Angel With A Shotgun | 18+

two

AMARA CABOT

I heard a creak in the floorboards as I peered around the corner, seeing my brother Finn trying and failing to sneak back into his room!

"Where the hell were you, it's midnight!" I said sternly, flicking on the light.

Finn screamed, his voice cracking two different times as he spun around, facing me with wide eyes.

I stood with my hands on my hips, fatigue threatening to take over my body as I waited for an excuse from Finn.

"I was... out." He said, crossing his arms over his chest. "Out where? With your friends down at the arcade? Or was it with Hannah Reid from next door? What excuse is it today, Finn." I said.

His eyes widened at the use of his first name.

When he was a kid, he couldn't pronounce Finn and used to say Winn. And ever since then, we've called him Winny. So when the first names are in order, we're in trouble.

"Chill out Mar, I was just on a walk." He said tiredly, his eyes dropping closed by the second.

"Do you really expect to believe that?" I said, "Come on Finn. I'm trying here." I gave up, "What do you want me to say?" He said, raising his voice.

Another set of footsteps came padding into the living room as our ten year old brother Joey rubbed his eyes, looking between us before yawning.

"What's with all the noise?" He asked, his short arms wrapping around my waist, "Nothing Joe, go back to bed." I rubbed his back, his dinosaur pyjamas growing too small for him now.

"Did you get busted again?" Joey said innocently, looking over at his brother who gave him a look.

"It doesn't matter. We're all tired and you two have school tomorrow. But Finn for the last time, if you sneak out of this house again I will be driving you straight to Nana Cobats house, understood." I threatened.

Finn nodded his head quickly, "Yes ma'am."

"Go to bed." I pointed at him, watching him take off his jacket and shoes before trudging down the hallway to his room where I heard the door faintly shut.

"Goodnight Amara." Joey smiled, giving my cheek a sloppy kiss before his bare feet took him back to his room.

I could see the faint hue of the nightlight under his door as I picked up Finn's jacket that he discarded on the floor and hanging it on the coat holder, before tucking his shoes onto the rack.

I switched off the main light, heading quietly to my room as I closed my bedroom door, sighing before climbing into my bed, feeling sleep welcome me easily as I closed my eyes tightly, praying my headache would be gone in the morning.

+ + +

I was wrong.

My headache was still pounding in my head as I sipped a hot mug of coffee, hearing things bang in the boys rooms as they got ready for school.

Joey came out first, his backpack on his back as he handed me a permission slip, "What's this?" I asked, taking it off him.