"Okay kids, you know the rules. No parties, no drinking. Robbie is in charge, Olivia."
I roll my eyes at my mom as she and my dad load their suitcases into the trunk of their car. "I am eighteen mom. And going to college in a matter of weeks. You don't need to give me the 'be on your best behavior' speech."
"Oh, I don't know," my brother says, sauntering out of the house. "It's always nice to be reminded that I'm the one calling the shots."
I stick my tongue out at him in response. Robbie is twenty-two and lives about three hours away where he goes to college. Usually, he likes to travel during the summer break, but this year our parents finally got the chance to take their dream cruise for three weeks. And despite me turning eighteen in April, they still believe I need a babysitter while they're gone. Not that I mind so much that it's my brother. We've always been a close family, and him being away at college means we don't get to have the quality time we used to. All that will change this year, however, when I join him at school.
Robbie takes after both our parents with his dark hair and tanned skin. I, on the other hand, am some kind of anomaly with blond hair and a pale, creamy complexion. The one thing I get from our parents is dark brown eyes - which Robbie also shares - and our mom's short height. At six one, Robbie and my dad tower above us both.
"Okay kids. Hugs goodbye," dad announces as he slams the trunk.
We all say our goodbyes, with Robbie and I wishing our parents a good and safe trip. They've worked so hard all their lives, they truly deserve this break.
We watch their car leave until it's no longer in sight, and then Robbie and I head inside.
That night, my brother and I order pizza - something mom absolutely refuses to order - and watch a bunch of Netflix movies. It's fun, being with my brother again. I've always kind of idolized him. From the moment he threatened to beat up the neighbor's son for throwing rocks at me, to when he'd come to all my dance recitals even if he was busy with basketball. He's always been there for me. We've definitely had our share of fights in the past, but they were usually over the most inane reasons and were forgotten about in about a day. For the most part, Robbie is the perfect big brother.
"I call the last slice," I say, still tucking into my previous portion.
"You've had like, what, five?"
"So? You snooze, you lose."
"Very mature," he chides, poking me in the ribs. I giggle and push him off.
"How's college?" I ask. "Are you still seeing that girl?"
"Aubrey? Yeah, for about eight months now."
"Is she still an uptight bitch?"
Robbie shoots me a look. He knows I'm no fan of his girlfriend since they visited one weekend and she spent the entire time complaining and scrolling through her phone.
"She's not like that, Livvie. You just have to get to know her."
"I'll pass."
Robbie chuckles, shaking his head. "Man, when you get your first boyfriend, I'm going to make his life hell."
"First? What makes you think I haven't already had one?" I huff.
"Because you would 100% be texting me if you did. Asking for my sage advice to figure out the modern male."
I snort. "Point taken. Although I don't think anyone could figure out a man. Not even their own kind."
Robbie smiles deeply, showing me the hidden dimples not everybody gets to see. I know my brother is good looking. Hot, even, according to my friends Jen and Leah. They've been obsessed with Robbie ever since we were children. Much to Robbie's dismay.
We wrap up our night at around midnight, both heading to our own bedrooms. When we reach my door, I turn and give Robbie a long hug.
"I'm glad you're back home," I say, looking up at him. "I've missed you a lot since you went away."
Robbie cups my cheek tenderly and presses a kiss to my forehead. "A few more weeks and you'll be there with me," he winks.
I nod and smile, giving him one last squeeze before I head inside for bed. That night, I count my blessings to have such a wholesome relationship with my older brother.
The first week of our parent's vacation goes pretty much the same. Robbie and I chill out watching movies, ordering take out or attempting to cook for ourselves. He visits some old friends from high school and I go shopping with Jen and Leah, who are desperate to come and see Robbie while he's in town.
"OMG, Liv, throw a party!" Leah squeals.
"Yes! A party! Liv you have to! It will be the best way to see out senior year!"
I start to tell them that my parent's expressly forbid a party, but the idea of throwing one doesn't sound half bad. It's been a while since anybody in school threw one, and the girls are right, it would be the perfect way to say goodbye to some of our former classmates and friends.
That night, I broach the subject with Robbie.
"A party? And drinking? That goes against the only two rules mom and dad set for you."
"Okay, but they don't have to know anything," I wink. "And you'll be here to keep an eye on things."
"I really don't want to chaperone a bunch of lightweight teenagers," he grimaces.
"So join in! Invite some of your old friends. And I promise it won't get too out of control. Pleeeeeeeease, big brother?" I try to give him my most adorable, most convincing face.
Robbie rolls his eyes, fully aware of what I'm doing. "Fine," he relents. "But-" he adds as I begin squealing and hugging him. "No more than twenty people allowed."
"Thirty," I counter.
"Twenty-five."
"Done," I grin.
"I better not regret this," Robbie mutters to himself.
The night of the party arrives and the house is pretty lit. Robbie is in one area with his friends, laughing and looking like he's having a good time. I've made sure to keep enough distance between him and the rest of the attendees. Namely my horny friends. Music blares from a speaker that me, Jen, Leah and a bunch of other girls dance to.
"Do you think he's looking?" Jen asks me.
"Who?" I say, taking another sip of my rum and coke.
"Robbie! He's looking so fucking fine tonight."
"Gross. That's my brother."
"Come on, Liv, even you can't tell me your brother isn't a whole snack."
"Leaving this conversation now," I mutter, heading into the kitchen to grab another drink.
The night goes on, and I'm feeling pretty wasted.
"Truth or dare time," Leah announces. A bunch of us gather in a circle to play the game. When it lands on me, I pick dare.
"Go in the bathroom and take your panties off," Leah giggles.
I look down at my outfit. It's a tight top that shows a lot of cleavage and a skirt that's so short it borders on indecent. Rolling my eyes, I head into the bathroom to take off my underwear. Giving myself a once over in the mirror, I decide I look pretty good tonight. My hair falls in soft waves past my shoulders, framing my ample breasts nicely. Taking off my panties makes me feel naughty and sexy, something I decide I actually quite like.
I head back out into the party, panties in hand, and give them to Leah as evidence. The guys around us all hoot and cheer, and I notice Robbie looking over in our direction. Flushing slightly, I sit back down, careful not to flash anyone. "Who's next?"
It's Jen's turn, and she chooses dare. A guy from school gets to choose and, unsurprisingly, he tells her to make out with another girl from our class. They do so, earning more hollers from the guys.