As luck would have it, you spotted Joe walking home as you were approaching Rachel's house; judging from his smile, he was in a good mood. He spotted you a moment later and waved before you met him half way. "Hey, sis; long time no see." Kindly, he said. "How was that exchange student program experience?"
"It was a lot of fun." Smiling, you replied. "I learned a lot and it really changed my life."
"I can't wait to hear about it." Smiling back, Joe said. "Did you take pictures?"
You were pleased and relieved that mom used an exchange student program to explain your one year absence. It kept Joe from worrying and, better still, from searching for you. "I took tons of pictures, bro." Happily, you said. "Only, I left them at the house. I just came looking for you so you'd know I had come back." You grinned. "I know how much you worry about me."
Joe blushed slightly. "Well, it's kind of my job." Smiling, he said. "Being a brother to three girls is not always easy." He sighed, his smile faltering. "Especially since dad is always away on business trips to who knows where."
"That's kind of rough on everyone." Wincing, you said. "Speaking of which, I was hoping I could talk to you alone somewhere about all of that."
"You mean you found out where dad has been going all this time?" Surprised, Joe asked.
"Well, sort of." Frowning, you replied. "I had to do a little digging..."
"You sly little fox." Grinning, Joe said. "I know a place but I want to hear everything; don't hold back, okay?"
You winced at that. "You might not like what you hear." Sighing, you said.
"It's better than not knowing at all, sis." Honestly, Joe said. "I need to know the good and the bad so I can deal with it."
"Okay." Shrugging, you said. "Lead the way."
Joe took you to a private wooded area just outside of town. It had belonged to your mom's family for generations. There, on top of a hill was a lone tree in a small clearing that looked over the small town in the near distance. "I always come up here when I feel the need to clear my head or to figure things out." Softly, Joe said. "It's very peaceful here."
"I remember coming here myself at times." Honestly, you said. "Just one more thing you and I have in common."
Joe chuckled at that. "Okay, what did you learn about dad?" Softly, he demanded. "Also, I want to hear all about your year at this Cauldron Academy."
"Which do you want to hear first?" Sighing, you asked.
Joe paused to think then said, "Tell me...
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