C'est la vie!

Chapter 16🥀

My left hand was in Max's other hand, while he tried to paint my nails. He shook slightly in trepidation.

"You'll get the paint everywhere," I cried. "Just don't think too much on it."

He only rolled his eyes. "Why red?" He snorted and looked up at my hair in disgust. He hated it and that's why I loved it.

I only chuckled. "My new favourite colour."

"Should we have to get you a red dress for your graduation now?"

"Maybe." I nodded and he rolled his eyes, leaning back to admire the mess he had made on my nails.

He smiled, pleased with what he had done.

"Now do my feet," I said and wiggled my toes. He slapped them away in disgust.

"Never".

"Please!" I whined and rushed to place it on his lap but mistakenly hit his face with them.

"Raine!" He yelled scrunching and rubbing his face.

"Sorry".

He however, took them and began to polish it. I could tell that he loved what he was doing.

I smiled, admiring my brother who was trying so hard to make it perfect: it was not working though, but I still admired it. "Speaking of graduations, when are we getting the dress?"

I shook my head. "I have enough dresses."

"What about your hair, nails, make up...?" He further probed.

I sighed. It didn't feel right that I was going to make it glamorous without my parent around.

I only shook my head. "I'm not changing my hair, Max."

He stared at it. "I'm getting used to seeing you in this." He proceeded to painting. "Okay but, you're still going to shop for a new dress, make your hair and nails... all those things. But, just not a red dress, please".

I shook with laughter, "why?"

"You'll be looking like the devil."

"But I'm evil", I said and imitated a monstrous face.

"You are. You're diabolical."

"Execrable."

His eyes shot up at me. "Where did you learn that word?"

I shrugged.

"Dastardly," he proceeded while still on my nails.

"Odious."

"Malevolent."

He passed me a knowing look. This was supposed to have been the part where my dad came in and declared who won this contest. I always won, and Max would whine about in the house.

"She's years younger than you so that's a head start for her," I would hear my dad explain to him.

But Max would refuse to give in by trying to hurt my feelings instead. "You only won because you're the loser in this family, and he wants to give you a reason to live because you're worthless."

Just then, my phone beeped and I stretched my neck to see who was texting.

I jumped when I saw Aiden's name pop up, causing my feet to slap Max's face. Again. He shrieked and caressed his now bruised skin, the nail polish spilling everywhere on the sofa.

Thanks, Aiden.

"Because of a text? Just because of a text?" Max seethed, getting up.

My phone beeped again and I reached for it before Max could catch a glance at the caller ID.