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"It all really started about ten years ago," I began, looking over at Phillip for guidance. He nodded as if to assure me of something, and I continued.

"It was my mother, my father and myself. We were the perfect family in my eyes. Dad had a good job and we actually lived slightly higher than middle class. We lived here, in the "hills" which is the rich part of this town. Nana lived in the very house I live in now, so we visited often. That's how I met Marion....and Brandon."

"Things were...perfect. I was only six years old, but I had friends, and family, and everything I wanted. It was just right. And then, people got crazy when they saw how much better off we were than them. A certain guy, Randall Dames, was especially jealous. Believe it or not, he and mom had dated back in high school, and he was sure they were going to get married. But dad came along and mom fell really in love. She left Randall without a second glance."

"Then my dad got a promotion, and I guess Randall couldn't stand to see our fortune. He snuck up one night, while mom and dad were sleeping. I was awake and watching out the window. He saw me and made me promise not to tell. I didn't..." Slowly, the tears started up again and I forced myself to continue on. "I didn't understand what he was doing. He messed something up in the car, and the brake lines were cut. They left for a business trip the next morning, and they never came back."

I finished, and my voice broke. "If I had said something about Randall...anything...they would still be here today. Nana took me in afterwards, and things got better. Randall went to prison when I told about him. Then, two years ago, he got out. Every time I saw him in the grocery or on the street, it reminded me of what he had done. It kept building up until I broke down and asked Nana to move. She's so nice...she complied. But I hated it there. It wasn't home. So...here I am today."

"Lucky for me, he got into something bad, and before we moved back they landed him in jail for good. In a couple towns over, too. I still don't feel...complete yet, though. Like something's missing from my life...I just don't know what."

To my surprise, Phillip leaned over and hugged me. I stiffened at first, then relaxed as he patted the back of my head.

"I'm so sorry that happened to you, Eleanor. I can't imagine..." He trailed off then said in a hardened voice, "but it's not your fault. No one could have stopped him. You were still just a little girl. You have to understand."

I let out a quiet sob. "Yeah...and thanks...Phillip. I needed someone to talk to. Just, today with Brandon felt like a replay of my past. Now both his parents are gone. But I have Nana, and they have..." I dared to look up into his eyes. "They have you."

Phillip was speechless for a moment. Then he took a deep breath. "Well, Eleanor, thank you." He let go of me. Surprisingly, the lack of his embrace made me feel empty. My cheeks flushed at the thought and I looked at the ground.

"Thank you, Phillip. For listening to me. For being there."

The sounds in the woods seemed to have gradually started back up, and now they were in full swing. I smiled up at the sky and sighed with pleasure. It felt good to get that off my chest. I had gone too many years keeping my feelings bottled up.

"Perhaps," he said, the sound of his voice interrupting me. "Perhaps we can continue a happier conversation over dinner sometime. What do you say?"

I opened my mouth but no sound came out. Was he...was he asking me for a date? Several thoughts ran through my mind at once. We were ages apart, he said I was pretty...no, beautiful, he had listened to me when I needed someone, what would Brandon say, who cared what Brandon said, and, finally, would this be okay with mom and dad?

"Okay," I breathed at last. "Alright. Yeah...that sounds good."

"I'm glad," Phillip said, smiling. He suddenly looked down at a gold wristwatch I hadn't noticed he'd been wearing until now. "It's past seven. Weren't you due somewhere?"

I smacked my head with my palm. "Nana wanted me to invite Marion and Brandon for breakfast! She'll be worried sick. I'd better go." I stood up then turned around to look at Phillip. "Do you...do you want to come?"

"Oh," he said, sounding pleased. He stood up and dusted his jacket off, although it didn't look like anything was on it. "That would be splendid."

I smiled and led him through the comforting shade of trees, down back to the main street. We walked quietly for a few moments.

"Well," I said at last, "should we still ask Marion and Brandon to come along?"

"I think they're fine," Phillip said a little too quickly. I shrugged but didn't say anything.

We soon came to my house. Smells drifted out through the window. Eggs, bacon, pancakes, sausage and fruits mingled into a savory scent that made my mouth water.

"Let's hurry," I said, rushing up the steps. I widened my eyes with surprise when I saw Brandon and Marion standing beside Nana. Marion was stirring something on the stove, while Brandon leaned against the wall, his eyes closed. They snapped open when they saw me, then darkened when they lingered on Phillip.

"Ellie," he said coldly, then turned away.

I wasn't hungry anymore by the time we sat down. Brandon's coldness was getting to me. He was never angry at me. It sounded like a poor excuse now that I thought about it.

"Can I talk to you?" He asked while Nana and Marion cleared the dishes. I was reaching out to help when his words stopped me. I looked over to Nana.

"We can take care of things," she said quickly, sensing the distance between us. I followed Brandon outside, my knees shaking.

"Yes?" I asked as we made our way to the back of the house.

"Why'd you go off with Phillip?"

So this was how it's going to be. "Because! He was the only one who would tell me what was going on with you guys!"

"What do you care?" He asked, and I felt bad. "You left us here!

Once again, my anger flared. "Do you think I wanted to see my parent's killer walking around free? You idiot! It's not my fault your father left you!"

Instantly I felt awful. I saw Brandon's shoulders shaking with sobs. I walked forward and wrapped my arms around his waist, crying too.

"I'm sorry, Brandon," I said.

He turned and leaned into be, his usually strong frame still shaking. "I never thought he'd do that to me," he cried. "He always said he...loved us."

"I'm so sorry," I murmured, patting his back. "I wish it wasn't this way."

Brandon instantly pulled away, rubbing his eyes. "Don't you ever tell Marion I cried."

I leaned away from his hostility. "Whatever, Brandon."

He turned and headed back toward the house, drying his eyes with his shirtsleeve. I sighed heavily and looked down.

Things were complicated.