Chapter 66

He was a cute kid, with blond hair and grey eyes with brown flecks in them.

He was my big brother, and as big brothers went, he was the best. He always looked after me at home and at school, made sure no one picked on me.

The only one allowed to pick on me, as far as he was concerned, was him, and to a lesser extent his best friend Liam, who happened to live next door.

“So, Lucia, you need help with your homework?” he asked, nudging his shoulder into mine. Richard was ten, and was two years older than me, so he always helped with my school work

“Nope. I didn’t get any.” I smiled, swinging my legs as they dangled off of the counter.

“OK, kids, go and set the table for me. You know how. Exactly right, OK?” Mom asked, sprinkling cheese on the pasta and putting it into the oven. Jake and I jumped down from the counter and grabbed the stuff, heading to the dining room.

My dad was very particular about everything, if everything wasn’t exactly right, he got angry and no one ever wanted