INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT (1999)
A cozy family dinner is in progress. Martin Mystery, a mischievous 12-year-old, sits across from Diana Lombard, a determined 12-year-old girl.
MARTIN
(smirking)
You're 11, right?
Diana, her cheeks turning red, discreetly kicks Martin under the table. The kick is surprisingly strong, leaving a bruise.
DIANA
(hissing)
I'm 12, you total moron!
Martin grins, unfazed by the kick.
MARTIN
(slyly)
Well, you could've fooled me.
Diana glances at the oblivious parents and leans in closer.
DIANA
(mocking)
Maybe you should use that brain of yours for once.
Martin chuckles, enjoying the banter.
MARTIN
(teasing)
Maybe I just wanted an excuse to talk to you.
Diana rolls her eyes but can't hide a small smile.
DIANA
(sarcastic)
Lucky me.
The tension between them breaks, and they share a brief moment of laughter, the beginning of an unexpected friendship.
———————
INT. MARTIN'S DINING ROOM - NIGHT (CONTINUED)
The banter between Martin and Diana continues, each remark exchanged adding a layer to their playful dynamic. The parents remain blissfully unaware as they engage in their own conversation.
DIANA
(teasing)
Sorry, little miss prima-donna.
Martin smirks, enjoying the verbal sparring.
MARTIN
(mocking)
Well, aren't you a charmer?
Diana smirks back, and the night unfolds with a series of quips and retorts. To an outsider, it might seem like they're at odds, but a subtle understanding grows between them.
As the evening wraps up, Diana leans in.
DIANA
(smiling)
We should do this again sometime.
MARTIN
(grinning)
Yeah, maybe when you're not busy being a total moron.
They share a secret smile, knowing their banter hides a budding friendship. Over the next few months, Diana and her mother make it a tradition to have dinner at Gerard's house, solidifying the connection between the two families.
————-
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY (SIX MONTHS LATER)
Gerard and Elaine's wedding has brought significant changes. Diana and her mother have moved in, merging the two families into one household. The once playful banter between Martin and Diana takes a different turn.
DIANA
(loudly)
Now I have to live with you? Ugh, 24/7, Martin.
She whines, snuggled up next to him on the couch. Martin, trying to lighten the mood, pinches her cheeks.
MARTIN
(teasing)
Aw, come on, don't be like that with your Big Bro.
Diana suddenly pulls away, her expression changing.
DIANA
(upset)
You're not my brother!
She gets up and stalks off to her room, leaving Martin feeling a little stung by her harsh words. The adjustment to the new family dynamics proves to be challenging for both of them.
As days pass, Martin tries to find moments to connect with Diana, but she remains distant. The once lively banter is replaced by an awkward silence, and Martin wonders how he can bridge the gap between them in this new family dynamic.
——————————
YOU ARE READING
You're not my brother
Fanfiction...in the year of 1999. Martin Mystery (12, going on 13)and Diana Lombard first meeting is awkward. "Your 11, right?" He teases. She huffs, cheeks red, before discreetly kicking him under the table. Hard enough to leave a bruise. She risks a glance...
