Gone Too Long

Disclaimer: This is my first story, so please be gentle. Also, this is not a quick story, nor does it have a lot of sex. It is meant to be a continued story, but I will scratch it if this one is not liked. Please be honest in your comments. Thanks.

*****

I found myself driving home for the first time in five years. I am not the same little boy that left home broken, bullied and weak. No, I have been serving in the military for the past five years, until recently when I was discharged after an IED blew the Humvee I was in. I am very thankful I still have all my extremities but loss my hearing in my left ear, and now wear glasses due to being partially blind in my left eye. When I left Indiana as an 18-year-old boy I was scrawny, and was barely 5'10. Now I stand a full 6'3, and weigh 200 lbs. solid muscles. I have short light brownish hair, and blue eyes, and I wear a thin beard, hiding some scars on the left side of my face.

As I drove, I wondered what might be waiting for me at home. Was Joe my drunken abusive step father still there attacking my frail sweet mother? After all, he always took turns on me, my sister, and my mother. I also wondered if my sister Meghan ever returned from college. When she left, it really became worse for me. I could not wait to leave the house, and when I did, nobody knew what became of me. I have had no contact to my family for five years, and had no idea what kind of reception I would receive.

My sister and I were always very close. We always tried to protect each other, especially her over me, as she is four years older than me. She would take beatings for me, and she would hide me during his outbursts and drunken tirades. She would always smile at me and tell me she would never let anything happen to me. I loved her so much, that when she left for college, and didn't come back for holidays, or breaks, it broke my heart. I felt like I lost more than a sister, as I lost my best friend. I looked at the picture on my dashboard of her senior picture. Her red hair against her pale skin, with her emerald eyes sparkling for the camera. She was petite, and had curves that fit her just right. I shook my head and concentrated on the road, as I was still angry and bitter toward my step father, and hurt toward my sister.

As I pulled into town that Tuesday morning, two days later, I was stunned at how the town had changed. I drove straight to the old house and parked in front. As I sat in the car, I looked up and thought that the house looked better than before, and was feeling optimistic that finally he was gone, and mother was thriving. I walked up the long walkway, and knocked on the door, and a man answered the door. He was a broad-shouldered man, younger than my mother, but older than me.

"May I help you young man" He asked me eyeing me like I was up to no good.

"I hope so," I said as I was looking around, "Is this Karen Thomas's house?"

His face went from worry to serious, "I am sorry to say that she passed a few years ago."

"Why-What happened?" I asked. He answered quickly, "That husband of hers shot her, then he tried to shoot the neighbor."

"What happened to him? Did he die too?" Hoping the answer would be yes.

He chuckled, "I know I should not be laughing but that SOB was put away by his own step-daughter. She is the ADA here, and she pulled no punches. He is serving life with no parole."

"Where can I find Meghan Connor... the ADA?" I asked.

He nodded out toward the edge of town. "She bought the old Miller ranch, been out there since she came back to town." I said thanks and walked back to my car. Emotions were running through my head, as my mother has died, my step-dad is in prison, and my sister is back in town. As I entered my car, I wondered what to do. I haven't seen her for over 9 years. Should I just drive over there and say hello, or go to her office? I was confused, and now had no place to hang my hat. So, I started my engine, and drove to the hotel by the interstate. Upon entering, I recognized the blond-haired girl behind the counter as Susan Coulter, the girl I had a crush on throughout high school. She and I were friends, but she always dated the jocks.

She raises her head and smiles, "Welcome, how may I help you?" She asks in a cheery tone.

Being confused as why she is not recognizing me, "Yeah, um, Susan, I'd like a room please, for an extended stay."

She giggles and looks at her name tag, "Silly me, I thought you knew me, forgot I was wearing this."

As she checked me in, she eyed me up and down, taking in tight fitting t-shirt I was wearing. I looked her over as well, and was wondering what had happened to her. It looked as if she had let herself go after school. I noticed she had a ring on, so I frowned at her, took my key card and went to my room. As I entered the room, I laid on the bed and shut my eyes. This day is not even close to being over, and I am already exhausted. My mind wonders if I should just leave and not worry about meeting up with Meg, as she seems to be doing fine for herself. As my mind wonders off, my eyelids get heavy, and I fall asleep.

***

The next morning, I woke up to the sun shining in my eyes, and I stretched. I got undressed, took a shower and went downstairs for breakfast. As I was sitting there, Susan walked over to me. She asks if she can sit down, and of course I said yes.

She says, "I don't know why, but I have a feeling I know you, but I don't recognize you." I smiled a little, and said I was from around there, but had been away for a few years. "Wait a minute, it can't be, are you Brad? Brad Connor?"

I put my finger to my lips and simply said "Shush, nobody knows I'm in town."

She looks at me wide eyed, "Brad, do you know about your family? I mean I don't want to assume."

I looked over the cup at her, and said, "If you are talking about the death of my mother, and the imprisonment of my step-father, yes."

She raises her eyebrows, "So, you haven't heard about Meghan?"

I shook my head, "I heard she is the ADA here and she put Joe away, and she lives at the old Miller ranch. That's about it."

She smirks, "You haven't talked to her?"

I answered "No, and I don't know if I am, so please don't say anything about me being in town."

Susan drags her chair a little closer, "Look Brad, I don't want to get into your business, but you and I have been friends for a long time. I know that your sister wants to see you again. When she came back two years ago, before your mom died, she was so heartbroken to find out you left with no contact information. I heard she cried for days. Some say that's the reason Joe went after your mom, because your sister was so heartbroken, and your mom finally stood up to him, and that is when he shot her." Susan put her hand on mine, "Brad, go see Meghan, If not for her, for me. Don't have regrets in your life, not now. Do what's right, and make it right with her."

I stood and walked out of the hotel driving into town, not sure where I was going. I drove past the old house again, and it seemed as if my car drove out that old country road to the Miller ranch. As I came upon the ranch, I noticed nobody was home, and there were two horses in the pasture by the barn. I could see from the road that a woman's touch had come about this old place. I pulled into the long drive and walked up to the door. I knocked, and nobody answered, so I walked around the ranch to see what I could see. I considered the side window and noticed the house was very quiet and feminine, with no sign of a male in sight. I don't know why, but I smiled. I walked back to my car and drove into town. I pulled into the diner across the street from the courthouse, and decided to have lunch.

As my food came, I noticed a woman walk into the diner that not only made me stop what I was doing, but made my cock come to attention. She was 5'6, softball sized breasts, and nice curved, heart shaped ass. And that hair, that beautiful red hair. She removed her sunglasses, and I was staring into my sister's eyes. Those magnificent emerald eyes, that I hadn't seen in almost ten years. She scanned the room as she walked in, stopping at me, then walked to the far side of the diner and sat down.

As I sat and ate, I watched her talking to some friends, and having a milkshake. I remembered she loved milkshakes from here, especially the strawberry chocolate swirl. She would also look my way occasionally, giving a half smile, and I would return one to her. Her and her friends got up to leave, and she parted from them, walking toward me, but went past me to the restroom I assumed. I finished my lunch, and was drinking my water, when I noticed a great pair of legs standing beside me.

"Excuse me sir? Are you new here?" I look up into my sister's eyes, not sure as to what to say.

"No, in fact I have been away for quite some time, decided to come and visit."

She nodded and almost laughed, "Why in the world would I guy as handsome as you want to come to a dump like this place."

This time it was me who was laughing, "I don't know, I really like the changes," and I smiled at her as I said, "and the scenery is very nice."

She pulls her hair away from her eyes, and looks at me like she is trying to see through me, "Well my name is Meghan Connor, and if you need anything, I am across the street in the Prosecutors office, ok?"

I stood up and took her hand, I kissed it, and said "I am glad to make your acquaintance, and I hope to see you around"

She said under her breath, "I have a feeling I already know you, so yes see you around." As she walked out the door, I could not help watching her ass sway in the skirt she was wearing. When I sat down, my cock was so hard, I had to adjust myself.

The waitress came over and said, "You sure made an impression there son."

I looked up, "Why do you say that?"

She chuckled, "She doesn't give any guy the time of day here. Most of us thinks she swings for the other team if you know what I mean." I looked out the window, and just shook my head, I paid and walked out to my car, wondering my next move.

I drove around the country side for what seemed like hours. I looked at my watch, and seen it was close to six o'clock, and wondered if Meg would be home yet. I drove to her place and she wasn't there, but I didn't leave, instead parking my car, and going to the barn where the horses were. I started to put them in their stalls, brush and feed them. I looked down at my watch and seen I had been there for at least an hour and a half, so I locked the barn door, I turned and there she was, sitting on the fence staring at me.

"I'm not sure if I should call the Sheriff or thank you." She said looking at me in surprise.

I took a couple of steps closer to her, "You don't have to call the Sheriff, I am here in peace."

She laughs, and proceeds to say, "How in the hell did you know where I lived? Let me guess, it was Beth at the diner? She is always trying to get me laid."

I put my hands out, "I'm not here to lay anyone, ok Meg."

Her eyes widen, as she hops off the fence. She starts to walk towards me, and I notice a small tear coming out of her eyes. She starts whispering, "It can't be, only one person ever dared to call me Meg. Please tell me this is not a cruel joke."

I stood my ground, "It depends on who you think I am."

She gets about two steps from me and stops, "No, it can't be, he told me you were dead. Brad, is it really you?"

I looked confused, but shook my head up and down, "Yes Meg, I am alive and well." She came to me and we hugged each other for what seemed like eternity.

When we came into her house, we sat on the sofa, tears were streaming down her face. She would not let go of me, making sure her hands were in contact with me like I was a figment of her imagination. "Meg, who told you I was dead, what were you talking about."

She wiped her face, as she looked into my eyes, "Joe! He said you died in a terrible accident after high school. He had me and mom believe it for so many years. He manipulated us to believe that you would never come back and save us. I... I thought I had lost the one I lo..." She started to sob uncontrollably. I just held onto her, letting her sob into my shoulder. I was rubbing her long red hair and her back, my mind going a million miles an hour. I was thinking I heard something but it was on my left side and I wasn't quite sure, so I dismissed it.

Once she calmed down, I asked her, "Why didn't you come back home during breaks and holidays Meg? I missed you so much, and it killed me not to see you."

I could see the anger in her eyes build up. "That son of a bitch, he had mom tell me that you were happy that I was gone. That you and Joe were getting along better since I had left. I am guessing that is not the truth."

I just shook my head, "Believe me Meg, I wished every day for you to come home, so we could hold each other again through his tirades, and outbursts like when we were kids. It was so bad Meg, there were times, I couldn't go to school for the bruises and marks." She wanted to cry again, but simply hugged me tighter. Her breasts were digging into my chest and I could feel the heat going through my groin. I kept thinking, I never saw her sexually, why am I reacting this way now.

She never noticed my situation and after a while, we chatted about what had been going on that past few years. I told her about my experiences in the military, and she told me about college and the cases she has tried. We looked at the clock and it was close to midnight, and I was standing up, "Well I need to leave sis, I have to get to the hotel, its getting late."

She looks at me and says, "Nonsense, I have two other rooms, both have beds in them, please stay over." I accepted and we both went into our separate rooms. Sometime during the night, I heard her go past the doorway of my room, as she must have had to go to the bathroom. There was a light on in the hallway and she was wearing a light nightgown, where I could see almost everything she had. As she walked past, I could see her nipples pointing hard against the fabric. The sway of her hips caught my eye as well, as I swear I don't think she had any panties on. It was hard for me to go back to sleep, as I again had a hard on, but I eventually willed it soft and dozed off.

The next morning, I woke and could not fine my sister anywhere. I looked outside and her car was not there. I decided I needed a shower, so I went into her bathroom and jumped in. As I was drying off and leaving the bathroom to go to the bedroom to get dressed, my sister met me, or I should say ran into me in the hallway. My towel fell, and my semi-erect cock sprang up. She gasped, and I quickly tried covering myself up.

"OH, Sorry Meg, I didn't see you. I thought you were gone already" As I was trying to tuck the towel into place.

Her face blushed as red as her hair, she says, 'No, I am sorry, I should watch where I am walking." Her eyes moving across my physique, with what seemed like admiring eyes. "I am heading into town though, and I wanted to tell you to bring your stuff here, and stay as long as you want."

Noticing her color going back to normal, "I don't want to be a burden to you sis, I mean, we just came back into each other's lives after ten years."

"Nonsense," she said with authority, "if I have too, I will go and pack your things and bring it here myself. You are my little, well brother, and I have to take care of you." She smiled as she started to walk away. Again, I watched the sway of her hips and that ass, as she walked out the door and get into her car. I shook my head and thought I guess I need to go and get my stuff.

*

When I had returned from the hotel, she still had not made it back from town, so I decided to fix dinner. I started to cook fried chicken, and boiled potatoes for homemade mashed potatoes. I remember Meg and I loved it when mom would fix those. I smiled as that was a good memory, one that I didn't have to block out. The timer went off for the biscuits, bringing me out of my temporary trance. As I was finishing the meal and about to put it on the table, I heard Meg walk in.

"What's this?" She asks as she walks over, sniffing in the air. "My oh my, he cooks too, some woman will be lucky to snag you brother of mine."

I laugh as I turn toward her, "You haven't tasted it, and I'm not cleaning the dishes." I say as she comes over to me and playfully punches at my gut.

"Don't be mean to your sister, remember we just reconnected," She raised her eyebrows smirking, "Your words, not mine."

I didn't say anything as I kept the task of putting the meal on the table. I could tell something was on her mind, but I knew from the past, she was one that would tell me in due time. We sat down and starting eating, and I started hearing her make little moans as she was chewing.

"What the hell Meg?" I said laughing, "It sounds like you are having an orgasm."

Her eyes widened as she almost choked on her food. She chewed and swallowed and said, "I'm sorry Brad, but this is damn good, especially the potatoes. They taste like moms."

I looked down, and softly said, "It's her recipe, I thought you would like it."

She looked at me and asked me what was wrong, and of course all I did was shake my head. It seemed the silent communication we had as kids were coming back, as she knew not to pry either. We ate in silence, cleared off the table, and settled on the couch.

Meg spoke up, "Beth asked me today if I had seen you again."

"Oh? And you said?" I asked with a smirk.

She laughed out loud, almost snorting, "Well, I told her that handsome man moved in with me, and we are now lovers, so she can stop trying to set me up."

"Wh-what the hell?" I asked, trying not to laugh, because I could see old Beth's face in my head. "Don't you think it's going to come out that I'm your brother?"

She wiped her eye of the lone tear from laughing so hard, "Brad, don't be like that. It was a joke, and to tell you the truth, I kind of like the idea that everyone thinks I am with a guy like you, so they will stop wondering about me and talking about me behind my back. Besides nobody knows you are my brother. Everyone in town was told the same thing that mom and me were told by Joe. Everyone thinks you are dead."

I quickly replied, "Not everyone"

"What do you mean" Meg asked quizzingly.

"Do you remember Susan, the one I had a mad crush on forever? Well, I seen her at the hotel, and she recognized me, and figured it out." I said this remembering our conversation, not wanting to tell Meg that I didn't even want to see her, now that I have her back in my life.

Meg looks at me for a minute, takes a deep breath, and says, "Brad, I am not worried about Susan. She will not tell anyone, I am sure of it."

"How do you know Meg. Have you talked to her?"

"Not in a long while, but I know she will not say anything. So, right now, you are my boyfriend, and not my brother whenever we go to town. Got it!"

I chuckled, then looked into her eyes, "Wait, you're serious, aren't you?"

With pleading eyes, she replied, "I have never been more serious about something then this before Brad. Please, do this for me, for my reputation at least."

Looking at her right now, I felt a pain in my gut I hadn't felt before, and I was shaking inside, like I was scared. She grabbed my hand closest to her, and intertwined her fingers into mine. I finally spoke, "I guess it is my time to protect you, emotionally at least huh?" I brought her hand up to my lips and kissed the back of it. She came over to me and hugged me, laying almost entirely on me. The warmth of her body against mine felt so right, and that pain in my gut became ten times stronger, as I could feel myself become aroused.