Evan Meade (no real title yet)

“EVAN, JOHN, JACK, ADIAN!” The screaming voice of my dad beconed from the bottom of the stiars I got up and walked out of my room knowing that I was going to have to do somthing.

“Yeah?” I asked from behind the banaster.

“Evan...get your brothers team meeting.” my dad said, I rolled my eyes and I groaned “Don’t roll your eyes at me.” he said as he walked into the kitchen...how do parents do that...it’s like they can read minds...I mean I could walk into my room and sware like eight times then he’d come in and be like watch your languge...and I hadn’t said it loud enoguh for sparty our golden retriever to hear let alone him. “GET YOUR BROTHERS NOW!”

“I”M DOING IT!” I called down as I turned towards John’s room, it took three seconds for me to pick the lock on his door. I rolled my eyes...there he was strumming away on that idotic guitar he’d found in the basement, it was an electric fender 134 (how sad is it that I know that?) He couldn’t hear a thing not with the gigantic DJ head phones pluged into his amp, blaring his own strange music into his ears at a stupid level, which I know one day will result in a blasted ear drum. I smacked him with my sports illistratied magazine and he glared at me. Then looked over at the open door/

“WHAT DO YOU WANT?!” HE yelled not stopping I rolled my eyes and looked over at him then took a deep breath

“TEAM MEETING!” I screamed at the top of my lungs. He rolled his eyes and put the guitar down, on the bed and pulled off the headphones, shaking his stupid messed up black hair and rubbing his ears. “Maybe if you didn’t listen to the amp on eleven...” I said mocking spinal tap. He looked up at me and scowled.

“You get adian I’ll get Jack.” he said standing up, punching me. I hit his back and he coughed.

“You’re not as smart as you think you are.” I said and he went to hit me agian.

“KNOCK IT OFF!” we both looked at each other and shrugged.

.He’s seventeen...I’m nineteen...he’s a Junior I’m a Senior (Next year!)...we share very little, like intrests, hobbies, friends, kinds words...but when it comes to helping out or dad ....we share.

Okay let me explain the situation...my dad’s a single parent...my mom and he divorced when I was thirteen and my mom moved away to California giving my dad full custody...so we’re a team all five of us (hence the team meeting).

Our ages go like this...45 (dad), 19(me), 17(John),13(Jack),and 6(Adian)...We’re a bunch of guy’s guys who live a very guy lifestyle We love football, and baseball, and basketball...okay most ball games and Hockey...we LOVE hockey, I have more sports teams shirts than normal clothes..more ballcaps than I care to admit, and my room is completely created of sports memrobila. But when your dad is this guy who is an executive in a company, which is well known and pays good (but not as good as a Harvard grad should be making) supporting four (almost all teenage) boys life isn’t exactly a picnic...I have a job at blockbuster to help out, and John works at the music store next to blockbuster. We help out but still we aren’t living this amazing life, if we want something...it takes a lot of work, we have to ern it but it’s not like we are poor or anything, we live in Chicago, and in a well rich neighbor hood...it’s just the extra stuff...like movies, and ipods that sorta stuff that makes us work...my dad can pay the bills...don’t pity us! Just Kidding...okay I’m not yelling at you...okay so you’re probably wondering who is Evan Meade...you’ll find out.

There isn’t much to tell...I mean I’ve had one girlfriend and that was in eighth grade (Four years ago, and it lasted a month.) ...and I don’t think I’m that terrible looking...I mean I’m six three, I have blonde shaggy hair (which get’s annoying) and greyish blue eyes...and my mom was french so I have this darkish tone skin...I play hockey (ha ha), baseball, and lacrosse so I’m athletic and I finally accomplished the six pack a year ago...why is it that no girl even looks at me? I don’t get girls...maybe if I had a sister...or a mother...okay well let’s get back to the story.

“Okay.” I said as I walked out his room and into the ten year old’s...he and jack share...but there is this curtain my dad put between them...”ADIAN!” I said picking him up, off the bed.

“EVAN!” he said in this little voice I love as he wraped his arms around my neck.

I love my little brother, .the littlest one the one who hasn’t been effected by puberty yet...he’s so cute...I know a guy saying cute....but he is...he as this darker than dark hair and my eyes...which tells me that when he grows up...he’s gonna have evry girl in the school after him (lucky!) He’s got this personality which no mater what makes you like him. He’s wild and loves to do everything we do...okay it gets anoying at times but I still love him.

Jack the third born, he has brown hair and green eyes and he’s already five nine, he’s just hiitting that loveley part in life...and we love to try and make his voice crack...we (me and John) we may hate eachother but we both love to laugh and it’s funny to see jack try and recover, John and I plasetered ourselves agianst the door when Jack got “the talk.” just to listen to his questions, we torture Jack...but we love him and he knows it.

John is black haired, like adian and brown eyed....six two, not athletic but not fat he’s got like this skinny punk look but he’s still a likeable kid (at times). All four of us make up the Meade boys. We all filed down the staris and sat down around the old dinning room table, dad standing he back to us at the head of the table. And I knew somthing was up.

“Boys.” my dad said his back turned to us, his voice was horse, and rough.

“Dad.” we said in unision, it becomes a habit.

“We’re moving.” the hand that had been supporting my head fell and hit the table hard, his shoulders tensed and his head fell forward.

“WHAT!” I yelled and my dad’s shoulders tensed up, even more.
“MY job is moving...” he said turning around, his face was red...not like when he was mad but like when he was upset or sad.

“Where?” John asked looking at the table, his body slowly shaking as I fought back every urge to cry or cough or show any emotion.

“Dublin.” he said and I looked up...our eyes locked.

“Ohio?” I asked hopefully.

“Ireland.” I lost my smile, I lost some of my strength ...I could’ve handle being three states over. (We live in Illinois.)

“DAD!” Jack yelled, and my dad hung his head and put up a hand.

“Now listen...I have an option for you...mostly you.” he said looking at me. “It’s not a great one but it’s the best I’ve got.” he said rubbing the back of his neck.

“And that is?” I asked, I knew he’d caught the hint of distrot which had surfaced in my voice.

“My friend...Mike...Mike Banna...he said that if you lot didn’t want to move to Ireland...which is completaley understandable, compleatley and wholey understandable...Mike said that if you lot wanted to...you could stay with him...the thing is...he lives in upstate New York...and that’s still a change but not as drastic, not nearley as drastic,.I hate to make you all move especially you...” he said looking directley at me. “but no one here, in chicago said they could take you..” I felt like crying, screaming, doing somthing to just let out what ever I was feeling inside but I knew I had to hold it in till I could get to my room. My dad took a deep breath and we all looked at him. “I’m not gonna ask you to give me an answer now...but you have two weeks, two weeks till I move for sure to the house the company has for us...then I need an answer...just know that Mike and his duaghter are more than happy to take you in, happy to help.” I looked up at him...did he just say duaghter...okay just through a girl into the mix that makes this so much easier. “I know Mike is I have no idea how Valerie feels...” He said taking a drink of his beer which was never a good sign.

“Wiat Valerie?” I asked.

“She’s your age...I think you met her once...when you were like two...she’s all he has...his wife passed away when Val was ten...but I’m not really concered with her she’s not my child...I’m more worried about you...” he said and I nodded and gave him my best atempt at an I’m okay smile.

“Say we wanted to stay with him...” John began, and I looked at him, like tratior. “Would we be able to change our minds...you know like maybe we try it...try and space out the move and then we decide we want to come with you...can we do that.” my dad nodded, and looked like he was thinking.

“I don’t see why that’s not an option...” he said losining his tie...why on a Saturday he’s wearing a tie...(the only thing that’s flying through my head is come on...I have one year left....I just got done with jounior year...I have the whole summer to get hot and then I go back...why now?) “Just think about it guys...and know that if my job wasn’t depending on this move I wouldn’t be going...but it’s move or take a severince package...and it’s hard enough...” he said rubbing the back of his neck...Adian grabbed my neck and I pulled him onto my lap, he and jack started to cry as John and I helped our dad silently breaking...this was not going to be easy, no decision like this would ever be easy.
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After an hour of my brothers crying I walked into my room and sat down on my bed I just looked around, I had this room since I was six...it had grown with me...I’d lived with in the same twenty miles and now here I am haveing to make this sorta decsion. It all crashed on me like this huge tidal wave and all I could do was cry, let my head drop and the tears fall...I felt my body shaking as my shoulders shot forward and back. I was sobbing...great...I felt so small so weak, somthing I hated to feel like. My door creaked open and my dad came in, and he broke when he saw me he shut the door and sat down pulling my body into him.

“Shh...it’s okay...I’m here...I’m here.” he said rubbing my back “you’re gonna be fine...I know you will be...okay...” I just gripped my dad. “I’m proud of you...okay I am...but you don’t have to be strong...just let it out evan, let it out.” my dad is like a few inces taller than me and right now I felt like I did when I was thirteen and he was a foot taller, small weak and helpless clinging to my daddy. I pulled away from him eventually and he rubbed my face wiping my tears away. I nodded silently answering that I was better. “You sure?” he asked and I nodded. “I love you you know that...” I nodded.

‘I love you.” I said weakly, he kissed my head.

‘You’re gonna be fine...I’m sure...you know how to handle stuff.” he said as he left. But I don’t know how to handle this. I fell back on my bed my cell phone buzzing.

“Hello?” I asked coughing.

“EVAN Dude...what’s up?” My best friend Kale asked.

“I’m moving kale.” I said looking up at the ceiling

“WHAT!?” he called into the phone.

“My dad’s job is moving.”

“Dude where?’ he asked sounding a bit upset.

“Either Ireland or New York.” I said and he coughed.

“So wiat what? What’s that mean?”

“I can either move to New York and live with my dad’s friend for a year, or live with my dad in Ireland.” he coughed.

“Where are you?” he asked.

“My room...”

“Don’t move I’m coming over.” the phone clicked and I sat up. In ten minutes he was in the room with me and we were just handing out, savoring our friendship...the one that we’d had since we were in dipers. “You have to email me like every day, tell me about Val.” he said wiggiling his eye brows. “Or about some hot Irish girl... dude in ireland you can drink.”

“DON’T START THAT KALE!” my dad called.

“SORRY MR. MEADE!” he called and I knew my dad went back to ordering pizza.

“I really don’t care about girls right now.” he hit my head.

“Bite your tounge.” he said and I smiled. “AH I got a smile...victory!” he said and I laid down on my back.

“I don’t know what to do K... I don’t.”

“You just need to think...you can move to Ireland and have your dad...or you move to New York and be able to come back easier...it’s a big decision, you just need to think about what you think is best for you and what’s best for your brothers.” I nodded. Kale had these moments of wisdom which made me love him, like a brother, but he was dumb as dirt when it came to stuff like common sense and book smarts. “You’ll know what do you just need to think about it.” he said putting his hand on my knee.

“YO KALE!” Jack said coming in.

‘Yo get out.” I said pushing him with my foot.

“DAD EVAN WON’T LET ME IN!”

“EVAN!”

“DAD!”

“DON’T ARGUE!” I groaned and Kale lauhed.

“Don’t laugh he’s just a baby.” I said looking at him.

“Am not.” he said with a huge crack which got me to crack up. “SHUT UP!” he yelled running from the room.

“Oh god I want siblings.” he said as I shut my door and turned on the cubs game.

“No you don’t.” I said sitting down in the rocker my dad had bought for me, Kale sitting next to me in the other.

“So do you know when?”

“Two weeks either way.” I said and he gaped at me.

“Evan this is like not fair.” I looked over at him.

‘I know.” I said as my dad knocked. “YEAH?” I asked and he pushed open the door.

“I got an everything Pizza for you two...Kale you staying over night?” he shook his head.

“Can’t I’ve got camp tommorow.”

“Aw man baseball.” I said and my dad looked sympatheticly at me.

“We’re gonna miss you...where are we gonna find a pitcher?” my dad put a hand on my shoulder and set the Pizza down and left.

“Let’s just watch the cubs destroy the braves.” I said pulling on my cap, turning it around backwards. The cubs won 10 to 3 and at midnight Kale went home.

“It’ll be okay dude...I’ll tell coach.” I nodded and we did the guy hug and he drove home.

“Evan.” my dad said as I went to go upstiars.

“Yeah.” I said looking back at him.

“You know that if there was anyway you could stay I do anything I could to make it happen...you know that right?” I nodded.

“I know...it’s coorprate america...the don’t realize there’s a family attached to each emploee.” he looked at me proud.

‘It takes men twice your age years to come up with that sorta wisdom.”

“Well it takes my econ teacher half a text book.” he laughed and I hugged him goodnight and walked up stairs. When I opened my door all my brothers were sitting on my bed. “Get out...” I said pulling off my shirt.

“We need a guy meeting...we need to vote.” I looked at them and pulled off my sneakers.

“Can we postpone this for like three days?” I asked and they all looked around.

“No.”

“But I’m tired.” I whined and pulled off my jeans.
“If you wouldn’y mind warning us before you get down to the schiveses.” John said covering his eyes. I pulled my comferter from below them I wrapped it around me and sat in the rocker. “You can’t ignore us.” he said and I pulled the comferter over my head.

‘I can try.” I said and they all started yelling. “FINE!” I said looking over at them. “Get one of my notebooks. Silent vote.” I got up and grabbed four black pens and my dodgers cap. “Write down, Ireland, or New York, we’ll vote tonight and next week...okay.” they all nodded and John handed us all a small piece of paper. Once all the votes were in the hat I sat down and dumped them out. “One for New York.” I said laying my paper out. “Two for New York.” I said making a pile. “And two for Ireland....we’re split...so this is void until next week, now can I please go to bed.” they all nodded and left, my door clicking shit behind them. I sighed and climbed into bed. Staring at my ceiling fan as it’s blades rolled in a never ending circular motion. “What do we do?” I asked nobody. I fell asleep with those burdens resting on my shoulders, when I woke up the next morning all I could think about was this decision.

“Evan you okay bud?” My dad asked as I sat there at the breakfast table just staring at my lucky charms.

“What?...Yeah.” I said looking up, he gave me this kinda weak smile.

“You counting the marshmallows?” I smiled.

‘I’m at ten.” I said and he smiled at me.

“You okay?” I nodded.

“Just thinking.” I said and john came running in.

“DAD!” he yelled and my dad and I jumped up.

“What?” he asked.

“We have a thirteen year old locked in the bathroom.” I groaned and my dad and I ran up the stiars.

“THE LOCK’S BROKE!” Jack yelled and I stepped back.

“This isn’t gonna be good for the house value.”

“Back up.” I said as I got ready.

“Agianst the far wall.” John said and I ramed agianst the door my shoulder hitting hard and the door bareley budging.

“Dad help.” I said and he got behind me and we both ramed the door three times until it fell down. Jack ran out and my dad and I groaned and held our sholders.

“That wasn’t your pitching arm was it?” I shook my head.

‘Nope.” I said rolling my arm out.

“Good.” he said and that was all we did that day...fixed the door and just hung out, that was all we did for the next week, kale coming over as we began to pack...

“So you taking this?” he asked holding up my xbox.

“Duh.” I said putting it in the box.

“What about this?” he said holding up the playboy he’d bought me for my sixteenth birthday.

“Bottom of the needs box.” I said pionting to the box in the corner of the room.

“Good man.” he said and I smiled.

‘It has sentamental value.” I said as he pushed it under my stuff.

“What does mr. Boo?”

“Dad!” I said and Kale looked at me with that what smile.

“Oh come on kale has to know about the teady...”

“DAD!” I said and he laughed and left.

“You have a teady!” he said looking in the box. He pulled mr boo out and held him up. “Aw look at him.” he said fussing with his little cubs Jersey.

‘Stop.” I said taking him. “My grandpa gave him to me...” I said puting him back in the box.

“Oh okay...and you still have him? I mean I had a stuffed duck that I chucked at twelve.” he said and I looked at Mr. Boo.

“He’s just special.” I said as I packed up my books.

“Okay...” Kale said as he grabbed like ten jerseys and slid them in a box. “So you’re gonna email me like every day right?” he asked and I nodded.

“It’s not like I’m gonna be busy or anything.” I said and he laughed.

“Who knows maybe Val will um...result in somthing.”

“Oh fuck off.” I said glaring at him.
“C’mon you can’t say you haven’t been a little bit standoffish when it comes to the whole girl scene.” I glared at him.

“Oh yeah cause not all of us have one of the hottest girls in school on our arm.” I said as he smiled....his girlfriend Jackie oh God was she hot but if I even told him that before they went out I had a huge crush on her that would be the end of our friend ship.

“Hey she’s beautiful, and I love her...but she’s annoying.” he said with a smile.

“If I had one real girlfriend I think I’d savor her.” I said as he texted jackie. “What she saying?” I asked.

“That she’ll miss you and she hopes I’m okay, but you are too.” I smiled.

“Tell her I say thanks.” We hung out for like three hours then he had to go date with jackie.

“You better make that decision quick...I’ll call you later...and I’ll definetly be here before you go.” I smiled at him and then watched as he drove out of my culdasac and went back to packing. That night we voted agian the verdict was New York, a unanimous decision.

“So how do we tell dad?” john asked and I looked up at him.

“I have no idea.” I said and my dad walked in.

“Tell me what?” he asked rubbing the side of his face.

“Our final decision.” Jack said and he sat down. His bulls shirt wrinkeling under over his nasty old Harvard basketball shorts.

“Your decision is New York isn’t it?” he asked and we nodded...he took a deep breath and rubbed his stomach.

“Yeah.” I said and he took a deep breath.

“I told you it was an option so I have to let you take it...I support your decision, I’m not happy that I won’t see you, I’m gonna miss you all like hell but I support your decision.” I looked at him. “It’s your decision, I’m not gonna yell, or cry, or get angry you’ve made it...and I support it. Just know I’m gonna miss you all of you, you’re my children no way I’m not gonna miss you...” I rubbed the back of my neck. “But it’s fine with me and I’ll call mike tommorow...” he looked over at the clock. “Well today, and let him know...” he got up and kissed my head then all my brothers. “I love you all, and I support your decision.” with that he left and we all felt a little better.

‘Okay guys out.” I said grabbing adian.

“Night evan.” the little whispered as I put him in bed.

“Night buddy.” I said tucking him in.
“Night jack.” I said as we did the high five and grab thing.

“Night.” he said and I walked out.

“You know you’re gonna be a great dad someday.” my dad said scaring the bejesus out of me.

‘Oh god!” I said grabbing my chest as he chuckled. ‘Don’t do that.” I said as he waved me into his room.

“Sorry sorry.” he said as I sat down in his chiar.

“What’d you mean?” I asked as my breathing regulated.

“You just have a way with them, like a dad....and I can tell you’re gonna be a good dad.”

“You know the only reason we chose New York was to space it out right...we just don’t want that drastic of a change.” My dad chuckled.

“I’m glad that’s your reasoning...not that you are so longing for a new dad or somthing.” he said running a hand through his hair.

“Mr. Banna will never be our dad...we have one dad....and we love you...we’re just trying to do what’s best.”

“We or I?” he asked looking at me.

“I...I’m trying to do what’s best.” I said and he smiled at me.

“That has always made me proud of you...that you’re that mature.” he said and I smiled.

“It’s not as though I had a chioce here dad, it was man up and take over or let them fend for themselves. I can’t do that...there my brothers.”

“I can’t beliave this.” he said and I looked over at him, those stupid glasses on his face.

“What?” I asked and he smiled.

“You’re a man...when did this happen...I still remember you running down the sidewalk with a bloddy knee screaming...I GOT BLOOD I GOT BLOOD!” he said and I laughed, and he ruffled my hair. “What happened to you...how did you get this big, this old, this grown up...where’s my little boy?” he asked and I hugged him. “I am so proud of you.” he said rubbing my back.

“Thanks Dad.” I said standing up.

“Please just be careful.” he whispered as I left, I walked into my room and turned on my radio listening to some song which sent me to sleep waking up at my cell phone buzzing under my back.

“Hello?” I asked into it.

“Did you make a decision?” kale asked.

“New York.” I said yawning.

“Jackie made one too.” he said darkly.

“What?” I asked sitting up.

“She left me Ev...she left me for Rick Swanson...she stood me up, said she was sick. So I went to blockbuster to see if you were on and while I was there she and him were there picking up...somthing from the back room.”

‘No!” I said now fully awake.

“Oh yeah...and they had been to Walgreens...turns out all she wanted was a little roll in the sack.” he said hotly.

“You okay?” I asked and he coughed.

“I will be when it stops hurting...I mean why now...I’m losing my best friend and my girl friend leaves me for the fucking starting quarter back.” I sighed, and looked up at the cealing.

“I’m sorry man...I am.”

“Evan phone’s off after ten.”

“Emergency.” I told my dad and he nodded.

“Twenty minutes...then it’s off.’ I nodded.

“It’s not the end of the world...it’s not as bad as what’s going on in your life.”

“But it still hurts and I don’t want you to try and I don’t know get over it for my sake.” he laughed.

‘You’re a good guy Evan...god I’m gonna miss you.” I nodded.

“Same.”

‘I don’t know what I’m gonna do...I don’t know what to do with out you.” I felt that lump grow, the one in my throat, it became huge.

“I know what you mean man.”
“Dude don’t start cause I wont be able to stop.” he said in this weak voice. I took a deep breath and swallowed. “You’re like a brother to me Ev...I’m gonna miss you.”

“I’m gonna miss you too.” I said and he coughed.

“We’re going to sports zone this friday...when’s your flight?”

“Saturday...sometime.” I said and he coughed agian.

‘Okay so Friday for dinner sports zone...and then I’ll see you off on Saturday.” I nodded.

“Cool.”

“Dude I love yyou.” he said and I coughed loudly.

“I love you.” God what were we doing...this was not us we are not emotional or sappy, or girly men in any way and here we are crying and saying we love eachother.

‘Oh god I gotta hang up before I start calling you honey.” I laughed, that was always his strong piont breaking the tough moments.

“Same.” I said and we said our goodbyes then hung up. I fell back on my sheets and let sleep take me...the next morning dad reserved our flights and we finished packing and the movers put all our stuff on one truck and all our dad’s on another. Friday came to quick and I met Kale at the sports Zone where chuck our waiter lead us to the sports desk.

“Okay...I got you this.” he said handing me this box. “I’m your best friend, I had to get you somthing...and it’s somthing I’m proud of my self for getting you.” I pulled off the cubs wraper and this wooden box was in my hand. “I know all.” he said and I pulled the lid off and the most amazing set of sketching materials was neatley laid out in front of me. “I figured I’d seen you sketching in class and I’ve kinda sorta looked at your sketch book when you fall asleep in bio, but I figured you’d need some more professional tools...you know profect the trade.” I looked up at him...this was the most amazing gift. I loved it.

“Thanks man.” I said and he smiled.

“That’s not all...here.” he said pulling out a yankee’s cap and putting it on my head.

‘Oh you’re hilarious...you know that.” I said hugging him.

“You’re gonna need that...” I laughed and we ordered.

“So you know I sketch.”

“I know you’re good at it...and you’re good at capturing emotion, and I have to say some of the ones of me...I think you were pretty close to dead on just need to give me a stronger chin.” I laughed and took a drink of my coke.
“Thanks.” I said setting it on the table. “And I draw like I see.”

“Ha ha...” he said and he and I just talked and ate as if we wern’t being torn apart as if the hardest thing in my life was about to come crashing down on me, in less than twenty four hours. Then after dinner was over he came back to the house with me and told me he’d be there at the airport tommorow before we left. That night the last night in my house was the worst night of my life...I cried, I came down with the worst insomnia of my life and my left leg felt like it was on fire and the fact I was sleeping in a sleeping bag didn’t help. Sparty sat by me all night...he was going to New York with us, his crate was going under the plane with him in it...

‘Hey boy.” I said rubbing his head, a whine escapeing his mouth. “I know.” I said scratching his ears. “We’ll be okay... I promise.” I said and he laid his head on my stomach. Morning came to slow and I pulled on a pair of jeans...my converse sneakers, and a white t-shirt, and a bulls cap backwards.

“Evan! Lets go!” my dad called from the stiars. I looked around my room one last time then slung my laptop bag over my head and shut my door for the last time, sparty whining as we walked down the stiars. “You ready?” he asked as I came out, I nodded dispite the fact I’d never be ready. We all piled in the suburban and drove away, silent, nothing but the sound of Sparty’s whines echoing through the car. My dad tried to start conversations like, “I’m sure security isn’t as bad as it used to be,” and “sparty will be fine, he’s not that old.” but every time I thought about it I realized I was never gonna drive down this road agian...never gonna see this place agian, I was leaving the only place I’d ever called home...and who knew what was waiting for me. The airport came into view and Adian got excited....he loves planes.

“DAD Look a 747!” he said as one of those planes flew over head. “Evan are we riding on one of those?” I looked at dad.

“Nope...just a normal plane.” My dad said as he parked. We checked in and the lady took our bags as our dad suddenley got sentamental. I kept my laptop bag as did John, Jack had the last Harry Potter book and adian his bears teady bear tucked under his arm. We walked up to the security check piont, and my throat became as thick as frozen penut butter. “Okay guys.” my dad said as we stopped. We were all standing there putting of good bye. “You.” he said pionting to adian. “Need to be good for Evan okay...listen to him and be good for mike.” Adian nodded and hugged his neck.

“I love you Daddy.” he said and I wipped my nose and took a deep breath the old ladies staring at us as a tear fell of my face.

“I love you.” he whispered rubbing his back. Adian let go and grabbed on to my waist.

‘You.” he said putting a hand on Jack’s shoulder. “Stay out of trouble, and even though I know you may not want to, listen tou your older brothers.” Jack hugged my Dad as I rubbed the top of Adian’s head, feeling his tears hit my skin as his head pushed the lower hem of my shirt. “I love you Jackie.” he said as Kale came up the steps. I held up a hand and he took a deep breath and walked over. Stopping behinf my dad as he hugged John. Then his eyes met mine. “I really don’t what to say to you...I’d try and come up with some sorta dadisim to make this easier but I don’t know any...I do know I’m proud of you, and that I love you...and that no matter what you’re my champ...I’m gonna miss ya.” he said and I grabbed him and he held on, finally breaking...I saw Kale crying and I lost it. He finally pulled back wiping his eyes and Kale walked over.

“Dude...this can’t happen.” he said grabbing me I wrapped my arms around him and for like three minutes and then pulled back.

“You have my email...I want one the second you land...you hear me Meade?” I nodded and hugged him one more time. Then we walked through security and I looked back and waved good bye. Dad tried so hard not to break and then as I looked back one last time and he was slowly weaping. Kale was looking down, his shoulders shaking.

“Evan.” Adian said through tears.

‘Yeah?” I asked bending down to his eyes, at the gate.

“Is Sparty okay?” I nodded,

“Come here.” I said pulling him gently over to the window and I showed him the guys loading luggage. Then three animal crates were gently lifted onto the plane.

‘THERE’S SPARTY!” he said pionting.

“Yep...and that guys gonna make sure he gets on thier safe...see...he gave him a bone...did you see that.” he nodded and our faithful dog was loaded onto the plane.

“First boarding call for flight 1345 non stop service to John F Kennedy Airport now boarding all those with young children, or children traveling alone.” The flamboyant man at the gate said.

“Is that us?” John asked and I nodded.

‘Yeah.” I said standining up and handing them each thier tickets.

“Um I need to see you two’s ID.” John and I showed him our drivers lisences and then he nodded. “Okay, where’s Adian?” he held up his hand. “And Jackson?” he asked and Jack nodded. “Okay enjoy your flight.” we all smiled and I shoved my wallet back in my pants as we got on.

“Okay so me and Adian are here.” I said as I let Adian get in and buckle up (word of advice never argue with a ten year old about the window seat. ) “And John, you and Jack two rows back and on the other side...” they nodded. “Okay when we get there...Adian, hold my hand, you two, stick together we meet at the desk...you know the one at the gate...and we stick together.” they all nodded and I sat down next to Adian who, was sitting there staring at the seat in front of him. “Yo...what’s up?” I asked turning my hat to the side making him laugh. I pulled it back, laughing at the fact my hair flew out in wings under my hat. “You know that in the back of the rules theres a plane guide...tells you about all the planes.” he grabbed the book and began to read all about it. I sat back and put my head agianst the head rest sleep suddenley catching up with me. Then I felt the plane jerk as we began to make our way into the take off patteren. “Say goodbye to chicago Adian.” I said and he waved out the window as the plane thrusted upward my city dissapearing below.

“Are we gonna see Dad soon Evey?” he asked and I nodded.

“Soon, I’m sure.” I said patting his head.

“Is he your little brother?” an old lady asked.

“Yeah...and those two back there.” I said and she smiled.

“Are you visiting family?” I shook my head.

“We’re moving.” I said and Adian began to play with his bear.

“Are you now...where to?”

“Um somewhere in upstate New York.” she smiled.

“My husband and I lived in upstate new york for man years...you’ll love it.”

“Gran, why don’t you let him enjoy his flight.” a very pregnant woman said, and I smiled.

“Oh he doesn’t mind.” I laughed and then the stewerdess came around and before I new it I was helping adian with his drink. The old lady didn’t have a drink but she fell asleep, and the pregnant lady kept rubbing her belly.

“Psst.” Adian said and I looked over at him.

“Yeah?” I asked and he made me put my left ear next to his mouth.

‘Is she gonna have a baby?” I nodded and he smiled. I pulled out my laptop and for the rest of our flight we watched the jungle book (with headphones) and then the stewardess made us put it away and prepare for landing. The sights of the city of New York became visable as we deseceneded and then...

“Ladies and Gentleman welcome to New York.” the piolt’s voice said as we touched down. I looked back at john who gave me a salute which got me to roll my eyes, and him to smile. Adian grabbed my hand and we walked off the plane and waited for John and Jack for twenty minutes.

“What the hell?” I asked when they walked off.

“I thought I lost my ipod.” Jack said and I rolled my eyes.

“Dad said Mike would be waiting for us at borders.”

“There’s a borders in the air port?” John asked and I smiled.

“This is like the largest airport ever.” I said as I walked over to the desk and handed them the tickett to get Sparty.

‘Okay if you just follow me...we’ll get him for you.” the lady said and we followed her to this door and then we waited as she went in and came out with a very excited Sparty, who jumped up on me when he saw me. “Okay...now your bags and his stuff is being sent to the banna residence am I correct?” we nodded. “Then there’s no need to go to baggage cliam Mr. Banna has everything taken care of.” I smiled and wrapped Sparty’s leash around my hand and we walked him though the airport and up to this glass borders.

“Dad’s instructions...wait in the travel section.” we moved there and sat down.

“Nice hat.” a ten year old fat kid said to me like a jerk.

“I thought so.” I said scratching Sparty’s ears.

“I’m sorry is he bothering you?” a very large mother asked.

“Nope.” I said fixing my hat.

‘Who’d wear a bulls cap in JFK?” the kid asked.

“I’m a bulls fan.” I said and he smiled.

“I’m not sure you wanna admit that.” a soft Female voice said from behind us.

“And why not?” I asked not expecting to see her...She was amazingly beautiful. Her thick blonde hair hung in curls below her chest, and her eyes, oh god she had these amazing blue eyes, her body was tight and toned and covered by a blue button up t-shirt, a pair of jeans and some black converse sneakers.

“Cause this is Nicks country.” she said with a smile. “You must be the meades.” We nodded.

“Val I can’t find them...I’m gonna make sure they got off the flight.” This tall man, with brown hair and her eyes said as he put a hand on her shoulder. She pushed his chin with her hand.

‘I found them.” she said like a little kid. He smiled and I laughed.

“Hi!” he said turning to us.

“I’d like you to meet my father the worry wart of the century.” Val said and Mike pushed her with his hand.

“Mike...call me mike.” Val mocked him from behind as he shook our hands. “And you’ve met Val.” he said and we all nodded.
‘Oh they have a dog.” she said walking over and getting on her knees rubbing Sparty’s head and scratching his ears. He began to lick her face. “Oh he’s so cute...what’s his name.”

‘Sparty.” I said and she smiled.

“And you’re Evan right?” She asked and I nodded. She was so beautiful it wasn’t funny, I had suddenley developed a crush on her. Crap...I was going to be living with her, and I was now starting to crush on her.

“Val you wanna take em to the car...I’m gonna take this.” he said holding up his phone.

‘Sure.” She said standing up. We all got up and she smiled. “You guys ready?” she asked and we nodded. ‘You’d think that four guys would talk.” she said and we laughed and followed he out. “Hello.” she said to Adian who took her head.

“Hi.” he said and she smiled at me.

“Are you Adian?” he nodded.

“I’m Val.” she said and he smiled.

“Do you like planes?” Adian asked, and she smiled.

“I guess, I mean who doesn’t like planes?” she asked and Jack smiled.

“Me!” he said and she laughed.

“I love planes.” Adian said and she smiled. “Have you ever been on a seven forty seven?” she nodded.

“When I went with my dad to china.” she said and I looked at her like what. “For work...he didn’t want to leave the country with out me.” she said and I smiled.

“Was it fun?”

‘I was your age and there’s this stiar case that goes up to the top floor and I slid down the banister.” she said and he laughed, and she smiled. “Yo TONY!” she called in this New York accenet.

“Woah!” I said and she smiled.

“It slips.” she said and a man in a suit walked over.

“Hello Miss Valie and hello boys.” he said with a smile.

‘How them Yankees?” she asked pulling the head phone out of his left ear.

“Ten to three over the mets.” she smiled.

“Woah you followsports?” Tony laughed and Val hit his arm.

“She’s a sports nut.”

“I wanna work for ESPN some day.” she said as he lead us out.

“Wait what does Tony do?” I asked and she smiled.

“He’s our driver...and so much more.” she said as he opened the door to a large limo, Val let us in and then slid in next to me...god she was that close to me. She played with Sparty and then sat back.

“So whats your dad do?’

“He owns a very large advertising firm.” she said crosing her legs.

“And he works to much... I know Val I know.” Mike said as he came in.

“He knows me to well.” she said to me.

“He’s a dad.” I said and she laughed.

“Okay guys...what’s your normal routine on a Saturday?” Mike asked and we looked around.

“Normaly it’s watch whatever game’s on and it’s pizza night.” I said and Val smiled.

“So not a far cry from our Saturday night huh Val.” she shook her head.

“Not far at all.” she said and Mike laughed.

‘And now that the boyfriend is out of the picture I don’t have to share my couch.”

“DAD!” she said to him and he smiled. “Oh I’m glad you think it’s funny...cause I’m laughing my...but off over here.” I noted this must be a new wound.

“I never like him.” she rolled her eyes and looked over at me.

“He never liked him.” she said mocking him.

‘Don’t laugh at that...don’t encourge her.” Mike said as Tony pulled out of the airport parking lot and onto the highway. I already liked Val and Mike, mostly Val. We talked the whole ride to the house just hanging out in the back seat, and then the car came to a stop. “We’re Here.” mike said getting up. I got out of the car and my mouth fell a gape. An amazing mansion was sprawled out in front of us. Huge amazing building like somthing you’d see on the fabulous life of the queen of England or something. A large brick and stone house with amazing casltle like features. “It’s a bit daunting on the outside.”

“And a waste of space on the inside.”

“You’d have us livining in the bronx.” She laughed and pulled on her yankee’s viser.

“I wanna be where it goes down.” she said and he laughed.

“EVIL EMPIRE FOLLOWER!” he called as she ran inside.

“Curse ridden bambino!” she called

“Oh you’re a red sox fan.” John said and Valarie laughed.

‘There’s no such thing!” she called

“VALARIE MICHELLE!”

“There athletic supporters.” she said comming out with a really sweet camera.

“No pictures please.” mike said holding his hand over his face.

‘Your not worth the film.” she said and he did the oh! Face and we all jioned in like she just burned you...oh boy did she just burn you.

“Oh who buys your film...huh darling...” she rolled her eyes. “Who?”

‘My dad.”

‘Nope.”

“Don’t, please don’t make me...”

“Who?”

‘My daddy.” she said kissing his cheek.

“Ah sooo much better”

“Tony make him ten minutes late to the target pitch.” she said and he glared at her.

“Go order the pizza.” he said with this tone that was like just go. “And take that stupid vizer off.” she pulled it down further.

“These colors don’t run dad.” she said as she walked in and he kicked dirt after her.

“Go on in...all your stuff’s set up in your rooms and your need to tell miss yankee what you want on your pizza.” Sparty rushed inside and we chased after him finding him on top of val who was laughing as he licked her face.

“Sparty down.” I said and she smiled at me.

“Okay so what do you want on your pizza?” she asked us as she scractched a very excited Sparty’s ears.

“We eat everything but anchovies.”

“Wait no little dead fishys?” she said with a laugh and I nodded. “Good...” she said getting up and whipping out her cell phone. “Oh hi...um pick up...two large supreme...” she smiled. “Chicago style...pizzas, and one broklyn style peparoini, extra cheese, and sausage.” she smiled and grabbed her wallet. Out of her back pocket (no purse...hmm this wasn’t a normal heriess.) “Twenty minutes...okay thank you.”

“We could have eaten the broklyn style...you didn’t have too...” John began and I nodded

‘It’s for my dad.” she said as she walked over to this closet and pulled out a bag, like a messenger bag. “Anybody gonna come with?” she asked and I thought about going.

“We taking the limo?” I finally asked stepping forward. She smiled at me, andheld up a key chiam...

“Nope we’re taking my car...tony deserves some time off.” she said and I smiled.. “Any you coming?” they all shook thier heads. “Okay...well, hold on.” she pushed an intercom on the wall. “Hey charlie...can you make sure that John, Jack, and Adian get settled in, I’m taking Evan with me to get Pizza.”

“Yes Miss Valie.” an old voice said.

“You’re an angel.” she said and the other end laughed.

“Then you’re my devil...go.” she laughed and waved me over towards a far side of the house.

“So...where am I?” I asked and she laughed.

“You want the disney world tour?” She asked and I smiled.

“Oka well now lady’s and gentleman we’re leaving the foye, and heading through the formal dining room, and if you look closeley on that wall you can see the drawing I made when I was three of me and my dad....yes sharpie does fade.” she said making me laugh she had this amazing sense of humor. “In that door you’ll find the laundry room...I’m sure you and I will see very little of that place...and as we head down this dark hallway we pass three closets and a mud room, into the garage.” she said as she pushed open a door and a garage with a ton of cars in it sprawled out in front me.

“Woah!” I said and she smiled.

“I know a waste right?” she said as she walked down the stiars and I passed three harleys.

“Your dad has harleys? How many cars?”

“Three harleys, twenty cars, and my car.’ she said as she unlocked a hummer.

‘You drive a black hummer?” I asked and she smiled.

“My dad said I should be in a tank to make sure that nobody hits me.” she said as I got in and she pulled on these cute plastic rimmed glasses which gave her this librarian look, like a cute librarian. “Okay so you’re gonna be a senior this year?’ she asked as she pulled out of the garage.

“Yeah...you?” she nodded.

‘It’s weird isn’t it...being this old.” she asked as she drove down the drive.

“That’s not what’s weired right now.” she looked over at me and gave me this sympathetic smile.

“Are you okay?” she asked pulling onto the road driving down the senic highway. “Well I know you’d probably be okay back in chicago...but I mean do you think you could be okay here?” she asked as she pulled her hair up.

“IF You don’t get us killed yeah!” I said grabbing the wheel.

“Oh you sound like my dad.” she said taking it, pinching my wrist.

‘Did you just pinch me?” I asked like are you serious.

“Yeah”

“I haven’t been pinched since I was in third grade.” she stuck her tounge out at me and I laughed. “Okay so I heard the New Yorker accent...we’re you born here?’ she smiled.

“I was born in NYC, moved out of fifth avenue when I was three.” she said looking a head.

“Why?”

“My mom died.” she said as she spead up to get on the high way.

“I’m sorry...” I said and she looked over at me.

“What are you sorry for...you didn’t give her cancer did you?” she asked and I smiled at her, she had that New Yorker mentality. “I’m giving you the wrong impression...I’m not a strong New Yorker type...I’m actually the bookworm, swimmer, striaght A, make dad proud type.” she said and I smiled, and sat back. “Are you laughing at me?” she asked looking at me and I held up my hands.

‘Nope, I swear I’m just smiling at you because I’m the same way...”

“Nope your lieing and for that...” she reached over and took my hat. ‘You lose your hat.” She said putting it on her head. Over her Yankee’s viser.

“HEY!” I said grabbing for it...she held it out of my grasp.

“Nope...nope nope.” she said and I finally gave up.

“At least let me wear the Yankee’s thing.” I said and she pulled it off and handed it to me. “Now you get to get made fun of.” I said and she pulled it on and looked actually kinda cute in it...you know how sometimes girls wear there boyfriends t-shirts or somthing...and it’s really hot...I so wished that was the case right now, but she still looked cute even if she wasn’t my girlfriend.

“Okay.” she said opening that little compartment between the two seats and pulled out a bag of gummy bears. “So you are that way or were you lieing to me?” she said eating a gummy bear.

“I really am that way...except I’m a hockey lacrosse, baseball almost stright a student, who’s got the task of helping out with all the guys.” She smiled.

“So we’re simmilar.” she said as she ate two or three bears.

“We have stuff in common.” I said as I reached from my cap. “I’m not taking it...I’m just fixing it.” I said turning it around all the way. “There you go...gotta wear it right.” I said and she smiled.

“Am I gonna start a new fashin trend thanks to Evan Meade?” I nodded, and she smiled. “Well I’m sure paris will be jealous.” she said as she flipped on her turn signal and I looked out and saw the skyline.

“Oh god.” I said as we drove in.

“Chicago is not like some farm city...it’s not that big a difference.”

‘Um yeah it is...” I said as we drove passed famous sights, like central park and got on the broklyn bridge. “Okay so you get pizza in brooklyn?” I asked and she nodded.

“Why not get the best?” she said as we pulled in to Paulie’s Pizzaria. She locked the car and got out still wearing my hat and walked in.

“VALEIE!” an old man with a huge gut, jet black, hair and a tomato sauce stianed apron came out from behind the counter.

“PAULIE!” she called as he hugged her.

“What’s this...what is this...Valarie...” he said poking her head, she laughed.

“It’s Evan’s.”she said stepping next to me. “Paulie Gentilie...Evan Meade.” I shook his head.

“She stole your hat...you laugh at her?” I nodded. “Bad move...bad move.” he said and then he looked at Val. “Be nice to him...be nice.” he said as he grabbed the pizza’s. “And you better get used to broklyn style...I’m not gonna be making Chicago pizza for much longer...it’s blasmafy.” Val laughed and kissed his cheek.

“What’s wrong with you?’ she asked as she handed him her credit card.

“What’s wrong with me what’s wrong with you...I got three empty frames val...I want them pictures...Vito’s got his but I don’t got mine?” she laughed.

“There in the dark room I’ll get em too you...I promise.”

“And I know your promise is good.” he said as she signed.

“Keep outta trouble Pauile.”

“You too.” he said as she left.

“How’d you get to be so close?” I asked as she slid the pizza’s in the back.

“My dad his first advertising client was Paulie’s dad, and it took off from there.” she said as she took a different turn.

“Where we going?” I asked and she smiled.

‘You’ll see.” she said with a smile and I found myself being driven into the heart of New York...Times square.

“Oh my god.” I said looking at her.

“You wanna get out? Look around?” she asked and I shook my head. “You sure?” she asked and I smiled.

“Yep...you’ll just have to show me around later.” she smiled. “Give me the insider’s tour of NYC.” she laughed. “If you want to...I mean you don’t have to...it’s just why not get a tour from sombody who grew up here?” she smiled.

‘I’d like that...if you promise if we ever go to chicago to show me around.” I nodded.

“It’s a date.” she nodded.
‘It is.” she said as we pulled back on to the highway and then headed toward my new home. “Okay so mr. Meade we need the basics.” I looked over at her.

‘Huh?”

“Birthday?’ she said looking at me.

“January 15th.” she smiled. “You?”

“February 1st.” she said and I smiled.

“I’m older.”

“By like two or three weeks.” She said and I shrugged my shoulders.

“Still older.” she rolled her eyes.

“Favorite food?” she asked and I smiled.

“Seafood...mostly shrimp.” she smiled. “Are you laughing at me?’ she started to crack up.

“Nope...I’m a shrimp person too.” she sad and I smiled.

“Ah huh.” I said and she smiled and nodded.

‘I am I swear.” she said and I rolled my eyes. “Okay favortie movie?”

“300.” she smiled.

“Ah so we have a gore fan.” I nodded.

“And historical fiction, batlle stuff... what about you?” she laughed.

“You’d laugh at me.” she said and I looked at her with a smile.

“I tole you mine.” she looked over at me and our eyes met. I swear it was eterinety we held that gaze but she looked away then hit the breaks as she almost hit a squireal. “FUCK!” I yelled as she swereved and bareley missed the squiral.

‘You okay?” she asked looking over at me I nodded.

‘You?’ I asked and I saw a trickle of blood falling from right above her right ear. “Nope...your bleading.” She ran her hand over the cut and laughed.

“I guess it’s a sign that I need new glasses.” she said and I smiled.

“Remarkabley...the pizza didn’t move.” she started to crack up and I realiesed why nobody had hit us...we were on a private road...her road.

‘Good thing the gate’s up there.” she said and I smiled.

“You still need to tell me your favorite movie.”

“The Godfather.” she said as we pulled in.

‘I was expecting, the babe, or the legened that was Lou Gerig.” she laughed.

“Nope...I love the godfather.” she said as the gate opened and we pulled up. We parked and I saw Sparty run after a frisbee and Adian John and Jack running after him mike close behind. “Oh god...make him stop.” she said as we got out.

“He’s a cool dad.”

‘No he’s not.” she said as she grabbed the pizza’s.

“Any dad with a mizarati and a ferrari is cool.”

“HEY PENUAT CUP!” he yelled running over.

‘Oh yeah Evan he’s sooo cool.” she said and I started to crack up.

“DINNER!” I called and Sparty came running over. “Not you mut.” I said as we followed Mike inside.

“Hey guys what can I get you for drinks?” Val asked and we all said diet coke, Mike a bud, and Val was opting for a sprite. Then we were sitting around the table eating pizza.

‘Okay so the...” he cleared his throat. “Yankee’s are on tonight...in an hour and a half....you guys up for it?” we all nodded.

“I’ll get the phone.” Val said standing up.

“What?” John asked and Mike smiled.

“Why not see a game in the stadium? Unless you are tired.” We all shook our heads.

“Dude Yankee stadium.” we all said and Val laughed.

“Dad do you want the suite or the box?’ she asked and we all gaped.

“Boys?”

“Um...suite?” I said and they all nodded.

‘Good chioce.” Mike said and Val dialed the phone.

“Hello I have Micheal Banna calling.” she said and handed the phone to her dad.

“What are you a secretary?” I asked and she smiled.

“Nope but if I say that they think a big client’s coming and they load it up.” She said as she took a bite of Pizza.

“Oh.” I said and she smiled.

“Hey you haven’t seen your room yet.” she said as her dad got up from the table and walked out of the room.

“Dude it’s amazing.” John said and Val smiled. “Aparentley Val hired the decorators.” Val laughed.

“Nope...my dad hired them...I just picked them out.” she said and I smiled. “Come on.” she said standing up. I followed her up the huge white marble stiarcase and she lead me down a hall way. “Um...I think this is Adian.” she said pionting to a blue door. “This is John.” she said pionting to a red door. “This is Jack.” another blue door. “And this is you.” she said opening the door at the end of the hall. I walked passed her inro a huge room...with a black rod iron bed with my old comferters...all my old posters handing on the blue walls...”The color of the walls was created to be Bears blue.” I laughed at that and looked around, all my stuff was here...an awsome desk was sitting next to a window with a window seat which was padded by a apolstered Chicago bears blanket turned into a window seat. “Check out the desk it’s my favorite thing...like ever.” she said and I walked over...the desk was black and the top was ticketts from bulls games, white soxs, cubs, and bears games underneath a sheet of glass.

“This is amazing.” I said running my hand over it. “Did you really help with this?” I asked and she nodded.

“I know if my dad moved me away from anything I knew...I’d want my room to be a little reminder of home...and if you don’t like it..we can change it.” I held up my hand.

‘I love it.” she smiled.

“I’m glad.” she said with this huge grin, and I knew I’d made her like really happy.

“Now where’s your room?” she laughed.

‘In the east wing.” she said with a smile.

‘This place has wings?” she laughed and I smiled.

“It’s got three...we’re in the west wing right now...the east branches off when you go down the hall all the way and turn left, the north wing branches directley back on the other side of the pool.” she said pionting out the window... “That’s where my dad’s office and bedroom is.” She said and I smiled.

“You said you were a swimmer...” I said and she nodded.

“Yep...state champ two years in a row.” she said with a smile. I pionted to the pool

“What kinda pool is that?’ I asked.

“Olympic size rec pool...wait all your brothers can swim right?” I nodded.

“Yeah we all had those lessons at the Y.” she smiled.

‘I taught those the last two years.”

“Adian’s still a little afriad of the water. He wont put his face under water and if it touches his mouth he freaks out.” I said and she smiled. “I’ve tried like eight times to get him to even blow bubbles in the bathtub but he wont...I think it’s cause he fell off a dock one summer.”

“I’ll make you a bet.” she said turning to me.

“And that is?” I asked trying to be sly.

“If I can get adian to hold his breath under water in three weeks....you buy me dinner.” I looked at her a little surprised.

“And if you don’t?”

“I wear a cubs jersey to the cubs yanks game.” I laughed and shook my head.

“You don’t do it...we go to a movie.” I said with a smile and she smiled back this really hot sexy smile.

“It’s a deal.” she said sticking her hand out...I shook her hand and she laughed. “Okay...I’m gonna go get ready...you probably should too.” she said letting go and walking out of my room. I waited for the door to close and I did my victory dance. I had to email Kale...had too.
____________________________________________________________________________
To- Kalemail@gmail.com.
From- E-meade@yahoo.com.

Day 1
Email 1

Okay so I’m going to send you my field diary of relocating to this part of the world. Observations- house huge! It has wings dude...like the north wing, the south wing, and so on. It is a mansion which has an olympic size pool, and one of the hottest girls of the mellenium living here. Kale she’s amazing and oh my god...she’s been flirting with me...I’m gonna try and get a pic to send you but I mean she’s really a nice person, she cares and she’s smart...and she LOVES sports do you know how much I wish you were here right now. I mean guess what were doing tonight...we’re going to the Yankee’s game...we’re sitting in a suite and I’m sure Val will sit next to me...god I’m crushing on her already dude...I wish so much you could just drive over and we could talk....I’m gonna take pictures to send back to you just to be sure you know what I’m living in now. I miss you like crazy dude, and I’ll write you when I get back. I swear...you’re gonna be sick of me.
Peace for now.
Evan.
____________________________________________________________________________

I sent Kale my email after accsessing the wireless connection and then pulled on my only yankee’s cap and a blue polo shirt and some flip flops and headed down stairs to see Val dressed in a Yankee’s t-shirt with a hot hot hot jean skirt which showed off her legs, her amazing tight legs and a pair of blue flip flops and a yankee’s cap. She smiled and handed me my bulls cap.

“Can’t have that in my room for too long...you’ll never get it back.” she said with a smile and I laughed. John and Jack came running down the stiars and stopped next to me and I saw John take in Val and I so wanted to punch him.

“Valarie!” Mike said as he came down the stiars he wasn’t mad he was just calling for her.

“Right here.”

“A- pants...b- James called.”

“Who?”

“Don’t care and no.” she said as her cell started to play some sorta weird ring. “He won’t give up.” she said as we walked out towards the car.

‘Who?” I asked and she looked at me.

“The guy I dumped last month...” she said as she shoved her phone in her back pocket.

“Why?”

“Cause he thinks it’s okay to cheat on me and then talk to me.”

‘Oh!” I said and she laughed.

“Sorry...too much drama.” she said getting in the car. The drive to the game was uneventful as mike pulled on a redsox jersey. “Do you have a death wish?” Val asked crossing her legs.

“Nope...” he said txting sombody.

“Can you put the office away for one night?” she pleaded and he looked up at her and then around at us and hit the power button. “Yeah!” she said clapping and he smiled.

“Yankee stadium.” Tony said.

“Oh I think we got on the wrong trian...the speakers are clear.” she said and Tony laughed.

“Get me a hot dog.” he said and she high fived him.

“Will do.” she said getting out. Little did we know that the Banna’s were like royalty here.

“Mr. Banna...” a woman with a tape recorder said running past us. “Angela Kings Forbes magazine...I’d like to know what you think about the recent up swing of your company?” she held the tape recorder out to him.

“I promised my duaghter I’d leave the office at home tonight...no comment.” he said and Val smiled.

“Ah yes Miss Banna, is it true that you strongly distaste your father’s buissness and beg him to leave it behind to spend more time with you.” Val looked kinda mad.

“I don’t know where that insane acusation came frome, but I am actually quite fond of my father’s buissness and only asked him to allow himself one night of stress free relaxation...nothing more or less...so I guess your not helping that...” the lady looked taken aback. “Oh and cute shoes...gucci right?” the lady nodded. “Well miss kings it appears that you have no story here...no comment.” she said as we walked in and mike High fived Val.

“Oh god bless your recovery time.” he said hugging her.

“Hopefully you guys won’t have to put up with that.” she said as Mike Jack and Adian walked ahead and she walked between me and John.

“I could spew a few hard words at that lady.” John said and I smiled.

“Jack wouldn’t be able to say anything with out a crack.” Val hit my arm.

‘Leave your brother alone...it’s not funny...a guy at my school transfered because the football team called him Cracking kit.” we both looked at her apologetic. “Ha! I got you both sooo good!” She said as she pushed open the door her dad had just dissapeared into.

“Oh not funny Banna not funny.” I said as we walked into the huge sweet, it was filled with food, and t.v.s and a computer and out side these glass windows private seats and the most amazing view of Yankee stadium. “OH. MY. GOD.” I said and Val laughed.

“I know.” she said handing me a shrimp cocktail “Enjoy.” she said walking out and grabbing a bag of peanuts. She sat down in one of the amazingly comfertabe blue shiars and watched the players warm up.

“Okay so this is like a normal activity for you?’ she laughed.

‘Hell no.” she said.

“LANGUGE VALARIE!” mike called and she looked at me.

“How do they?” I shrugged.

“There dad’s.”

“Good piont.” she said crossing her legs. “This is a rare treat the suite...normaly if I wanna see a game I have to come with a date or the son of a buissness collegue...nobody I’d actually want to go with.” she said and I smiled.

‘You want to go to a game with me and them?” I asked and she nodded.

‘I’ve always wanted some form of siblings.”

“Oh bite your tounge.” I said as I biting to a shrimp.

“What?’

“You don’t want siblings...you have it made girly you have it made.” I said and she laughed and then started to cheer as the teams took the field.

“BRING IT HOME THIS YEAR BOYS!” she called and I smiled.

‘Like the series trophy belongs here.”

‘Oh no the world champs trophy does.” she said and I laughed...and we talked and flirted like this the first three innings then Adian ran over and jumped in my lap.

“Hey buddy.” Val said and he smiled.

“Can have some peanuts?” she held the bag out to him and he took a handful and then bit into one with out pealing it.

“You gotta peal the shells off or it tastes nasty.” I said breaking it, and handing him the nuts.

‘Oh...LOOK!” he said pionting to the guy with a baseball for a head.

‘That’s Mr. Yankee.” Val said and I smiled at her.

“He’s cool.”

‘You wanna go meet him?” val asked and he nodded. “Cool let’s go.” she said and I went to go . “you can stay...I’m not gonna kidnap him or anything.” I smiled and sat down Mike coming down and sitting next to me.

“So your dad said you play sports.” I nodded.

‘Yeah a few.” I said as I saw Val and Adian appear walking down the isleway val had a camera in hand.

“What ones?”

“Lacrosse, baseball, and hockey.” I said with a smile and he laughed.

“That would explain the muscles.”

‘Nope...there for show.” I said and he laughed.

“Do you have any idea where you wanna go to college?” I shrugged.

“I’ve been thinking about Michigan State, or NYU...but didn’t really have a lotta extra time to think about it.” I said taking a drink of mountian dew.

‘What do you wanna study?’

“Education...” I said suprising him.

‘Really?”

‘Yep...I wanna teach...probably middle school...but I wanna teach.”

‘That’s admireable.”

“It’s a fall back...my dream is to go pro in hockey...I’ve had a few offers from colleges but none that I’m really interested in.” I said and he smiled.

‘You’ll have to try out for the team at your new school...three stanley cup winners went there.” I smiled.

“Cool.” I said taking a drink of my coke. “I was actually thinking about trying out for the baseball team but...schools out so I won’t be able to till next summer.” he smiled.

“Oh Val’s gonna love you...she’s the sports writer for the school news paper, and the sports caster on the morning anoucments.” I smiled.

“So she’s gonna be asking for interviews and stuff?” I asked and he nodded.

‘I had the whole football team in my living room last year...” I laughed. “I walked in and they were all sitting there looking at me...”

“And he looked around and called my name three times...”

“She came out holding about twenty pounds of chips. They were sitting in my formal living room...and with a teenage girl in the house, and about fifty burly guys well dad freaks out.” he said as Val handed him a soda and Adian ran at me sporting a yankee’s cap.

‘Look what Val bought me!” He said holding it and I smiled.

“Did you say thank you?” I asked and she smiled.

“Ten times.” she said picking him up. “Peanuts?” she asked and he nodded. “Cool.” she said setting him down and watching as the yankee’s got a run. “OH YEAH!” she said as she walked up the isle way and Adian propped himself on my lap, roughly making me cringe.

“Been there.” Mike said and I took a deep breath, and bounced my knee and Adian laughed and hung on...I loved the way I could make him smile by doing the simplest things. Val jumped over the seat next to me and laughed as I moved my leg from side to side Adian giggling as I did this.

“You’re great with him.” she said with a smile.

“He’s my baby brother...” I said looking at her and she smiled.

“Awww Evan’s a softee.” she said and I covered her mouth with my hand.

‘SHH! Do you want to ruin any chance I have at being a normal guy.” she laughed and I let my hand off, and Mike’s phone started buzzing and Val reached across and grabbed it out of his hand and then sitting back.

“VALARIE!” he said and I laughed.

“I’m the monkey in the middle.” I said and Adian laughed.

“Mr. Banna is unable to come to the phone at the present time may I take a messege and have him call you back once he is able?” she said with a smile. Mike was fuming. “Oh yes I’ll have him call you.” she said then hung up and handed him the phone.

“Who was it?”

“I don’t know...you tell me.” she said and he opened the phone.

“NO! Val she’s not...”

“Should I leave?” I asked.

“She’s the new recrut married three kids I swear.” Val looked over at him.

“You a bit protective of your dad.” I said and he nodded.
“I hope you’re telling the truth.” she said biting into a peanut.

“Would I lie to you?” he asked and she looked at him.

“Maybe.”

“Oh shut it.” he said looking forward. We sat there and watched the Yankee’s win agianst the mets and Val and Mike spoke scarse words save a few “and my team is what?’ and “Oh you’re just jelous your team can’t win.” along with the ever popular “The New York what?...huh dad...the New York what?” then all that had made them stop talking ended as we got in the limo. Mike and Val did nothing but talk about the plays and the moves and how the picks differed and it made me grow more and more smitten with this amazing girl...I mean what guy doesnt want a girl who can watch sports and not get “can we change it or turn it off I wanna talk to you.” Then half way home Mike laughed and I looked up at him.

“What?’ he pointed to the corner. Val was curled up on the seat her head laying on her arm as her hair flowed about her. She shuddered and pulled her legs up. Mike got on his knees and pulled off his Jersey and laid it over her.

“I swear it’s moments like this your dad and I savor when you guys seem all little agian.” he whispered and I smiled.

“At least my dad doesn’t call me peanut cup.” he laughed and shook his head.

‘Long story involving her asking for a peanut butter cup...and calling it peanut cup...can I have a peanut cup daddy...can I?” he said mocking her voice and all the guys laughed and Val didn’t even move. “Do you guys like your rooms?” he asked and we all nodded.

“I can’t beliave you put a booth in mine thanks so much.” John said and Mike smiled.

“Thank her...she called your dad and asked what your hobbies and all that stuff was.” I looked at her and smiled.

“Home sweet home sir.”

‘Thanks Tony...tell pearl I say hi.” he said scopping Val up.

“Watch her head.” he said getting out and mike carried her in like you would a five year old and waved good night to us.

‘See ya guys in the morning.” he said as we dissapeared into our room.

“See ya.” we all said. I watched out the window as he walked out around the pool and into his part of the house.

“Yo.” John said knocking... “Dude she set you up, god this is amazing.” he said looking around.

‘Let me see yours.” I said standing up. He walked me into the black and red walled room with his posters all over the walls along with a few guitars hung and an awsome record booth in the corner. “God this is so you.” I said and he smiled

“You should see Adians...it’s all his stuff....like a giant toy room with blue walls and a baseball mural...” I walked out of the hall and into Adian’s room and he was sitting there in the middle of the room holding his bear.

“Hey.” I said sitting down, he sniffled and looked up at me eyes glistening with tears. “What’s up buddy?” I asked grabbing him and holding him close.

“I miss Daddy.” he said and I rubbed his back and held on tight...he didn’t normaly go to bed for the next two hours what was I gonna do with him till then. “I miss him...” he said grabbing my chest.

“Do you want me to make you snug as a bug in a rug?” I asked and he nodded, and I picked him up and wrapped him in his blankets and he smiled.

‘I love you Evan.” he said kissing me.

“I love you too buddy.” I said ruffiling his hair and James came running back in the room.

“Evan you have got to see this...you sleep good Addy...we’ll be back.” he said pulling on my arm.

“What is so important?”I asked and he pulled me to the window in my room and pushed me toward the window. “OH god!” I said...she was swimming just doing laps...but she looked so hot.

“Look at her man.” he said shoving my shoulder... “Wanna trade rooms?” I shook my head and watched. She stopped in the shallow end and looked around...John and I shot agianst the wall and then we watched as she wrapped a towel around her self and walked toward her dad’s part of the house locking the doors and then she pulled the towel off and I saw she was wearing a two piece.

“What’s she doing?” I asked as she rubbed the back of her neck.

“I don’t know...but I like it.” John said as she moved toward the deep end. She stopped and did the un thinkable she pulled off her top and bottoms. “Holy shit...holy shit.” John said and then she grabbed a one piece off the chair and pulled it up her legs. “No...come on Val...no.” he said and I wacked the back of his head. She walked out on the swimmer launch thing, and pulled her hair up and I slid open the window.

“Val Banna on the block...waiting for the shot...title on the line she readys.” she was doing her own monolouge. “She dove into the water with extreame grace and took off...flying through the water at unthinkable speed.

“Woah look at her go.” he said as she went around for the tenth time...her body flying through the water at break neck speads. She did one hundred laps and pulled her slef out of the water exhausted. She flopped down on the ground her chest rising and falling and then she pushed her self up and grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her walking inside. John and I smiled.

"I can get used to this." i said and a knock on my door made me and John jump. "Fuck." I whispered as I moved toward the door. I slowly opened the door to find her standing there still soaking smiling.

"You two should jion me next time." she said with a smile.

"You saw us?" I asked and she laughed.

"i heard you." she said looking at John.

"Man now we're never gonna look like good guys..." i said and she laughed.

"I don't know about that...i just think you're both teenagers...hell i'm one too...just don't spy on me."