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Chase

I pull my car into the driveway and sit stoically, staring at the house in front of me, a two-story grey home with bright-blue shutters, with a white fence that encloses a massive side and back yard. It is a place that I’ve always thought of as home.

I practically grew up here. After school every day, Mrs. Hale would make me a snack and make sure I started my homework.

On the weekends, my best friend, Ethan, and I would swim in the backyard or play video games in his bedroom.

And sometimes, I would toss the ball around with Ethan’s dad in the side yard.

Later, when we reached middle school, Ethan and I would chase Skylar, his little sister, around with water guns, making pew-pew noises.

I look in my rear-view mirror at the single-story brick house, the house that my parents own, directly across the street. That should be home - but it isn’t.

Life in the house behind me differed vastly from the one in the home in front of me.

In the house behind me, there was constant bickering.

There was a lot of yelling and the slamming of doors.

There were a lot of derogatory comments toward me, and sometimes a painful yanking of my hair or my arm.

There were a lot of empty bottles in the garbage, and nights when I would be home alone.

But the home in front of me, there were words of encouragement, a lot of pats on the back, and someone asking how my day was.

It is night and day. It’s been years since I’ve been here, but it feels like yesterday.

Today is my day off, and I roped my way into an invitation to the BBQ, even though Mrs. and Mr. Hale have always said their home was welcome to me.

I step out of the car, look across the street again. My parents still live there, at least last time I checked they did. I shake my head, then head towards the side gate that welcomes you into the backyard.

The space is a flurry of activity. Music is coming out of the speakers strategically placed. Children are screaming and tossing balls in the sparkling pool, and a few couples are playing corn hole on the grass adjacent. There are people scattered throughout the large space.

Mr. Hale is manning the barbecue with Mrs. Hale standing proudly beside him, most likely directing him on how to cook the perfect burger.

They were bantering back and forth, as I remember them doing often, with smiles on their faces.

I walk further into the backyard and see Ethan, standing alongside a teenager, talking animatedly with his hands.

He notices me, claps the kid on the shoulder, and meets me halfway.

He leans in for a side-hug, “Well, if it isn’t one of my most favorite people in the world right now.”

“Right now? How about always?” I joke.

“Meh, it comes and goes. Has Mom seen you yet?” he asks.

“I think she’s instructing your dad on how to grill.”

“Sounds about right,” he says, looking over my shoulder. “Watch out, incoming.”

“My favorite other son.” Mrs. Hale’s arm slides around my waist and kisses my cheek. “How long has it been since you’ve been home?”

“Too long,” I say.

“You act like I’m chopped liver.” Ethan crosses his arms and playfully pouts.

“You come home all the time, it’s Chase that I have to settle for seeing on TV,” she says.

She’s not lying. I haven’t been home in over five years.

Not since I graduated from high school. Whenever the Hales were in town visiting Ethan, I always made time to meet up with them.

They also have season tickets for the Terrors every year.

But coming back here, seeing the house across the street, makes me uneasy, since my actual family only reaches out to me when they want money.

“I promise to do better.”

“Don’t worry about it. You’re a busy boy.

I know Ethan is making sure that you stay busy.

At least, we’re able to keep an eye on you somehow, even if it’s not the most conventional.

Either way, I’m so happy you’re here. We must chat when things die down, so please, please don’t leave early.

Anyway, make yourself at home. You know where everything is.

” She squeezes my side before she pulls herself away from me and floats around to her other guests.

I look around. There are faces I don’t recognize and some who I do.

Most are neighbors, and I see a few family friends who used to always come around the house when we were kids.

I’m sure that most of everyone here knows who I am from the glances and whispers.

I smile as much as I can when people come up to me.

I am polite and shake their hand or take a photo with them.

After a while, I go inside the house to take a breather and come across a strikingly gorgeous woman with a bottle of tequila in one hand and a shot glass in the other. She looks up quickly, as if she was a teenager sneaking alcohol from her parents’ liquor cabinet.

“Shit. Don’t tell Mom I’m drinking the good stuff.” She smirks.

She places the bottle back on the counter and swings the shot down. She breathes out, then smiles. She places the shot glass on the counter away from her.

“What’s up, Chase?” she asks comfortably.

“I didn’t know you were going to be here,” I say loudly, in case someone is listening, and place my hands on the countertop.

As if on cue, Ethan walks into the kitchen.

“Oh, hey guys,” he looks between us. “Did I interrupt something?”

“Chase just caught me sneaking some of Mom and Dad’s secret stash.” She grins, pouring herself another shot.

“Why the hell are you hitting that hard shit? This isn’t a rager.” Ethan looks around me and asks.

“So, Chase, I didn’t know you were going to be here today. How’s it going?” she grins, ignoring his question and putting up a good front.

I open my mouth and close it. Words fail me. I’ve been left speechless. She looks amazing, and I’m wishing that we didn’t have to hide anything.

Thankfully, we’re interrupted by Mrs. Hale, stepping into the kitchen and standing between her children. She places her hands on her hips as she eyes Skylar.

“I’ve been looking for you, young lady. There’s someone out back that I want you to meet.

Quit sneaking shots. I don’t need you to get sloppy.

We want to make sure you make a good first impression.

I asked the Donnellys to make sure that they brought their son. You two would be so adorable together.”

Skylar and her mom leave Ethan and me alone, and when I turn to him, his eyes are cold, and his arms are crossed over his chest.

“Don’t even think about it. I know I sound like a broken record, but stay away from Skylar.” He growls, then steps around me, patting me on the shoulder as if he didn’t just threaten me, and follows his family out the sliding glass door.

So much has happened in the last five minutes.

My brain can’t comprehend.

And my thoughts are running rampant, itching to tell my best friend everything.