𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝

Chapter 21 - Realization

"Deceiving others. That is what the world calls a romance."
― Oscar Wilde

Alice

    – Are you even listening to me ? Alice ?

    I raise my head, my phone in hand. No, I definitely haven't been listening to my brother during his monologue, but does it really matter ? He's used to talking alone, to me not listening. I don't even understand the purpose of us eating together, we've not done that since... Mom and Dad died.

    Alexander came to me earlier this evening to propose to order pizza for dinner, and even though I found it weird, I accepted it. And now that we're sat down at the table, a cringe silence hanging around us, I find nothing better to do than text Orion to make the time pass faster.

    The thing is, I've been texting Orion every day since the time we spent together a few days ago. It's like I can't get enough of him now that I've finally tasted what he feels like. So I've been captivated by our texts, not realizing my dear brother had started talking. But when he talks, it's only about himself anyway, so why should I care ?

    – Who are you even texting ?

    Before I can reply, he takes my phone, which makes me finally raise my head. I hadn't realized that he had been so close before that. My phone in his hand, he scrolls through our texts, a frown on his face.

    I wait in anger, my arms crossed on my chest, killing him with a stare. What age does he think I am ? He doesn't have the right to just take my phone and check my texts as if I'm a child. I'm not.

    I don't take it from him, though. I have nothing to hide. I don't care what he thinks about my relationship with Orion, even though there's no name for it yet. We're close, and he will not do anything about it, because he doesn't control my life nor Orion's.

    Finally, my brother sighs, and puts my phone down. Immediately, I take it, hiding it in the pockets of my jeans. My voice is cold when I speak.

    – And what gave you the right to do just that, exactly ?

    My brother turns his stare to me, darkness in his pupils, something I cannot quite place, like sorrow or pity. Whatever it is, it makes me shiver.

    – I'm doing this to protect you, Alice. You don't see what's happening and it's normal. I'm just asking you for one thing... Stay away from Orion.

    It's my turn to frown. I'm confused by his words, he's being way too cryptic to obtain anything from me. In order to not look like a toddler getting disputed, I stand up, facing him with questions in my eyes.

    It's funny how he's trying to keep me away from the one person he's the closest to. He should apply his own words to himself. I've wanted Orion for long enough and, now that I finally have him, even if it's so subtle it's nothing, it's still a victory. I won't let go now.

    – Why would I do that ? I laugh without any amusement in my voice. You're not staying away from him, so why should I ?

    Clearly, he's bothered by my attitude, I see it in his eyes but, for once, I won't back down. I want to know what he's talking about. We stare at each other in silence, a silent war going on between our eyes, but finally, Alexander gives up and turns away from me.

    I'm talking to his back, and I hate it. I feel like a little girl people are trying to protect. Does he still take me for a little child ?

    – Whatever it is, tell me, I order him. If you don't, then I don't see why I should obey you.