Max P.O.V

My phone was going off. I tried reaching for it but my arms weren't long enough. I groaned. Who would be calling me at this time. First, no one ever calls me and especially not at this time.

When I realized that my phone was just going to keep going off until I picked it up made me sight. My dream was delightful and I certainly didn't want to get out of it to answer a stupid phone call.

Picking up the phone, my eyes grew wide when I saw the name flashing on the screen. What could Iris possibly want? Ever since she stormed out of my house she hasn't spoke to me.

I answered the phone waiting for her response and when I did I was shocked. Her voice was raspy as if she was drinking the whole night. Then, my thoughts were confirmed when she told me to meet her at the keg. Then the line went dead.

I thought long and hard. Should I meet her? I mean this is the first time she's spoken to me. And as selfish as it is, if she's drunk, maybe she'll open up to me without realizing it. I knew it was selfish but can you blame me? She's driving me nuts, always distant, disappearing and sometimes cold towards the ones she once loved.

My mother was asleep and it wasn't like my dad was home. Escaping would be easy but getting inside a bar wouldn't be. I have never been inside of a bar. Was it just like it is in movies? With drunk Cowboys starting fights with tipsy bikers. Okay maybe that's not exactly what it would be like. But still. I'm under age, and underage people are not exactly allowed in a bar.

Shaking the thoughts out of my head, I lunged out of bed. All I was wearing was a pair of boxers, as do most guys do to bed. I rushed to the other side of my room, fishing in the laundry basket and grabbing my yesterday outfit. After putting mom some clothes on, I stopped at mid thinking.

I didn't have a car. And by the sound of Iris I doubt she'll come pick me up. I could take my moms car? But I could get in a lot of trouble. But trouble meant getting to know the real Iris. Is it really worth it though? Stealing my mothers car to meet a girl at a bar... I don't know.

I quickly grabbed her by the hand and pulled her out of the park. The big guys still stood in their spot, as they continue to laugh obnoxiously.

Iris was crying and not just sniffles but full out tears. With the other hand I wasn't holding, she was clutching her teddy bear so tight that her knuckles were turning white. I stared down at her uneasily. Why would they tease her about a teddy bear? She was a little girl, little girls are allowed to have teddy bears right? I mean secretly I had my own teddy bear but those guys didn't need to know that.

My anger welled inside me, those guys were idiots! Iris didn't deserve anything those guys had said after making fun of her bear. What they spoke of was uncalled for- as my mom would like to say.

"What they said was true..." Iris hiccupped beside me. She tend to do that when she cried a lot, other moments I would have probably laugh that she was clutching out air. But at this moment, it was probably unappealable.

What they said weren't true and I had to make her understand that somehow. I was the oldest, I was the man, and men were suppose to take care of the ladies. At least that's what my father had always told me.

"What they were was stupid. They don't understand anything" I responded not even bothering to look at her expression because I knew what it would already be like. Iris didn't like to hear the word stupid. She didn't preferred to hear the word because it left a terrible memory.

Her sobs grew louder with each step. My grip on her hand tightened as her loosened. I couldn't let her go, I will never.

Grabbing her by the shoulders I made her look at me. She avoided eye contact "Look at me Iris" I demanded. With teary eyes she held my gaze. I took a deep breath. "Those guys didn't know anything okay? It is not your fault that your dad left. You are not a burden and you'll never be to anyone. And your father might not be here to protect you anymore but I am. I will always protect you"

Iris eyes held admiration? "Thank you"

Even though I was eight years old at that time. I will always keep that promise. I know I haven't been able to lately because she moved away, but now that's she's back I will continue with that promise. Even if it means I'll have to get that secret out of her. She's hiding something. Something big. Something fearful. Something that happened back in her old town that's she trying to cover up.

I guess I'm going to a bar for the first time in my life...

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A little short which I'm sorry for... Next chapter max will be at the bar :? I wonder how this will turn out.