Exclusively Hers

7 - Thin Ice

Hope’s POV

The birds chirping outside was the first thing I heard as I yawned and rolled over on my bed. The clock read six O’clock, which means I still had another two hours before school. Normally, I would dread it, but with the new accommodations lately, my spirits have been high. Aspen really is like a ray of light and I cannot help but smile whenever I find myself thinking of him.

I sat up in my bed, sighing contently. After getting ready, I should go make sure Aspen is ready for the school day and then make a quick breakfast. Guilt caused my smile to falter. Perhaps Raffe was right. Was I too attached to Aspen? My brother and I have always been Inseparable and if I am caught up with Aspen in the same dire degree he explained it as, Raffe must be feeling neglected.

We’ve been at such a disconnect lately and I never realized I was the issue. Shaking my head, I jump out of bed. No, I'll make things right with my brother while still caring for Aspen. It can work.

One shower later, I was in blue jeans and a yellow short-sleeve that had a simple flower on it. My backpack was ready and I grabbed that along with my coat for the day before leaving my room. Skipping lightly down the hall, I knocked on Apsen’s door twice.

“Get up sleepy-head, I’ll be back in a minute!” I continued on, wondering what outfit Aspen and I would pick out together for him today. Ever since he started going to school, I’ve been showing him how to properly dress and as much as he seemed to fight it at first, I find him starting to enjoy those morning fashion shows in the middle of his room.

When I made it to Raffe’s room, I went to knock on his door to let him know I planned to make breakfast only to find his door opened. I stopped as I saw him sitting almost gloomily on the edge of his bed already fully dressed. Coat and all.
“Raffe?” He didn’t stir. “Raffe?” The second time I called him, his head snapped up to me, a few strands of his hair sticking out of its tight bun. “I was just letting you know that I was making breakfast this morning,” I said slowly, unsure of the odd energy around him.

“O-oh, right. Okay, thanks.”

Maybe it wasn’t him, but my lack of emotional connection with him since Aspen came. He couldn’t have fully shut me out, could he? Not liking the tension between us, I tucked my coat over one arm and moved slightly further into his open room.

“Look, Raffe..you were right. I know I’ve been completely entangled with Aspen and I won’t even use the excuse of accommodating changes. We both know I’ve been doing more than that regarding him and I am sorry if my naiveness made you feel neglected.” His eyes found mine and they seemed a bit bloodshot with unshed tears and emotion. I took that as a sign to continue. “You’re my brother and you’re my only brother. I love you immensely and no one can change that. I don’t see Aspen as my brother and never will. You don’t have to worry about that.”

Because what I feel around Aspen would make it taboo for me to see him as my brother. Though, I wouldn’t just go right ahead and say that. Just because my mother has figured it out, it doesn’t mean everyone has to know.

“I love you too sis and I’m so sorry.” he croaked out, his brows furrowing as he attempted to hold back a heavy expression. I breathed out happily, moving in more confidently with a smile before throwing my arms around him.

“Raffe, you have nothing to be sorry about. I was being blind, but I won’t anymore.” Removing myself, I adjusted my backpack that was getting heavy in my hands. “I’m going to take my stuff downstairs and get started on breakfast. Could you make sure Aspen is up?”

Raffe peeled his eyes away from me, looking ahead at nothing again just as I had found him. This time, he didn’t seem distant. I tilted my head to get a better look at his face, his expression giving off a sense of helplessness.