Born to Kill

3.

The next few days passed by with little drama thankfully. The next morning after the dinner fiasco, to no one's surprise, their dad was gone with an apology note left on the counter. Iris pretended to not be affected by their dad's last second change of plans by throwing herself into her social media platforms and planning more and more protests. Rachel even offered to help her and dragged Elijah along with them to the rallies where he watches his sister stand in the freezing cold, yelling at the top of her lungs to end the games.

He wondered how his sister did that. How she could stand up in front of crowds and news cameras and talk about her beliefs without fear. A lot of people came to boo and jeer at her as well, but it didn't seem to faze Iris at all.

Christmas was particularly bleak as the group exchanged gifts. Rachel tried to cheer the Meyers up by making them a big breakfast in the morning, but the two siblings had trouble finding any Christmas cheer.

Although, he had to admit, Elijah was a little happy when Cecilia surprised them with a visit with homemade pies on Christmas Day. She made everyone feel better and even Iris managed to crack a smile when she joined their little group.

Then when New Years came, nobody was in the best mood waiting for the news. Around the middle of the afternoon, Rachel and Iris decided to go out together once more for a protest down in Times Square leaving the apartment to Cecilia and Elijah.

In the kitchen, making some pizza bagels and other finger foods for the night ahead, Cecilia was listening to some rap music and dancing. Elijah watched her from the kitchen door with a bemused expression. With her red curly hair hastily thrown up in a bun and just wearing sweats and a New York Yankees t-shirt, Elijah couldn't help but picture her like this in a future of their own. In their own home with their own kids.

It was a beautiful picture. So with a content smile, he walked into the kitchen to come up behind his girlfriend to give her a hug and kiss on the cheek. Cecilia smiled and melted into his embrace.

"Hi there." She said, leaning back so her head rested on his shoulder. "You want to help."

"Not really." He said, causing her to chuckle. "I just wanted to give you a hug."

Cecilia shook her head before turning around in his arms, but he kept his hands on her waist to make sure she stayed close. Throwing her arms around his neck, she leaned up to give him a little peck before leaning away.

"What's going on?"

He shook his head. "Nothing. I just want to give my girlfriend a little love, is that a crime?"

"No," She said with a laugh, "But, I know you too well. Whenever you get all touchy it's usually because you need some sort of comfort. So, why not tell me what's wrong?"

With a sigh, Elijah threw his head back a little as he finally said, "I feel bad for ruining the mood by arguing with dad."

"Eli, you didn't do anything wrong. You and your dad... you guys have a complicated relationship, but that didn't drive him away." She ran her hand down his chin and gently lowered his face so she could look him in the eyes. "He made the decision on his own to not be here. It's not your fault."

"What if it is?" Elijah said, glancing at the family photo on the wall of when their mom was still there. "I mean, I know we don't get along and what if that's why he decided not to stay? So he wouldn't have to argue with me?"

"Babe, that's literally what he's doing right now. Arguing with a court." Cecilia cupped his cheeks and kissed him softly. She pulled away a little and said softly, "You're a good brother. Iris loves you and isn't mad, I swear."