Sunsets

Brian

Ann, Mothers Memories, and Me
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When I got home from the beach and the awkward run in with Bella, Ann comes running to me with her arms open. I am the only one she has to teach her how to behave, watch out for her, make her food, and bring her to school, since my dad is always working late trying to make enough money to support us.

"Annie!" I playfully yell at my sister (who was clearly painting, which is her special talent. She's amazing with anything involving art, me on the other side can't even draw a stick person!) calling her her special nickname we created several years back. I think she was seven and I was twelve.

"Brianey!" She playfully yells back my special nickname. "Make me food? Dad has the late shift again tonight. When I talked to him on the phone he said he will be back hopefully before eleven." My dad is part of the police force. High up. It's great that he has that kind of sucess, but sometimes it feels like he forgets the role of a father. I'd rather wear the same clothes for a couple years if it means he can stay home just a little bit more. It feels like I am more of a father then a brother to Ann. I think she feels like that too because she treats me more like a dad then a brother.

"Pasta?" I ask her, remembering it is Bella's favoruite food. Penne to be exact.

"Yes! I want the bows!" She answers with a hint of excitement in her voice.

"Okay." I promise her. "Go wash up, wash your face too little artist." I tease. "There's blue on your chin and white on your nose, what are you? A different version of Santa Clause?" I ask her smiling. "Possibly the easter bunny?" She smiles back at me, giggling. Yes, I am aware that she is ten years old, and getting quite old for all this teasing and babying, but she doesn't care. I don't either. She will always be my baby sister, even when shes eighty eight and i'm dead. Even if she did something really bad. She will always be my baby angel. That's what my mom called us. She called Bella an angel when she came to my house. But to be fair enough,. Bella was an angel.

I walk into the kitchen with what energy I had left in me and start boiling the water for the bows. I sat down on the couch and turned on my cheap blackberry that used to be my dads. I check if my dad sent me any texts even though I know he is too busy for that.

'

* * * * *

During her dinner, she tells me about her day. She tells me about the new kid Dylan, she tells me about her best friend Laura thinking he is 'hot'. I remind her that she is only ten and that her and her best friend don't need to be looking for boys. When the right boy comes, I will tell her, until then, no boys. She also asks me if i'm going to eat and I lie to her saying I already did.

She got her homework out while I wash the dishes. Since it is only the first day of school, it's a small project asking her questions about herself. She left one question blank because she doesn't have any memory of our mom and any memories she can remember.

I was third grade when she died, which meant she would have just been in Junior Kindergarten.

The phone rang, hoping that it was my dad saying that he could come home early. With a hopefull voice I say, "Hello?"

"Oh hey Brian. It's Laura, how are you?" Laura asks. I approve of Laura, she has really good manners, always asks how I am, and acts like a grownup. Only, she hogs the phone line sometimes. I always wonder if my dad has ever tried to get through to us and Laura and Ann are talking.

"Good, and you Laur?" I ask.

"Phenomenal as usual. May I talk to Ann please?" She asks very polietly and it would be rude not to let her.