"Where are you going dressed so fancy?" Atticus questioned, raising an eyebrow and leaning against his sister's doorframe.
Alice swiveled in her chair, turning away from her vanity mirror to grin at her brother. Her hair was twisted in some elegant updo; her makeup was almost complete with pale, sparkly eyeshadow to compliment her light pink dress. It was date night, and Alice was eager to spend some time with Lev.
"Where do you think, Atticus?" she teased, turning back to her mirror to finish her makeup.
"What time is he picking you up?" Atticus sighed, checking his watch.
He hated that his sister was dating Lev of all people, but he had given up on arguing with her about it. Between the two Blackbourne children, Alice was surprisingly the more stubborn. Besides, as far as Atticus could tell, Lev was treating her right. He hadn't pushed her beyond her comfort zone, and Alice seemed happier than Atticus had seen her since their mother's demise. Atticus didn't want to force the shine out of her eyes over some boy. As long as Lev kept up the good guy act, Atticus would stay out of their relationship.
"Seven. We're grabbing dinner and then catching a late showing of The Princess Bride at the drive-in just out of town," Alice couldn't keep the joy out of her voice.
"Well, I hope you two have fun. You call me if you need anything, okay? I mean it, Ally," Atticus instructed, stepping behind her to place a kiss on the crown of her head.
Alice met her brother's protective gaze through the mirror. He was always so worried about her, especially now that she was dating. Maybe it had more to do with who she was dating than the mere fact that she was doing it. Alice found it endearing, at least now that he had stopped trying to break her and Lev up. Her big brother would always be her number one guy. Despite what she might tell him.
She inspected her brother's reflection a little closer. He hadn't been sleeping well, given the bags under his eyes, and he must have been drinking more given the bloodshot look. However, he didn't appear to be taking his pills. At least, not more than prescribed. He was walking with a bit of a limp, and yesterday he had even been using his cane. This Atticus was new to Alice.
"What are your plans this evening, Atticus?" Alice asked softly, offering her brother a gentle smile in the mirror.
Atticus could see the wheels turning in Alice's head. She was worried about him. She didn't need to be. He was not the one that needed to be protected. He was not the one at risk of being hurt. He was already hurt, and he was not going to allow himself to be hurt again.
"Don't worry about me, Ally," Atticus said, a sad smile on his face. "I'm fine."
"Why don't you see if Ravyn's free? The two of you could go pull pranks on Torin like you used to," Alice suggested, turning to face Atticus.
Atticus sighed. Bless his sister and her kind heart. Ravyn shuns her, basically admits her newfound dislike towards her all because of some boy, and Alice acts as if nothing has changed between Atticus and Ravyn. As if Atticus wouldn't be angry at his best friend for choosing a boy over years of friendship. Ravyn was like an older sister to Alice. Alice had looked up to her and adored her. Of course, Atticus was going to be furious when Ravyn picked a crush over the two of them. And of course, Alice had too much love in her heart for her brother and for Ravyn to think that everything would change.
"I don't think Ravyn and I will be hanging out anymore, Alice," Atticus admitted, sitting across from her on the edge of the bed.
"She's your best friend," Alice whispered. "You shouldn't let what's going on between Ravyn and me change how the two of you are. You love her, and that is what's important."
"I love you more, kid," Atticus shrugged.
Alice leaned forward, gripping his hand tightly with her own. Atticus stared down at them, refusing to meet the fierce look in his sister's eye.
"You are the best big brother a girl could ever ask for, Atticus. But you are an idiot. You're always going to have me. We're family – and no, I don't mean just because we are literally family. We're chosen family, and nothing is going to come between us. But you and Ravyn? You're... You're soulmates. But you can lose her. Don't let it be because of me."
Atticus stayed silent, gazing intently at their intertwined hands. Giving Alice's hand a small squeeze, he got up and left.
Alice sighed.
YOU ARE READING
A Coalition Story
Teen Fiction"Ravyn, I don't even know if I'm into guys," Cal whispered harshly. "Torin isn't a guy, he's a man, and you're into him," the willowy girl insisted, pushing her cousin forward roughly. He groaned, which caught Torin's attention, distracting him from...
