He bounced up the front stairs and opened the door to the main hall. He could smell his mother's perfume when he entered the house. He hoped it would always be that way, but sadly time erases everything. He made his way upstairs and changed into jeans and a t-shirt. He was sure being seen in town like this was something frowned upon now that he was the head of the business. He was suddenly forced to become his father. The thought made him cringe as his father had been stern and fair, but not easily approachable. His mother was the nurturer and his father the businessman. Alex ran a hand through his black hair and looked at his reflection for a moment. He had lines around his eyes. The stress was already taking a toll and it had been days. He had short black hair and blue eyes. Not unattractive he supposed. He dated his fair share of women and enjoyed having fun and meeting new people. He would figure out his new life as he went. He shrugged and grabbed his jacket as he headed out. He decided to walk. The April air was crisp and clean, and it helped him to clear his head.
Brienne always had something to say that would make sense, make it better. She never indicated she was interested in Alex at all. Once upon a time, he thought she was the one for him, but instead, become good friends. That was worth so much more than romance or sex. He walked the ¼ mile in silence thinking about his parents. They loved each other very much. They were always together and the night of the accident had been no different. His father had been hosting a dinner to raise funds for one of his business mergers. His mother accompanied him, ever devoted to her husband. They said goodbye to Alex that night as he watched television in the den eating a snack. He yelled "see you later" and gave them a wave and a glance before they left. Why didn't he go say goodbye the right way, why hadn't he hugged his mother? The fact that he barely gave them a wave made his resolve that much stronger. He would make his parents proud. He made his way up the drive of the house Brienne grew up in. It was small and quaint, but clean. Even now, her ten-speed bike was propped up against the side of the house. Untouched in years, it was a symbol of a childhood long gone. She opened the door before he even knocked. "Alex." She smiled at him and opened the screen door and came out on the porch. She hugged him tightly. "I'm so sorry about your parents." She stood back and he took her in. She was more beautiful than he could remember.
She finally tamed her hair and was dressed in a black dress. She was elegant and he was lost. "My dad is getting his treatments so I thought I should come outside to you." She walked over to the swing on the porch. Her father was sick, he thought. She had such a hard life growing up but she was strong. They sat on the swing together for a few moments and chatted about the weather. She asked about work and he shared and she told him about school and how soon after she graduated she would be going to Columbia. She had been accepted. "Hey, Brat you made it in?" He sat up quickly. "Yes, I did." She nearly sparkled with the excitement. "Wow, that's great Brie. You worked so hard and I know you're excited." He grabbed her hand and gave her a squeeze. "Thanks, I am overwhelmed really. I have so much to do to get ready and...well there is a lot." She smiled at him. "Well, we have to go to dinner tonight and celebrate, my treat." He offered and she accepted. "We never get to hang out anymore, like old times." She sighed. "It was so much easier when we were kids. No one was sick and we all had each other. We had our family and friends." She sighed. "It certainly has changed, you're still a brat though." He looked at the tree across the street, thinking. He stood up to go. "I'll pick you up at 6, and wear something nice." He smiled at her as she stuck her tongue out at him. He made his way back up the hill towards the bend in the road which would lead back to his house. "Damn you, Alex." She watched him leave.