TWO

Sunday.

My favorite day of the week. The day when even the most wicked of people can catch up on their rest.

But that's not the case for me.

I'm currently on my bed, having a lazy day with Carter and Brooke. I shove ice cream into my mouth while re-runs of Gilmore Girls blare on the laptop screen.

“I really don't get why Lorelai still doesn't find happiness at the end." Carter frowns, throwing his bowl of buttery popcorn at the screen.

Our friendship dates back to our parents. My father, Jack Stuart, Amelia's mum, Carter's dad and Brooke's dad have all been good friends for as long as junior year, so it's easy to guess how that turned out.

I laugh at him and continue watching when a buzz from my phone interrupts me.

I grumble, rolling to my bedside to check who was trying to ruin this blessed day for me.

Picking my phone up, my father's name glares back at me in bold, blocks letters.

I turn to give my best friends a face that they instantly understand.

They turn off the laptop and dash out of the room, giving me privacy.

My father only calls me for two reasons. When I'm in trouble, or when he wants to see me. Either way, it's always bad.

I swallow thickly and pick it up.

“Why would you let your phone ring for so long? Do you think I have all day?" Were the first words that greeted me. No "good morning?" Or "How are you doing?"

It hurt.

“Hello to you too father. What? I'm fine, thank you for asking." I reply sarcastically, a sour expression clouding my face.

“Don't you dare use that tone on me young lady." He reprimands sharply, malice lacing his tone.

How did we get to this point? Gone were those days when he called just to know if I was okay.

After a minute of thought, I finally ask: “Whatever, why did you call?"

“Good to know you realize that I called for a reason.” He spoke. I roll my eyes.

“I need you to come home next week Friday, there's an important dinner that you have to attend.”

“Why is it so important?”

“Don't start with your questions. Dress nicely and don't embarrass me. Goodbye.” He states briskly, cutting the call before I have a chance to get a word in edgewise.

I scoff at the phone, irritation welling up inside of me.

Dad and I don't have the best relationship. We argue a lot nowadays and can never seem to agree on anything.

But the thing is, we weren't always like that.

We once had the perfect father and daughter relationship,

But things changed after my brother went missing three years ago.

Nobody took it lightly.

Dad was a mess; Mom was hysterical and my friends were all equally distraught.

Out of all of them, I was affected the worst. I fell into a deep depression because he was the one person that kept me going.

He was like the light house, pulling in my ship from the dark, dreary sea.

He was not only my older brother by four minutes, but he was the one person that knew me inside out.

Amelia, Brooke and Carter couldn't compare to him, no matter how hard they tried to.

I still remember the days after. Dad hired the best detectives and investigators to look for Leon, but no evidence showed up.

Dad was driven by grief - he started drowning himself in business and meetings. He stopped talking to me and Logan, my older brother. I was affected the worst. He avoided me like the plague, and I wondered if it was because I reminded him of Leon too much.

We were basically carbon copies of each other. Inseparable, the only difference being our genders.

Some days, I wonder how mum even tolerates him anymore. But deep down in my heart, I know better. He cares too much, and he's grieving. Grieving for his lost son.

Our fights got worse and worse, until one day I snapped. I had enough of him. I packed my bags and left.

I had to leave mum, and it tore me apart. I knew how much she needed me, seeing that Logan was already married and had to stay with his pregnant wife. I knew how devastated she must have been, so I always kept in touch. Dad, on the other hand, was avoided religiously. I only came home for the holidays and left speedily after. Everything in that house reminded me of Leon.

Amelia stepped inside the room, breaking my thoughts.

“You know, you can't sit and think all day." she said, flopping down next to me.

I turn and stare flatly at her.

“Okay, fine. Tell me what happened.” Amelia sighs, seeing as I wasn't in the mood for jokes.

I tell her everything, especially how he fucking cut the phone on me.

“I don't think I want to go.” I declare viciously.

“Are you hearing yourself?" She asks in disbelief. I know where this is heading to.

“Yes, I am.”

“Are you sure you're ready to see the wrath of your father?"

“Look I'm not going, and that's final!” I growl, ending the subject. I don't care. I won't give him the satisfaction.

“Okay, okay!" She surrenders, raising her hands. "Carter's gone for a date, and Brooke and I want to go for our walk. You coming?" She asks, speedily changing the topic and standing up.

“No, I don't think so. I'll just rest. I'm quite tired and I have classes really early tomorrow. You guys should go enjoy yourselves” I say, making myself comfortable on the bed.

“Take care of yourself, okay? I love you chicka.” she says affectionately, her Spanish accent coloring her words. She leaves the room quickly.

I wasn't really in the mood to leave my room, but I felt bad about turning down a walk with Amelia and Brooke. It's our favorite thing to do on Sundays, but there's a point in one's life where you just need to be alone.

Sitting up and skimming my bookcase, I picked a rather thick one to read. After a while I got disinterested, which I must say, is very unlike me.

Sighing, I picked up a picture of Leon giving me a piggyback ride on our 16th birthday party, exactly a week before he disappeared. I smiled sadly.

Oh God, we looked so happy.

I remember our promise to each other on our 16th birthday

-----

"Hey, Raine." Leon calls.

"Yes, Lee?" I reply, using the name I fondly call him with.

"Promise me something."

I turn my head to him curiously.

"What?"

He sighed, and took my hands in his.

"Promise me that you'll never leave me. Promise me that no matter what happens you'll always be my Candi and I'll always be your Brandi."

"Of course, we'll always be together! that's why we're twins, dummy!" I said with a grin as he kissed my forehead.

"Promise?"

"Promise."

--------

“You promised me. How dare you break a promise! You liar! You liar! “I cry, banging my fists down onto the bed as my eyes blur from the tears. The pain of not knowing if he was okay was unbearable.

It hurts.

My brain goes to dark places. He could be in trouble or in pain, and I was powerless to save him.

“I miss you." I say to the empty room with a shaky breath, waiting for the tears to wear me down enough so I can finally fall asleep. Like every other day, I silently pray for the nightmares to stay at bay.