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He smiles knowingly at me.
“No, I completely understand. I do want you to know, though, that I do love you as well. Since the moment your dad rang me and told me everything, I've loved you and it’s only grown more and more every day.” I feel so cruel not being able to return the kind sentiment, but I’m hoping he understands that for me it’s just too soon, something that isn’t yet there or formed. I'd only be lying if I repeated his words back to him.
“So, you were going to tell me about your kids?” I encourage.
“Ah, yes!” he exclaims.
He leans down to the bag I didn’t notice before and pulls out what looks to be a scrapbook.
“I know it’s a little childish, but we’ve all been creating little notes and pictures for you since we found out.” He hands me the book and nods at me to open it.
I open the first page and find a picture of David, with who I assume to be his son, daughter, and wife.
His wife has beautiful fiery, short red hair, warm grey eyes, and a large smile. She looks like the mums you see in movies, the ones that want to constantly make sure you're fed, hydrated, and hugged just enough.
The girl in the picture does look surprisingly similar to me. She has her dad’s dark hair that falls just above her shoulders. She has a button nose like I do, with grey eyes like her mother. Our face shapes are very similar, but her skin is lighter than mine.
The young man in the picture had the same warm smile as his mum; stood next to his sister with his arm around her shoulders. He’s looking directly at the camera. He has auburn hair, a mixture of both his mother and father's, though he has the same green eyes as I do. The shape of his eyes is similar to mine as well. His smile is infectious, even through the picture.
I look down at the names below the picture. David. His wife Amanda, Robin, and Dustin.
I turn the page quickly and find a handwritten letter attached to the page alongside a bookmark.
“I’m not really sure how I’m supposed to start this letter, but I wanted to write something to you, so I’m going to start again.
Dear Charlie, (that seems a little too formal, doesn’t it?)
To my new sister (that seems too cringey)
Hey! (I’m giving up with the greeting now, so stopping here)”
I find myself laughing at the letter before carrying on.
“Considering I'm a writer for a living, I'm really not doing very well here.
Dad’s told me a bit about you, but I don’t think he knows loads yet, so I’m still a little clueless.
He says you like books, so I’ve given you one of my bookmarks. I love to read too, I’m actually a professional writer so if you ever fancy turning reading or writing into a career then hit me up!
I already have one little sister but because of how old we are I didn’t think I’d ever get another. Mum and Dad definitely aren’t going to be starting all over again with a baby anytime soon. So, when he told us about you, I’ve got to admit that I nearly had a legitimate heart attack. I mean, not exactly but I full on thought I was going to. He came into the lounge calling a family meeting one night and came out with that! He says you only just found out, too, and I’m sorry for that. We’re all excited to meet you, but I get that for you it’s probably more stressful than exciting.
I really can’t wait to see you.
I’m not really sure what I’m supposed to be saying in this letter. I’m just rambling at the moment, as I’m sure you can tell. But I just wanted you to know that I’m happy that you’re going to be a part of our family, I’m happy that I’ve got another little sister. With any luck you won’t be as annoying as my other one. But overall, I can’t wait to meet you.
From the best big brother that you’ll ever have (yes, I hear you have a brother but I'm competitive. I'll win.)
Dustin
P.S Can we meet you soon?”
I find myself laughing again at his all over the place letter, but I do appreciate it all the same.
“Dustin seems keen to meet me,” I say with a laugh.
“I had to fight him off coming with me today, he’s persistent alright,” David tells me with a smile.
“What’s he like?” I ask.
