The Youngest Of Five (COMPLETED)

thirty five

Alexa

I had one brother reply to the message, the twins tried calling me but I declined their calls. All but Brandon were messaging me and calling, typical really. Brandon's never cared about me; never been the typical older brother to take me for icecream or to the movies. Instead, he's the one I usually fight with, he's the one who broke my arm in a wrestling match I was forced to do. Brandon is awful and scary, I hate being around him sometimes

I read their messages, my hands were trembling and my heart was beating fast. Why am I nervous?

Clicking on the new notification, I began to read Elliott's message

Alexa, where are you? Don't do this to us please! We love you and care about you, just ring me when you see this. We aren't mad, I promise. Get in touch ASAP, I love you xxxx

That message sums Elliott up really, short and sweet. He's never been one to express his emotions, but when he does, he says how he feels in a few words

Elliott

"We can't give up yet" I commented, we've been driving now for an hour and a half and there is still no sign of her - and our town is pretty small

Brandon pulled into our driveway "Tough, we are. I'm tired of driving now"

We each got out of the car and made our way inside, Brandon grabbed a beer from the kitchen and made himself comfortable on the sofa

"I'm not giving up" letting out a sigh, I grabbed my own car keys "I'll be back soon"

Just as I went to leave, Brandon grabbed my arm, stopping me from moving

"You're being silly now, we are not going to find her. She's left for the better" he growled

I pushed him off me "Don't say that! She's our baby sister"

"Don't be stupid, she's 17 and doesn't want us helping her anymore" Brandon looked angry

Grabbing a photograph from the mantlepiece of the five of us, I showed him it - the picture was capturing us all at Christmas in front of the tree, Alexa was probably 3/4 years old, we were in matching pyjamas, all smiling and hugging

"Look at this! She's our sister, she doesn't deserve the torment we give her, the punching, the kicking...she deserves warmth and love" I shouted

Brandon pushed it away and grabbed my arm "You go look for her then, but when she comes home and then has a hissy-fit, don't come crying to me. Idiot"

Pulling myself away, I stormed out of the house and slammed the door. I am going to find her

I decided to go back to that bridge, first I would see if the girl was still there and if she wanted any food, and then I would look for Alexa

Alexa

I left my spot where I had slept, and found myself walking for a total of half an hour. By now, I was further out from where I expected, finding myself at a small cafe. It was cute and had fairy lights inside

Sitting myself down at a two-man seat, I pulled the menu up and began scannnng it. I had found a £20 in the bottom of my bag, mum always told me to carry emergency money, because 'you will never know when you need it'.

I chose a chocolate milkshake with cream (to take out), hoping it would give me a sugar rush I needed. The waitress was tall and pretty, with long brunette hair and a smile that could light up a room

"I-is everything okay?" she asked, stopping and looking at me

I knew she was talking about my face and how bad the bruies look "Meh, I've been better"

She sat down and smiled at me "Let's talk about it"

Using the back of my hand, I wiped my eyes, not realising I had started crying

She placed her hand on mine "You're a pretty girl, don't let anything get you down"

Taking a deep breath, I began to explain everything, I had to stop a few times as I was crying, but she listened to my every word

"It seems you have had a tough few days. Don't worry girl, your brothers don't hate you, they won't be mad at you. They will understand what happened and if someone threw a punch at you first, they'll realise you were defending yourself. If you give them a call, explaining everything, it will be easier for you when you do see them"

"T-thank you.." I paused as I realised I didn't know her name

"I'm Lauren, if you ever want to talk, just ask for me"

I reached into my bag to pay for my drink, but she stopped me

"It's on the house" she winked, embracing me in a hug

I thanked her again, before taking a sip of my drink and heading out of the door with it. I sat myself down on the bench outside. I made the decision to call Elliott

My fingers were shaking as I dialed his number, which I held to my ear

Elliott

The girl had moved from the bridge, hopefully she had found somewhere safe to go. Driving around the town, I prayed I would see Alexa, when I do, I'll bring her into a hug and tell her I love her

A new song came onto my playlist, I'll be there, by Jess Glynne. It's one of Alexa's favourite songs, she says she likes the lyrics, because they remind her that no matter how upset or lonely she feels, she has her family around her

By now I have been driving for around twenty minutes, when my phone began to ring, interrupting my thoughts. I answered the call and hit it onto speaker

"Hello?" I asked

"Elliott" the voice was soft and gentle "It's me"

I pulled into the nearby car park and began to talk. The voice belonging to Alexa made me gulp, and a tear rolled down my cheek

"Are you okay? Where are you? Are you safe? Is everything okay?" I asked her, shooting the questions out

"Can you come get me?" she asked "I'm outside Carl's Coffee"

"I'm on my way. I won't be long. I love you-" she hung up

I know roughly where Carl's Coffee is, so I hit the pedals and made my way to the cafe

Alexa

I sat on the bench, my legs dangling off as I waited for Elliott. I'm scared to see him, because I don't know how he will react to everything..

After what felt like an eternity, a familar car pulled up, and I saw someone get out. Elliott ran up to me and gave me a hug

"You're alright? Are you hurt?" he asked

I looked up at him "I'm fine, a-are you mad?"

Elliott shook his head as we walked to his car "Not anymore, I'm just glad you're safe"