around, and sighed in relief the moment I saw him . A tall, well-built guy, wearing a light blue T-shirt, and a pair of green, army shorts was standing a few feet away from me. 

He's got the same hair shade as ours; dark brown, only it was much shorter than mine. He was smiling brightly, and he looked like he was going to explode anytime soon. 

"Aaron!" Sophie squealed, and she immediately ran towards the guy whom I'd recognized as my brother. Aaron crouched down, and pulled my little sister into a big, hearty hug. 

"Hey, little sissy," Aaron said, ruffling her hair. "Did you miss me?"

"Of course I missed you!" Sophie chattered, and Aaron grinned at her. He got up to his feet again, and his eyes met mine. 

"Hey, Elle." He called me by my short name.

I grinned — forgotten I was supposed to be mad at him, forgotten he was late for more than two hours, and forgotten he almost made me call the police for help. I simply sped up my walk, and hugged the hell out of him. 

When he finally let me go, I faked a frown. "You're late."

He simply gave me an innocent look, scratching the back of his neck. "Er, I know. Sorry, sis, got something to catch up just now." Aaron said apologetically. 

I shook my head, and stared at him for a minute. Nothing had changed much of him since the last time I met him.

His hair was still messy as usual, though, it had actually gotten worse than before. I could even guess, he just got out of the bed because his shirt was crumpled. I hoped it was a clean one because I hugged him. 

"I know I'm irresistible and everything, Elle. But you don't have to stare at me like that." Aaron joked, crossing his arms to his chest. 

I snorted. "Yeah right. I was looking at your shirt. Please tell me it's clean or I will have to take an hour long shower?" 

"Don't worry. I had washed this one yesterday. Jeez, I can't believe you're doubting my hygiene!"

I gave him a flat look. 

He shrugged. "Whatever. Let's just get out of here, shall we?" Aaron announced. He picked Sophie up into one arm, carrying her, and wrapped another arm around me. Being an ex-football player made him get one of these really muscular arms. 

It was a few seconds before he said, "Hey, you've gotten thin!" he said proudly, squeezing me tightly. 

"Yet I still remain short," I sighed as I realized I was only at his shoulder, and Florida people sure were tall. 

He laughed, "Don't fret little sister. I'm sure you'll grow up even more this year," he tried to cheer me up. 

"I won't. Women stop growing when they reach eighteen years old."

"Really?"

"You're a little stupid for someone who has a degree, aren't you?" I said sarcastically, teasing him. 

"Keep talking, Ellie. Keep talking," Aaron said, and we made our way towards the airport main door. My eyes squinted the moment we stepped outside of the main door. Wow, the sun really did shine around here!

Aaron chuckled as I blocked the sunshine from hitting my eyes using my hand. "We better get you some sunglasses, Ellie. At least until you're used to the weather around here," 

"Is it always this bright?"

"Always," he pointed out before looking at me upside down. "Oh, and Elle?"

"Yeah?"

"You're wearing too much clothes." he said, shaking his head in disapproval.

I looked at the people around me, and he was right. Most people around here was either in shorts or skirts. I might just break Florida's book of record for wearing a long-sleeve, baggy, light blue shirt, and a simple jeans. 

And you know what, this was the best attire I could think of before I flew to Florida. Yet it still wasn't the most suitable one.

I sighed. "I don't know if I can survive around here, Aaron."

"Again, don't think too much. There's a reason why you have such an amazing brother," Aaron winked his eye. "You'll be fine. And you can start over everything here. Trust me."

I curved a weak smile. He was right. It wasn't just a chance for me to turn over a new leaf  — it was a chance for me to have a whole new life. Senior year — My last year to actually be somebody, and not just this stupid, hideous-looking girl who everyone thought they could mock everyday. 

Aaron gave me an assuring smile before he suddenly sighed. "Oh, almost forgot. Welcome to Florida, Ellie Burke."

*

I've been here in Florida for ten days, and counting so far. And I loved it already — everything seemed perfectly enough for me. Our house was only a five to ten minute walk from the beach  which was really awesome.

It was half the size of our parents' house back in Lenoir, and had no pool or game room, but it was everything a house needed. 

A room for my brother, a room for me, a room for my little sister, two bathrooms, and a middle-sized kitchen, and a lounge — perfect enough for the three of us. 

Aaron worked as a camera director in a football game. You know, the person who gave orders, and managed the cameras used in a football game — that was my brother's job. It didn't do much for him, but he sure did love his job. 

I could tell. 

He'd said to me that we could live together with him in Florida when he had finally got a job after he graduated from college — and when he was really confident that he was capable of raising us both.

It'd been about two years since he got the job, a decent home, and everything. Aaron finally decided to take us with him. 

I was happily enough to oblige — seeing the fact I didn't really have anything left for me in Lenoir except for my Aunt Lynn whom I'd never liked. 

I took a picture of our family together from the nightstand, and stared at it. It had been more than five years since it happened — since my parents died in a car accident.

We weren't in the car that evening. I was only thirteen, Sophie was just five and Aaron was seventeen. 

I could still remember everything perfectly. Aaron and I had been watching a movie together in the lounge, and Sophie was already fast asleep upstairs.

Aaron then picked up a call, and suddenly cried — and he never did cry before. It was like something really terrible had happened — and it was true; my parents left us forever. 

Everything was still vivid — their faces, their laughters, and their love for the three of us. 

"Knock, knock," I heard a playful voice from behind the door, pulling me out of my thoughts. 

"Come in,"

Aaron poked his head through the open door. "What are you doing?" he asked in a singsong voice, grinning. 

"Nothing. Just sitting around like the dork that I am."

He laughed, and walked into my bedroom. It was just a normal sized teenage room, though, I knew Aaron had tried his best to make it look like a girl's bedroom — light pink wallpaper decorated the wall with some glow-in-the-dark stars pasted on the ceiling — he knew how much I liked it. And a computer displayed on a smart white desk that matched the rest of the furniture. 

Did I mention how great my brother could be?

"You should stop calling yourself a dork, Ellie," Aaron said as he made himself comfortable, lying next to me. "I don't think it's the correct word to use when your grade is amazingly absurd."

I smiled, and kept my eyes to look on the picture I was holding up. There was silence between us, and we just sat there, looking at our family picture on our last Christmas together. 

We were both hugging Mom and Dad from behind, and Sophie was sitting in between them; big grins decorated our faces, and there were snowflakes on the window behind us. 

"Do you miss them?" I asked, breaking the silence. 

He breathed out. "Yeah."

"Me too." I said immediately, sighing. I held myself together, trying to control myself from spilling any tears. Aaron had slipped his arm around me, making me feel safe. I realized he and Sophie were the only family I've got left. 

There was nothing left for me in Lenoir. I'd pretty much stopped trying in class by the end of my junior year. It wasn't like I had million of friends, and a busy social life I was leaving behind. 

So when Aaron tentatively asked me on his last visit, "Ellie, you remember I promised to let you stay with me in Florida when I got a job. Well. Do you think you'd really, really be alright if you move in with me after summer ended?" 

My reply was spontaneous, "Can I start packing now?"

Believe me or not, I couldn't wait to move here, and for this day to come. Because moving to Florida meant I could have a whole new life. I could start all over again. 

"School starts tomorrow, you know,"

I scoffed. "Obviously."

He let out a chuckle. "Got everything you need? Books, clothes, pens..."

"Yeah, yeah. I've got it all covered. We went shopping for everything yesterday, remember?"

I had bought everything he thought I might just need to survive around here. My closet was now full of new clothes  — mostly pants, and some new shirts.

And technically, Aaron had become my unofficial stylist. 

I cleared my throat. "You think I'll be okay, Aaron? I mean, here in Florida. What if everyone hates me? What if they think I'm this ugly, useless nerd like they'd called me back in Lenoir? What if it doesn't work out here too?" I asked, my tone decreasing as I utter each word. 

He turned his eyes to mine, giving me his usual, assuring smile. "You'd be fine, Elle. How many times do I have to tell you? You're more than you thought you are, and if they couldn't just see that, then it's their lost."

"Sometimes, you are, the best brother in the world, Aaron."

He smirked. "I know. And, well, you always suck as a little sister, Ellie," and we both laughed together  — just like old times when Mom and Dad were still with us. 

*

I spent almost my entire weekend trying to decide what to wear on my first day of school. People had always said it was important to make a good first impression. Which is exactly why I'd been trying almost everything inside my closet. 

The suburbs around here were all the higher end of the middle class; huge houses, perfect front lawns, and shiny cars on their driveway. Our house would be considered as the smallest around here even if it wasn't exactly that small. 

I got the feeling a lot of the kids around here were fairly rich, even though Crestville High was a public school. I kind of wished it was one of those schools that made you wear a uniform. At least then, I wouldn't have to worry about what the heck I was going to wear on my first day. 

I never used to worry so much about what I wore to school. I mean, there was no reason why I should actually wear something nice to school back in Lenoir.

I had no boyfriend, no real friends except for a few people I'd known because of the sciences' project; nothing more. 

I was completely invisible, really. 

Monday morning, I got up much earlier than I usual did, and started my search for the right outfit. It was hot, and humid so maybe I had to wear something short? 

What were the other girls was going to wear? What if I was too dressed up? What if what if what if?

I shrugged, and decided to wear a pair of jeans, and a plain, white tank top  — not too fancy, not too simple, and of course, not too slutty. It was the last thing I wanted people to think about me. I slipped my backpack into one shoulder before storming down, heading towards the kitchen. 

I prepared some breakfast for them because I was up earlier today, and my brother was nowhere to be found. I supposed, he was still sleeping upstairs.

Sophie would be here any minute. That kid was incredible enough, and she never did need any help to get ready for school. 

"Hey, Sophie," I greeted my sister when she showed up in the kitchen. I put some toast on the table, and slipped into one of the chairs. "Did you knock on Aaron's door?"

She nodded, and I grinned. This kid always knew what she had to do, and she never did need any help with anything.

It was always amusing on how she coped with everything that happened in our family these few years. She was my little sister, and I loved her more than anything.

I grabbed a piece of toast, buttering it before I heard a grunt from behind me. I turned around to see my brother walk in, wearing just a pair of boxers. His brown hair was sticking up everywhere as he rubbed at his eyes. 

"You couldn't just put clothes on?" I asked, cringing away from him as he sat down next to me. 

"No," he reached out, and grabbed my piece of toast that I'd just buttered, and took a big bite out of it. 

"Aaron! Make your own!" I cried angrily as I tried to snatch it back. Sophie simply shook her head, and got back to read her new school map. Like me, she was excited to start a new semester at a new school.

Especially when she knew her school was three times bigger than her old one. 

Aaron grinned at me wickedly. "You want it back?" he offered, holding it out to me. I nodded, and went to take it, but he pulled back at the last second — and ran his tongue over the whole top of it, licking every inch of it, making a loud "Mmmm," sound as he did so. 

I gasped as he held it back out to me, his eyes crinkling with laughter. "You're such a jerk! Jeez, you're twenty-two, not eight, so grow up?" I scolded, and pushing his hand, and the now licked toast away from me distastefully. 

He just laughed, and started eating it, shrugging, and bumping my shoulder with his. "You know, I really did miss you guys," he stated, looking at the both of us. "I promise, I'll take care of you two with my life."

I had to smile, and I knew he was telling the truth. Aaron Burke might just be the most disgusting, annoying brother in the world.

But sometimes — just sometimes, he was adorable.

The big happy assuring grin that stretched across his face was one of the times. His light blue eyes were soft, and caring.

My life would be fine. And even better, I hoped. 

*

My new story *winks*

It's a little boring - but it's gotta start somewhere aite :)

And I just can't help the urge to start the story with chocolates! xD 

Vote and comment! :))

Ellie's banner --->

Thanks~

Love, Bella. 

DISCLAIMER

I wrote this back when I was only 17 years old. Thus it doesn't, in every way, represent my current writing style and the book that has been published into paperback. The book has been edited professionally and edit well-thorough. Thanks!