Leah's Older Brother

O n e

Key:

Y/N: "Your Name"

Tuesday Morning.

I felt ridiculous tying my hair into pigtails. Thankfully the outfit I have to wear is plain, because truthfully, no matter how much Tallulah would've begged me, I'm not putting in as much effort as her. I finish getting ready, facing the mirror. I take note of my somber posture, straightening up for a split second for fun. I shrug to myself and snatch my bag from the ground. I sling it over my shoulder and shove my phone into my back pocket, slipping out of my room. I trickle downstairs, taking slow steps, leaping onto each step, causing thuds to be heard from the kitchen.

I swing into the kitchen and see my family already finishing breakfast. I snatch an apple from the fruit basket and sit in my usual spot at the table. My dad gets up shortly after I sit to put away his plate, so I quickly slide closer to my brother. "Can you take me to school?" I mumble, pulling my phone out. "No way," he says with a smug expression. I whine in response, kicking his shin. "C'mon, mom and dad play shit music, dude." He sighs, dragging it out while he stands up with his empty plate. "Fine," he spats, clearly not psyched. "Y/N, no phone at the dinner table," my mom called, loading the dishwasher. I groan and shove it back into my pocket after sending a quick message to Leah and Tallulah.

 I toss my apple core into the trash, meeting my brother at the door. "Awh, how cute. Who are you supposed to be?" my mom chirps, referring to my outfit. "Boo, from Monsters Inc.," I reply disinterested, scrolling through my phone. "How sweet. I'm guessing you're going to be matching with Leah and Tallulah?" I nod in response, noticing my brother walking to the door. "You be safe, David," my dad comments, taking a seat in the living room. I'm already walking out the door to his car. I hop into the front and toss my bag in the back. I smile impatiently, instantly connecting my phone once he starts the car. I shuffle a playlist filled with music I can't listen to around my parents. David rolls his eyes, but I know he likes this music, too.

"You look ridiculous," he comments, pulling up to a stoplight. "You look more ridiculous than me. You didn't even dress up," I snicker. "That's for Freshmen."

"Tallulah is a Freshman. That's kind of the whole reason Leah and I are even doing this." He tsks in response. "You're just mad I have friends to dress up with," I shrug, getting out once he parks. I grab my bag from the back. When David and I reach the doors, that's when we go separate ways, and we won't speak again until we find ourselves back in his car at the end of the day. I see Leah standing by the bench we always meet, so I join her. I groan playfully at her outfit. "How do you manage to make stupid costumes look cute?" She chuckles, placing a hand on her hip and pulling her phone out.

"My parents practically begged to help," she replies while we sit and wait for Tallulah. "My mom wanted to, but I'm not going all out or anything." After a few minutes of small talk, we see a familiar vehicle pull up. We smile at each other excitedly and stand up. A large green ball protrudes from the passenger's seat. Out comes Tallulah, struggling to carry her bag properly. Leah and I giggle, watching the scene unfold before us. Tallulah finally meets up with us, bag in hand. We're still giggling with delight. She huffs with a smile. "I'm only Mike because I'm shorter," she exclaims. I shrug a bit in agreeance, "it's only fair."

 643 Words.