The Game

Natalie's POV

“Hey, Natty! Wake up! Get your ass down here!” my brother yelled downstairs. I groaned in bed, turning to my side. The alarm had gone off minutes ago, but I still wanted to get a little more sleep. We had a leaving party last night, and it was a blast. I'm leaving from Middesville to New Orleans.

 My door burst open, revealing my brother.

 “Natty, if I have to go over there to get you, you'll punch the wall 60 times as your punishment...”

“I'm up, I'm up. And I am not punching the wall. I’ll need my hands when I'm carrying those boxes,” I said, sitting up.

“Good. I need you downstairs in the next five minutes—no more, no less.”

I took a proper look at my brother and frowned.

“What are you doing in my room without a shirt?” I asked. He raised a brow, confused.

“Huh?” He looked down, smiling and revealing his fang-like teeth, which always made him look devilishly handsome. “I went for a run and just came back in.”

“How many times have I told you not to come into my room looking like that? "

“I always forget. Your time's up,” he said and left the room, the door ajar.

 I slipped into my soft slippers and slammed the door shut, then proceeded to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face. I'll save bathing for later.

 Wearing my mom's favorite necklace, I kissed one of her pictures and headed downstairs. My brother was busy with his breakfast, just oats and some fruits, nothing fancy. I grabbed a bottle of milk and sat down to have my breakfast. Taking a spoonful of oats, I turned to look at my brother.

“Jace, when is Greg coming to pick us up?”

“Soon... And that's why we have to hurry. You know he hates delay.” I rolled my eyes.

“I barely know him,” I muttered, taking another spoonful.

“But I do, and just like Dad, he hates when his time is wasted. So, if you have anything you need to take, I suggest you go get it now.”

I stared at all of the boxes around me. “I can't carry all of this.”

“Go get help. I thought you were the head of your basketball team once...”

“They're coming...”

“Then hurry with your breakfast and go get ready. I'll be in the gym in case you need me,” he said, standing up.

“Why don't you just take us?” I yelled after him.

“You know I'm a terrible driver,” he yelled back.

I scoffed, smiling. That was true. His favorite quote was “why drive a car when it's not trying to kill you?” Only God knows where he read that one from....

I washed the plates and put on my running shoes for a quick jog. Along the way, I walked to my mom's grave. She died a long time ago due to cancer when I was three, so I don't remember her much, but my brothers do. They say I look a bit like her, without my long hair.

Squatting beside her grave, I removed my earphones.

“Hey, Mom, how are things up there in heaven? Pretty good, huh? Just like I guessed... I'll be leaving Middesville today, the town where you raised us all, to New Orleans, so I'll be closer to Dad and my brothers ‘cause lately he's not been feeling well and needs all his kids by his side,” I said, as if she were alive and could hear me.

 “I'll try to be a good girl, but we both know that's not possible... Just protect me from where you are and help me not to get into trouble ‘cause I do that a lot. Unfortunately, I have to leave now. Greg is coming soon, and he is going to freak out when he finds out that I'm not ready yet.”

Sighing, I added, “Take care of yourself,” before standing up and putting my earphones back into my ears.

Going back the way I came, I ran back home. I spotted a few guys carrying boxes to the moving truck. It's the basketball team, I thought. I smiled.

They saw me, and some of them waved. I hurried over to them, giving each of them fist bumps. A few girls were with them. Looks like it was my entire class that came to see me off, which is weird ‘cause I had a party last night.

 “Knew you were leaving today. So we came around to help,” Drake, the captain of the basketball team, said.

 “Really? You guys shouldn't have...”

 “It's no biggie, considering how you've helped us around here. Both positively and negatively,” he whispered the last part, raising his brows. I chuckled.

“Finally! I’ve become important!”

“You've always been, Natty! And we are going to miss you when you leave,” one of them said.

“Aw, thanks. I'd cry, but you know I don't do tears,” I said, and he laughed.

Drake smiled and picked up another box.

“Trust me. I know.”

“I'll leave you guys here. I need to go freshen up.”

“Okay...”

I walked into the house and met Jace wearing his jacket.

“That's a lot of boys out there...” he commented, staring outside.

“I was the head of the basketball team once, remember?”

“Yeah... How did you even do that?”

“Hard work and a bit of luck,” I replied, making my way to my room. One of my besties, my only bestie actually, was in my room, trying on my things and scattering what I had already packed.

“Who is going to clean up all of that?” I asked, peeling my sweat-soaked clothes off my body.

“I am!” Ariana replied.

“Good, ‘cause I'll be leaving in the next few minutes, and I need to get ready.”

“Our girl will be going to New Orleans soon. I hope you meet all the hot guys and send us pictures!” she added dreamily.

Ariana, always boy crazy. It's a good thing I was her best friend. She had a field trip flirting with all the boys in the basketball team and more.

“I think the boys in Middesville are good enough.”

 She scoffed, folding her hands.

“Come on. They aren't as hot as the guys in New Orleans, especially the Anderson brothers. Those guys are fire!” she exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air.

I frowned. Ariana saw my expression and sobered up. “But they aren't like your brothers, anyway. Like that beautiful hunk down there and the one I saw at Thanksgiving.”

“We will not be having this conversation again,” I stated, before heading to the bathroom to shower.

“Hey! You can't blame me, though; your brothers are handsome! Everyone knows that,” Ariana said.

I smirked. That was true. All five of my brothers are undeniably handsome. They are all adults now and have families. That doesn't stop them from being hunks, though. It's a real pain when you walk around with them. They are always stopping every minute to talk with a girl when they have serious relationships going on.

I let the warm water caress my skin as I reminisced about my life here in Middesville. It was a small town and perfect for raising a huge family like mine. No wonder Mom chose here. Now I had to leave these familiar faces for a whole new world. I'm not sure am ready. I came out of the bathroom, water dripping from my skin.

 Ariana was already checking out my choice of clothes. She never agreed with what I wore.

 ”An oversized t-shirt, crazy jeans, and ridiculous cowboy boots? Seriously, Natty, don't you have anything fancier? More girly?”

 “I'm moving, Ariana, not walking down a fashion runway.”

 “I still think you should wear a something pretty,” she countered.

 “I don't have the time, Ari. Just let it go.”

I heard her huff, obviously frustrated.

I did my hair and put some lip balm on my lips. I didn't like talking about how I look, but if I paid a little more attention to it than basketball, I was pretty sure that by now I'd be in one of those teen magazine covers, the ones we waste money on.

 I turned back and saw Ariana staring at me.

“What?”

“You know, I'm really going to miss you when you move,” she began, her eyes glistening. I walked up to her, wrapping my hands around her.

 “Don't start crying now. You did that yesterday.”

 “I can't help it. I see you almost every day. And suddenly, you're leaving.”

 I wondered why she made it sound like it was a surprise. I informed everyone two months ago.

“Hey, I'll always call. I'll never forget you. I promise."

“Wait till you meet those handsome dudes and girls out there. We will become a memory,” she said with a pout.

 “You know that's not happening....” I said, hugging her. “If you want, I can send you pictures of every guy I meet.” Her face brightened. That always worked.

 “Really? That sounds good to me.”

“I knew it would. Now, help me pack my things. My brother will be here any minute.”

 “Uh...which one?”

“Greg. The one you saw at Thanksgiving.”

“Okay. On it.”

I took some boxes, and we headed down stairs where Jace was already waiting for us, already impatient.

“What took you guys so long?” he asked the moment we stepped down.

“Girl talk. You wouldn't understand,” Ariana answered. She was already swooning. Shaking my head, I stared out the window. The boys were already done.

“Trust me, I wasn't planning to. Are those the last boxes?”

“Yes. "

“Good. Ladies first.”

Ariana smiled and walked out. I followed right after.

 “Thanks a lot, sir. You're such a gentleman,” Ariana said, fluttering her lashes.

 “Shut up, Ari,” I chided.

“What?” she retorted. I rolled my eyes. Jace only chuckled. I put the boxes in the moving van and went to join the rest of the boys.

 “What do we do now?” Jace glanced at his watch.

“We wait for Greg.”

“I thought you said he'd be here any minute.”

“That's true... Speak of the devil, he's here.” I glanced at the drive way. A sleek black car had already pulled in. with tinted windows. Ari was already shaking excitedly. Okay, here goes nothing...

 Greg stepped out, and he looked nothing like the man I saw at Thanksgiving! Everyone's mouths were hanging open as they stared at him—well, everyone’s except mine.

“Is that your brother?” Drake whispered.

“Yes.”

“And I thought I had muscles. Where'd he get those muscles from?” he asked, all googly-eyed.

“I wasn't joking when I said you needed to eat wcell and work out more.” I grimaced.

“I really need to fix my life,” he said absentmindedly. I scoffed.

“Are you guys ready?” Greg’s thick voice boomed. Jace nodded.

“Okay. Get your ass in the car,” he said, pointing at Jace. He ambled to the passenger seat.

“Good morning, bro. I see Maggie's been stuffing you,” I commented. He let out a crooked smile.

“Thanks, Nat. I knew you would notice.”

“It's Natty. I'm not a guy.”

“You don't look like a girl to me. Not with the crowd I'm seeing.”

I nodded. “Should I get my butt in the car too?”

“You know you have to.”

I turned to my friends, who were still lost staring at Greg. Ariana was literally drooling.

 “Okay, guys, snap out of it. I'm leaving now. Take care of Middesville while I’m gone. I'll miss you guys.”

“We'll miss you too. Don't forget to call us,” Drake said.

“I'll do that.”

I looked at the house one last time, and my friends as well. A few were crying. I was going to miss them so much.

“Bye,” I said simply and got into the car.

 Greg saluted them and got into the car as well. Soon, the engine revved to life, and we began cruising out.

The whole of the basketball team was waving, and Ariana as well, who kept wiping her eyes the entire time. I waved back. It was a small town, so everyone knew we were leaving. Staring out the windows, I watched them watch us leave. A wave of nostalgia hit me.

"Man, I'm gonna miss this town,” Jace said, “Me too. We had our best memories here,” Greg answered. They were right.

“Mom sure knew what she was doing when she made us grow up here. We'd never be like this if we grew up in the city,” Jace continued, lost in thought. We all missed her.

May her soul rest in peace, I said in my mind, smiling.

“She sure did.”

“Sweet conversation, but I don't think I want to hear that now. I'm headed to the city, and I don't know what to expect,” I said.

 Greg chuckled and so did Jace. This wasn't good.

“I hope you're ready, Natalie...” Greg started.

“…You're in for a shocker,” Jace completed.

“Just great. I'm excited,” I said sarcastically. But they were right. I was in for a shocker, a shocker that would change my life forever.

 Xander's POV

I woke up with a slight migraine, slowly pushing away the body on my chest. She was still fast asleep. Running my hands through my hair, I let out a huff. Last night was the same as all other nights. Get drunk and get laid. Same pointless sex.

 Wrapping a towel around my abdomen, I walked to the bathroom to have a quick shower. I needed to get my thoughts together, and I stayed under the water for what seemed like forever. Eventually, I was done and turned it off. Getting out of the bathroom, I met the girl who was already sitting up. I didn't even know her name.

“Hi, good morning,” she greeted shyly. I was sure she must be feeling on top of the world for being in my bed. If only she knew it meant nothing to me. I put up a smile and played along.

“Good morning. How are you?” I asked.

“Fine. Just a little sore,” she added.

“Sorry. I'll leave you to freshen up.”

“Okay.”

I went to the wardrobe and got dressed. I picked up my phones and walked out of the room, fake-smiling.

The second I got out, I dropped it, letting out a sigh. Today was a Saturday, so there no one in the house except my brother and me. It meant we were free to do whatever we wanted. I took a bottle of water from the fridge and drank directly from it. Xavier came to me a while later. 

“Good morning,” he greeted, but I ignored him. 

“Hey! I'm talking to you!” he said, his voice a lot louder.

“Isn't it too early in the morning to be yelling?” I asked, glaring at him.

“I... Whatever. What happened here last night?” he asked instead.

 “None of your business,” I answered, throwing the now empty bottle away. That must've ticked him off as we began glaring at each other, suddenly angry for no reason.

 Actually, there was a reason why we so angry, but it was so serious that I couldn't discuss it now. The girl I spent the night with came downstairs, disrupting our little stare–down.

“I'll be leaving now,” she said, staring at both of us with a perplexed look on her face.

“Yeah, goodbye,” I answered, not looking at her. She seemed surprised as she opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out. Eventually, she shook her head and left. Xavier waited until she was out before he came lashed out at me.

 “Seriously, Xander? It's her now? Just tell me, how many girls have you slept with? Sixty, seventy, or maybe even a hundred?”

 “What I do,” I started getting closer to him, “is none of your business. Excuse me, but I'll like to go for my morning jog now,” I said, leaving him there.

Getting to the door, I stopped and turned.”

“Besides it's not like you’re a saint. Remember?” And with that I jogged out of the room..

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Xavier's POV

I remember, Xander. I remember so well I wish I could forget. But I couldn't. And I wished I did. I glanced at the family photo in the room. That was the last time I genuinely smiled at my brother. If only Mom were here, but she was gone, and it was all Xavier's fault. But now, he blamed me for the mistake that happened two years ago. 

 Trying not to feel guilty about it, I took my car keys and headed for my car, driving out of the house to ease the pain. A man's gotta to do what he gotta do.

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Natalie's POV

”Wakey wakey, sleepy head,” Jace called. I mumbled and fluttered my eyes open, getting a glimpse of the city. The city? I opened my eyes fully now. How long have I asleep? I wondered. 

 I gasped as we flew past high-rise buildings, people outside briskly walking. Everything seemed so fast here, a sharp contrast to Middesville. I want to go home...

“Are we home yet?” I asked.

. “No, not yet. We don't live in this part of the city,” Greg answered.

 “Who lives here, then?”

 “Middle-class people,” Jace answered.

“Aren't we middle class?” I asked, confused. Jace turned to look at me.

“No,” he stated flatly.

We're not? That was new. I glanced outside as Greg drove around the city. Everything was so big and tall. Eventually, we crossed a toll bridge, and we found ourselves in a totally new place.

“Wait.... We're wealthy?” I asked, getting the hint.

“When you have five hardworking, handsome brothers and an army general as a Dad, you don't expect to be poor,” Jace said.

 “Then what were we doing in Middesville.”

 “Mom's idea,” Greg answered.

 “And it worked.”

 I wanted to ask more questions, but I stopped. I was beginning to get bored anyway. I stared at all the expensive cars that passed by us with wealthy people in them. It made me feel a little out of place because I was used to riding bicycles around. 

 Eventually, we came to a stop at a mansion, the most beautiful one I'd ever seen. 

“Whoa,” I said.

 “You like it?” Jace asked. I shrugged.

 “I don't know. I'll have to get inside first,” I said.

The gate electronically opened, and Greg drove in. Every single thing was a masterpiece, from the artificial fountain to the lawn and....everything. My oh my.

 Finally, Greg parked his car in the garage, and when I got out, I realized that it wasn't the only car there.

 “You built this?” I asked Greg since he was an architect.

 “Not really. Bought it and renovated the parts I didn't like,” he answered.

“Typical Maddox,” I muttered.

 Soon, Maggie, Greg's girlfriend, came out to welcome us.

“Hello, and welcome,” she greeted. 

 “Hi, you're much prettier than the last time I saw you,” I commented. She looked startled.

“Well, your brother has been taking care of me,” she answered. “Please, come in. How was the ride?”

“Boring. Greg didn't let me take the wheel,” Jace answered.

“We all know that you're a terrible driver.”

“I bet we would have been here 20 minutes faster if I had taken the wheel”

“Well, I’m glad you didn't,” Greg countered.

“Um, Natalie, you can leave the boxes. The housekeeper will bring it in later,” Maggie told me.

“Thanks. By the way, it's Natty. No one calls me Natalie except they want my fist in their face,” I said, smiling. She smiled back.

“Okay. I'll try to remember that. Let me show you your room.”

 “Okay.”

Maggie led me through a grand staircase to a hallway with lots of doors in it. 

 “This will be your room,” she said, opening one of them. “Greg already told me you'd be coming, so I did my best to decorate it. I hope you like it.”

I did. It was painted blue and white with splashes of green and looked like a basketball court. It even had a basketball hoop!

“I do. Thanks, Aunt Maggie,” I said, hugging her.

“Aw, no need. It's what I should be doing.”

I jumped on the bed and immediately started bouncing on it. “The bed's extra bouncy too!”

“It sure is. I'll be downstairs. You can just call me if you need anything,” she said.

“There'll be no need for that. I'll just come right down.”

“That’s fine too. I'll leave you alone now. See you later,” Maggie said and closed the door behind her.

I laid on the bed, sighing. Taking out my phone, I dialed Ariana's number. Time to call my bestie.

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“Dinner's ready!” Maggie called from the kitchen.

“Great, I’m starving,” Jace groaned.

“You ate like 30 minutes ago,” I complained.

“And I’m still hungry.”

“Whatever.”

“What are we having for dinner, anyway?” Greg asked, coming inside the room. 

“Mashed potatoes, lasagna and...”

“Stuffed chicken!!”

“Natty's idea,” Maggie said. We all laughed. 

 After settling down at the dining table, I said a quick prayer, and soon, everyone began digging in.

“Tastes good!” I complimented.

 “If I ate this every day, I'd get fat,” Jace mumbled between mouthfuls.

“Thank God you don’t,” I said sticking out my tongue to him.

“Manners, Natalie,” Greg scolded.

“As if you have any...” I muttered. Thank God he didn't hear me. I stared at both my brothers.

 “Quick question. Can I go for my evening jog after dinner?”

“As long as you're not getting into trouble.'

 “I'll try not to. Thanks anyway.”

 After dinner, I helped Maggie with the dishes and went to get ready for my jog. My brothers settled down to watch television. 

“Come back before it’s too late!” Jace called after me as I stepped out.

“Okay,” I said, closing the door behind me. The sun was setting, casting its last rays in the sky. A few people were out as well, some walking, others staring at me wondering what a girl like me would be doing jogging, but I couldn’t care less. 

Since I wasn't familiar with this place, I made sure not to jog too far from home. Just as I was about to cross the street to the other side, a car came screeching to a halt in front of me, startling me and making me fall down. What the heck!

 “Hey! Watch where you're going!” I yelled at whoever was in the car as I stood up to dust off my clothes. 

 ”I should be telling you the same thing,” the person retorted, getting out of the car. 

 “Excuse me? You almost crashed into me, and that's all you have to say? I could have been seriously injured!” I yelled back, anger building up in me. He couldn't even say sorry! How immature!

“Do you even have any idea on who you're talking to?” he asked. 

Now who the hell did he think he was? Wait a minute... He looked familiar, but where have I seen him?

‘In the magazines Ariana always has!’ my subconscious yelled at me. No way! This was...Xavier Anderson! What was he doing here?