Fallen (Fallen 1)

“Yep. They’ve never judged me like my parents. When I got wasted for the first and only time they snuck me in, stayed the entire night with me, and covered for me the next morning. They’ve always got my back.” I said suddenly missing my brothers more than ever.

“I should call them and tell them about my mom.” I said.

“That may be a good idea,” said Jonathon walking towards a long row of different colored vespas.

Adam picked up on the second ring.

“Kylie.” He spoke sounding worried. “Why haven’t you called?” He asked.

“I’m sorry but I’ve been worried about mom. And then the other day I came home and she had tried to commit suicide. I’ve been so scared. But she’s fine now and she was released this morning.”

“Kylie! Why didn’t you tell us? Is she going to be okay?” He asked panicking but trying to keep his voice calm for my benefit. They were always trying to protect me.

“I think so.” I said in a small voice avoiding his first question. I hadn’t wanted to worry them. It was my turn to protect them.

“Should Aiden and I come?” he asked. I could picture him pacing in his dorm room ruffling his hair.

“I don’t think so. You guys have classes. If I need you I’ll call and tell you both to board a plane.” I said jokingly trying to lighten the somber conversation.

“Okay. How’s Rome?” He asked and I think he could tell that I didn’t want to talk about mom anymore.

“Different but beautiful.” I said looking over at Jonathon.

“Have you met anybody?” He asked.

I laughed. Brothers. “Yeah, I think so.”

“Kylie, you slut.” He said jokingly.

“Adam be nice.” I said. He laughed. I could hear Aiden in the background.

“I have to go.” I said.

“Love you Kylie. Don’t get into trouble.”

“I’ll try not to. I love you Adam. Tell Aiden I love him too.”

“I will.” He laughed.

“Bye.” I said.

“Bye Kylie.” He said as I hung up.

I walked over to where Jonathon was standing. Still not entirely sure why we were here.

“Why are we here?” I asked still thinking about the motorcycle.

“Isn’t it obvious?”

“Not really.” I said.

“We’re getting a different car. Well, a vespa to be exact.”

“Why can’t you drive your mustang?”

“Kylie, if you really want to see Rome you don’t drive around in a mustang. You drive a vespa.”

“I still don’t understand.” I said cradling my arms in a protective stance. The conversation with my brothers had frightened me. Things with my mom could have been a lot worse. She could be dead.