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Chapter Four

Gwen

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“Well look who it is.” My brother Tyler said as I entered the house.

Dropping the bags onto the floor, I smiled. “Long time no see, Tyler.” Holding out my arms, my brother stepped in and gave me a hug.

“Good to see ya, sis,” he said, then ruffled my hair just like he used to do when we were kids.

Tyler was two years older than me. He wasn't a perfect brother or son, he got into trouble, he ran with the wrong crowd at times, but I had to give him credit, he always looked out for his little sister.

“Where's the Jill and the kids?” I asked, backing up and bending over to pick up the bags.

Tyler dropped to my side, picking up a few of the heavier bags. “Dad has them out back probably showing them how well new grass took to the soil.” His tone was dry as he made a woo sound and chuckled. “I'm sure she's wishing for me to come out and save her right now.”

“Well aren't you going to? You can't leave her like that.”

“Nope. She's going to have to learn how exit with grace on her own.”

“Real nice.”

Our mother came through the door, stopping short and allowing the bags on her arms to drop instantly. “Tyler!” Throwing out her arms, she embraced him in a strong hug. “You're home,” she said, her words muffled as she buried her face into his shoulder. Taking a step back, she wrapped an arm around each of us and squeezed. “Both my babies are here, I'm so happy.”

Tyler looked down at me, rolling his eyes as he pulled her arm off his neck. “Yes, Mom, this is wonderful, but can we do this visit without you going all emotional on us?”

“No, no you can't. When your kids grow up and move hundreds of miles away, and never come home, and barely call, and don't return messages—you'll know exactly what I feel.”

“I doubt that, I'm ready to kick the boys out now, they're both a pain in the ass.”

“They're ten, Tyler, you have no idea what's coming. Come talk to me when they hit sixteen and find the pot.”

“The pot?” he asked, eyeing her with a smirk on his face.

Waving her hand in the air, she huffed loudly. “You know what I'm talking about. Don't think I was oblivious to you and all your shenanigans as a teenager.” Holding her hand to her chest, her lids lowered. “I was a kid once too, we all were. You'll see what I'm talking about.” Resting her hand on her hip, her lips pulled back into a satisfied grin. “You know I heard that people get it back five times worse than what they did their own parents. If that's the case, you really are screwed.”