A New Dawn

Chapter 24 - Idris

If I'm being honest, I didn't think Briar would agree to perform tonight. And when she did, I almost wanted to assure her she didn't have to. Not when it looked like she was on the verge of a mental breakdown. But at the same time, I know she needs this push if she ever wants to go back into performing. Even if it annoys her, I think that's one thing Everett seems to know better than Gareth and Thera.

My phone vibrates. I slip it out of my pocket, scowling at Roman's name. I never expect my brother to apologize for anything, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want him to after that last fight with our parents. I wouldn't have to think this way at all if he just kept his mouth shut. But he didn't. He never seems to at the worst times. And when he does keep quiet, it's also at the worst times.

Thinking about it makes me want to drop my phone in my water glass, but that'll make Nanay and Tatay lecture me about how if I'm so irresponsible with my phone, how could they ever trust me with anything else. I could just ignore the call, but I have a feeling that'll make things worse with my brother. So I take a deep breath before I pick up. No matter how annoyed I feel, I keep my voice monotone as I answer Roman's call.

"Hello?"

"How's job searching?" he asks. His voice comes out casual. No indication of what happened a few days ago.

Like always.

"It's going."

"Does that mean you're not actually job searching and now you have no excuse to be out of the house at all times? And you're just trying to piss off Nanay and Tatay?"

I rub my napkin between my fingers as I glare at the coil of fairy lights. "I never try to piss off Nanay and Tatay."

Roman laughs. "Really? Then, it's kind of impressive how you piss them off all the time by accident." I grit my teeth, humming in response. It's safer than responding and possibly pissing Roman off. "Is that what you're trying to do now? I'm guessing since you're not home."

My monotone slips. "If that's what you want to think."

There's a slight pause. Then, I hear Roman sigh. "Look, I know you idolize Gareth Chiem, and it was probably a huge deal for you to be his beta reader." No kidding. "And I know you like hanging out with that girl—" understatement "—but this is probably for the best. If you just listen to Nanay and Tatay, maybe you'll piss them off less."

I guess Roman isn't wrong, but I'd rather piss them off a little than never see Briar again. I'll never admit that to anyone in my family, though. "Sure, I guess."

"Great," he says. "In that case, you should come home soon, or Nanay and Tatay will think you're doing something you shouldn't be, especially since you don't have any more excuses."

"I'm not doing something I shouldn't be." Which I'm not. "But I'll probably come home later anyway. I always do." And I always want to these days.

"And that's why I think you piss off Nanay and Tatay on purpose."

I scoff. "They won't miss me for a few more hours."

"Sure, Idris. If that's what you want to tell yourself. At least give them a heads up."

"I will." Briar steps on stage, and I sit up, banging my knee against the table. "I gotta go."

I end the call before he can respond and completely silence my phone. I focus on Briar as she picks a guitar from the lineup on stage. She slips the strap over her head, letting it rest on her shoulder. She sets the stool aside and adjusts the microphone, wincing a little as feedback echoes throughout the room. When everything is set up, she takes a deep breath, gripping the neck of the guitar.