Forbidden

"Holy Mother of Cow"

It was hot.

My room felt like an oven. 

I groaned and tossed my covers off of me. Swinging my legs over, I stood up and headed to the kitchen.

"-Need to be here as much as possible."

I paused in the doorway of the kitchen. Those voices belong to my parents. What are they talking about?

It felt wrong. It is wrong. I should be in bed sleeping instead of eavesdropping in their conversation.

"Honey, we have no choice. The case requires me to be in that town, and it's an eight hour drive. I can't drive that everyday. I'm going to need to stay there," dad said.

"But what about Brinley? She barely remembers anything. She needs our help, Lawrence."

They shuffled around, "I agree, but Nick is here, sweetheart. He's a good lad. He can help her. They've done this plenty of times. Please just think about it."

My breath caught in my throat, and I hurried back upstairs.

'They've done this plenty of times'. 

Does that mean that they always left us?

I froze when I heard voices outside my door. When both of them passed it without checking if I was still sleeping, I relaxed. 

Sleep would not come to me. I thought water would help, however that plan changed. 

Deciding that maybe watching T.V. would help me, I headed back downstairs. 

I pulled the blanket that was draped on the arm of the sofa, and curled up in it. 

The last thing I remembered was flicking through the channels looking for something to watch.

~

Something warm was pressed against my cheeks. 

I groaned and attempted to stretch.

However, something was restricting me to do so.

I slowly opened my eyes.

Shock registered through my body.

I was still on the couch. However, I wasn't alone.

Nick was laying with me. His arms around my waist. The blanket that I was bundled up with was now draped over both of us. 

"You're finally awake!" a voice happily said.

I looked up to see my mom smiling.

I froze. 

Holy mother of cow.

"Don't you two look sweet? I haven't seen this kind of affection from both of you in 8 years!" she exclaimed happily. 

My body relaxed. 

I laughed nervously, "Can you blame us? We're grown already, Mom."

She put her hands on her heart, "My babies are growing up so fast."

She came closer and stroked my face.

"Try and slow down, yeah? Mommy's not ready for that yet."

I gently smiled and nodded. 

"Now come in the kitchen, I've got something to talk to you about. Both of you, so wake him up."

She glided to the kitchen. 

Ready to yell at him for almost getting us into trouble, I looked down and opened my mouth. However, no sound came. My expression softened when I looked at his face. He looked innocent. Like a little boy again. I gently stroked his cheek.

He suddenly shifted and groaned. When he slowly opened his eyes, he smiled. 

"Good morning," he mumbled sleepily. 

I smiled, "Morning."

His arms tightened around me.

"Nick, mom wants us to go into the kitchen."

His body froze, "Did she s-"

"Yes, now come on into the kitchen," I interrupted him. 

I held my hand out to him to help him get up. He hesitated for a moment, but took my offered hand. 

Before entering the kitchen we dropped our joined hands. 

We both took a seat on the stools. 

Mom cleared her throat, "Your father and I have been talking. We both don't think it's a good idea to leave both of you here. However, his job requires him to be in another town. Of course he asked me to go along with him, but I am concerned. Brinley, you're still recovering. I don't want to leave you alone. I'll stay if you want me to."

"Mom, really if you want to go you can."

Shock registered in her eyes, "But what about you?"

I smiled and reached for her hand, "I'll be alright. I'm a big girl now. Plus Nick is here with me. We'll be okay."

I quickly glanced at him, making sure that it was okay. My heart skipped a beat when my eyes met his full of emotion.

"Yeah, Mom. We'll be okay. It's not the first time," Nick said.

She hesitated, "If that's what you both want." 

~

"Put some clothes on!"

I threw a pillow at a butt-naked Nick.

He had just gotten out of the shower, and is parading around the house without any clothes on. 

Our parents left an hour ago leaving us with money for food and enough hugs and kisses to last a lifetime.

He guffawed.

"Don't you enjoy this? I know you do!"

I glared at him and stuck my tongue out. 

"Get out already. I'm going to get ready."

He finally left, but not before running around me twice and licking my face.

30 minutes later I was standing in front of my mirror looking at myself.

I wore leggings and a long floral top along with brown riding boots. My hair was curled and was put in a half-up half-down hairstyle, and my makeup was kept light.

I took a step into the hallway and froze. 

Nick was there, leaning against the wall with his legs crossed. 

He wore jeans with a baby blue buttoned up shirt. He paired it with a pair of Sperry. His hair, which permanently had a cowlick, looked more disheveled in a sexy way.

His lips curved, and he held out his hand.

I took a deep breath and placed mine in his. 

"You ready?" he asked.

I smiled, "As ready as I'll ever be."