My brother's best friend

Chapter fifteen

I stare at my phone, Daniel's name on the screen, my finger ready to press the call button. But I couldn't bring myself to press the button. I know he has to know, but do I have to tell him right away? Can't I just keep it to myself for just a few more weeks? In a few more weeks you'll be fat. I cringe at the small voice's comment. But I can't ignore it. It's true, if I keep this to myself for another 6 weeks I'll be fat and everyone will know.

My phone vibrates and I almost drop it from the fright I got. The caller ID flashes Amanda a few times before I press the answer button. "Hello?" My voice sounds a little shaky so I clear my throat, hoping I will sound better.

"Hello, Lollipop." Amanda chimes from the other end. "I was wondering if you'd like to come over for dinner?" I am baffled by her invitation. It's not that I don't want to go, but I am pretty sure it will be beyond awkward between Daniel and me.

Screw Daniel. You miss the Greene's. Let's go. For once I don't push the voice in my head to the side and agree to the dinner, "It sounds fun." I hear the excitement in her voice as she says to be there at 7 and to just bring myself.

After sitting on the couch for a long time, wondering how I'm going to tell Daniel, I decided to get ready for tonight. Should I tell him before dinner? After? During? I shake my head as the questions keep flowing through my mind.

I decide on jeans and a slightly baggy shirt, I am suddenly very aware of the small bump. I pull on flats and pull mu hair into a bun. I decide to skip make-up, after all, it's not like I want to impress anyone.

By 7 I'm out the door and across the street. I ring the doorbell and wait for someone to open the door. When the door is opened, I am surprised to see Will on the other side. I frown, "I didn't know you were going to be here." He smiles, "I need to come to check on my baby sister and brother. Is that a problem?" I shake my head and wrap my arms around him.

I feel him slightly tens before wrapping me in his arms. I don't usually hug Will, but I really am grateful to see him. I needed this. I needed a hug to calm my nerves. I needed someone to tell me everything will be fine. Right now, wrapped in Will's arms, I feel like I can do anything. Hopefully, that feeling will last throughout the dinner.

It doesn't. I am seated across from Daniel who refuses to look my way and just behind him on a shelf is a picture of my parents. I feel the guilt sitting in the pit of my stomach, as their eyes give me disapproving looks like they were here right now telling me how horrible I was. To top it all off, Daniel decided to bring a date. She has short red hair, spiked in all different directions.

"Abby, tell us, what you do?" Taylor asks. I can see she's not impressed with her brother at all. The girl smiles and starts talking. I hear something of waitress and Taylor challenging her on her future. But I'm not really interested. As long as she keeps talking it keeps the attention away from me.

"We've missed you two." Amanda voices after a while. Will looks up from his plate, "I've defiantly missed your cooking." Amanda smiles a wide, proud smile, "Don't they feed you there?" Will laughs, "Not when you're in your last year and studying all the time. There's no time to go to the dining hall." Amanda frowns, "We better send you some leftovers then." Will thanks her before digging in again.

For a moment I thought I was saved from explaining where I've been, but I was wrong. After taking a sip of her wine Amanda turned sideways to speak to me, "And you, Lollipop?" I try to smile, "I've been working very hard the last couple of weeks. Nothing special. The studio is quite a hand full." Amanda nods, "I can believe that."

I sigh with relief. "Are you eating properly?" She asks. I bite my lip, I don't really, but I nod anyway. "I try to." Amanda nods, "We better send you some food too, then." I smile and continue eating.