The Opposite of Us

Outdoors Does Some Good

3 Days till Christmas

Izzy's POV

It was so good to have my brother back in Toronto. I feel like I'm living in a dream state for a couple of days, getting to have the best fun with my brother and my housemate. Last night I came home with dinner and the boys looked a bit tired, so I suggested watching something light and funny that we could put on in the background. 

We ended up watching the second half of Brooklyn 99 Season 1 as that's where Ozzy was up to in his re-watch. It was fun to chill out with the boys and have some banter between us, talking about anything and everything as the show played in the background. 

Ozzy occasionally told us to be quiet and focus on a moment on the tv, especially when Jake confesses his feelings for Amy at the end. But mostly he was the one talking, filling us in on the interesting personalities in his workplace and the cool opportunities he may have this summer. He might have the chance to work in the Toronto office starting in June, which I would love. It's been so good having him here again.

The morning air is crisp as I get up but I don't mind. I keep smiling to myself, content in life for just a moment. I sit at the kitchen bench with my cup of coffee, keeping it close to my face. I'm not wearing my glasses yet, just enjoying the feel against my skin of the steam billowing up from my favourite mug. 

Staring out the window at the snow-covered rooftops, I feel hopeful. It's been snowing on and off the last couple of days and it feels perfect heading into Christmas. Some of the snow is landing on our mini-balcony, the table having accumulated little flurries of snow. It just looks magical, there's something about this time of year that brings joy to my heart. 

I jump when I feel a hand squeeze my shoulder, my heart racing as I look towards the culprit.

"Morning", Heath says as he walks past and into the kitchen.

"Morning", I reply back quietly, trying not to wake Ozzy who's dead to the world on the couch behind me.

We go about our own thing; him making French toast with bacon and maple syrup while I just sit with my cereal and coffee, staring out the window. I try to zone out, but I can't help but notice Heath watching me, his eyes darting away when he realises I've caught him. He did that last night too while we watched the final few scenes of the finale, now that I think of it. I shake my mind free of the thoughts and go back to staring out the window.

Once my coffee is finished, I turn to look at my brother sleeping and hope that he's having nice dreams. It's not been a great time for him lately and I really hope these holidays will help him process things and clear his head before going back to work. I know he will one day find someone who adores him as much as he adored Richelle, but he's gotta be open to the idea of there being anyone else. I guess it takes time though.

Ozzy stirs and I throw the closet thing I can find at him. It lands on his face and he picks the tea bag off his cheek before sitting up and glaring at me groggily.

"Really?"

I smile back smugly and shrug. He reaches for his glasses on the side of the couch and slowly makes his way into the kitchen for a glass of water.

"So what's the plan for today?" Heath asks from the other end of the bench, taking a break from staring at his French toast. I forgot he was there for a moment.

"I'd like to do something outdoors today. I'm always stuck inside when I'm working, so that would be refreshing", Ozzy replies, putting his glass down on the bench. "I also need to get some last-minute presents."