the dragon's daughter

Chapter 42: Summer, Part 2

Scorpius POV

Cal's done it again.

But I can't deny that the way Aquila handled it made me proud.  She usually back talks until Mum or Dad come by to settle it but she just closed down the thing by herself.  

On the other hand I want to smack my eldest brother with a troll's club until he gets the message in his head.  

She's my twin and my only sister.  Of course I care for her and may be a bit protective.  But I could care less what she wears.  She can wear or do whatever, she can handle herself.  I'm just here to be her brother, her backup if necessary.

The girls went inside to find her.  My bet is she's reading a book, Tales of Bettle the Bard  

20 Sickles, anyone?

It was now just the boys outside.  I stood next to Orion and Albus, Richy next to Orion.  James and Freddy were on the other side closer to Cal, Hugo sat in a lawn chair.  Cal just stood looking at the door.  

I know he was guilty, but probably also a bit shocked.  Aquila hasn't ever done that to him before.  No one moved or said anything, only sending glances to each other.  Soon the door opened to reveal our mother. 

That face.

Cal's dead.

"Excuse me gentlemen, I just need to borrow my boys for a moment." She smiled.

Calm before the storm.  

Orion and I looked at each other before walking through the door. I heard Caleum walking behind us and I heard Mum close the door.  We walked into the living space and sat down on the couch.  In age order.  Like always.

"Now." Mum started, "Would someone like to fill me in on why I heard screaming from my two children?" She raised her eyebrow.

Cal hung his head slightly.

"Cal didn't like Aquila's swim suit, so he told her to go change.  She didn't like it so she fought back.  Until she had enough and went inside."  Orion filled in.

"What was wrong with her bathing suit?"

"It was a two piece, she was showing too much skin." He said.

Really? It's a bathing suit.

Ours are quite literally basketball shorts.

"So?"  I think Mum was genuinely confused.  I would be too...

"It's not appropriate for her to be wearing." He defended, he just looked dumb.  I mean really.  It's a bathing suit.  What did he expect?

I try not to laugh remembering what she said about the girls at the beach.  That was fantastic. 

"Cal, it's a swim suit." She pinched the bridge of her nose. "You're just like your father," she muttered before inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly.  "Caleum, she's a girl and if she wants to wear a two piece, she can.  There's no harm in wearing one.  Have you not listened to the rant I gave your father about this?" 

Cal shrugged.

Mum sighed, "Look I understand that you're protective of her, and I understand why.  But Cal you have to see reason.  She wants to dress a certain way then let her, she wants to act a certain way then let her, she wants to do her hair a certain way, let her.  She's gonna wear things like that to go swimming.  It's a bikini.  There's nothing wrong with it."

Cal opened his mouth to respond but closed it.  I think he realized Mum was right.  

"I still don't like it." He mumbled.