January 15 2008

[January 15 2008] I have never liked any of the guys my little sister Jenn brought home. After being begged to meet her newest boyfriend I gave in, but I was not planning to like him. He strolled up looking like he was god's gift to the earth which made me laugh because he looked like a total idiot. We had lunch which was nice. We ate outside on the deck, light wind blowing and the birds flying overhead. I didn't say much mostly just listened to the pair. Months later, and I knew it would come, my sister decided to marry Mathew. The big day came, I tried to be happy. I got up, showered and got dressed, trying  not to stop and think about what was going to happen hours later. Jenn was leaving to get her hair done and I didn't know when the next time we would be alone would be, so I pulled her quickly aside to give her a gift. I wanted it to be just between me and her. I passed her a picture of me and her as children, holding hands and walking down the beach. My mom said it was the image of happiness. Jenn looked at me and hugged me, as she took the picture and walked towards the door she turned and thanked me for being such a good brother and friend. I went back to my room sat on the bed and stared at the wall, thinking how the image on the beach would never be again. Mom came in rushed me to get going as there were things to be done and all kinds of wedding junk. I went and was numb through the service. The days following were a blur, gifts, honeymoon and parties. It wasn't until moving day that I began to gain to feel the reality of the situation again. As Jenn and Mathew moved into their new home I had the opportunity to travel with Mathew alone. He looked at me and told me that he would never hurt my sister. I looked back at him and felt calm as the world outside flew past the car. I said one simple sentence "if you hurt my sister, you will pay...little bro." He smiled and finally I felt ok.

                                          -Dennis Mills