Battle of the Roses [Book 2]

Chapter 4

So I'm posting this because SACarter FINALLY posted the chapter for Secrets I've been waiting for patiently (just kidding- I'm not patient at all for it).  So you can thank you for this chapter :)

Chapter Quote:
"We could run away. I'd stay with you."
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Chapter 4

Elsa 

Caleb was barely coming out of his room, causing me to become really worried.  I voiced this to Ember but she simply dismissed it as saying he was simply still upset over what Hunter said.  I couldn't believe my oldest brother had said that.  I mean I know that Caleb was there when Anna had died, and I know he hadn't been able to save her, but I didn't blame him.  He was only twelve when it happened!  How was he supposed to win against three guys that were each three times his size?

I was hanging out in the living room when Caleb entered.  He tensed slightly before he realized it was just me.

"Hey Ice Princess," he greeted with a little smirk.  That was his nickname for me.  He was the only one I ever allowed to call me that. "What are you watching?"

"Something about World War II.  What are you doing?" I asked as he plopped down next to me.

"Working, studying, the usual.  Thought I'd come down and take a break, see what my little sis was doing."

"The usual.  I have to head out later because I have class, but I think I'm going to quit soon.  I've learned mostly everything I can.  I just wanted to learn how to defend myself."

"I think you could kick any one of our asses," Caleb laughed.

"Who could kick our asses?" Ember queried, sliding into the room on her socks.

"Me and my martial arts training," I replied.

"Well you probably could.  Maybe not dad or Loren or Shiloh, but everyone else?  Oh yeah."

"What are you doing today?"

"Noah, Thea, Diana, Riley, Jake, and I are heading down to town.  And by heading down I mean we're going to freak out some tourists because it's always fun to see their reactions.  I know you can't join Elsa but what about you Caleb?"

"I'm in, but I'm probably going to make a quick trip to the store.  I want some snacks and mom is going on one of her health sprees.  I know it'll only last a week or two but I want food.  Good, fattening food."

"No arguments there.  Think you could pick up some ice cream for me?"

"Sure.  I'm going to head back up and work but call me when you're heading out."

"Okey doke," Ember chirped.

"Do you think he's okay?" I questioned quietly after my brother had gone upstairs.

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know... I just feel like I don't see him much anymore."

"Tell him."

"I don't want to be annoying."

"Caleb adores you Elsa.  You're his baby sister.  You're the baby sister for all of us.  Even if something was bothering us, we probably wouldn't tell you."

"Excuse me?"

"We wouldn't want to trouble you.  Besides, what on earth could possibly bother a Guardian?  I mean other than psychos who want to kill us."

I loved how Ember always tried to bring humor, even the slightest, into a conversation that wasn't a cheerful topic.  She always offered comedic relief and it helped.  But she also knew the limits of when to say something and when not to say something so it wouldn't be offensive.  I loved my sister for it.