The Firefly

21°

Is everything okay, Amber?
I asked myself that too.

I try to speak, but no sound came from my lips.

Jake said nothing, leaving me time to think and to give him an eventual answer. He lowered his head, sighing.

I felt my eyes glaze over and my lips tremble a little; I cried too easily. I had to restrain myself, I couldn't show weakness in front of him. Who knows what he would have thought of me.

-It's... complicated to explain, Sir.- He raised an eyebrow, his sharp jaw relaxed. -I'll make an effort to understand, then.- He said, lowering his voice to prevent some overly curious maids from eavesdropping.

He smiled a little as if trying to be encouraging.

-It's about my twin brother.- I began drawing in a very deep breath, the boy at my side turned to sit in my direction supporting his head with his right arm resting on the back of the sofa and crossing his legs.

-He... has been with a girl for a long time and I have grown fond of her, she has become like a sister.-I paused, why would I tell that boy everything?

He gave me a quick nod encouraging me to continue, I could trust him.

-I...I've known for a while that he was cheating on her with someone else. Last night though, I saw it with my own eyes and yelled things at him that maybe a sister should never say to her brother...- My voice trembled, I squinted my eyes trying to contain my tears.

-I told him that if he didn't tell her then I would be the one to do it.- I said wiping away a tear that had managed to escape.

-I have a feeling that maybe I shouldn't have meddled in their lives.-

Jake stood for a few moments with a furrowed brow listening to me.

-Are you...crying?- He became alarmed leaning towards me, I hurriedly wipe my damp cheek.

-No, not at all.- I cursed myself as my voice trembled.

-You can't lie.- A smile escaped him which he quickly hid, clearing his throat he turned his head to the side.

-Don't cry over shit like that.- He lowered his voice even more, letting his white eyes pierce me, I felt a shiver run down my arms.

-These are not the real problems in life.- He smiled slightly and I found his smile and features together to be a beautiful sight.

-If you cry even over small things in case something bigger ever happens, you will be finished.- He raised his hand slowly.

With his slender fingers he gently traced my entire arm, I hoped he did not notice the goose bumps that assailed every inch of my skin.

He stopped at my cheek and impishly wiped away a tear with his thumb.

I lost myself staring at him. In my mind's eye the matter of Matthew receded into the background for a few moments.

-Your brother will have to make a choice, but it is not for you to decide for him.- He let his palm rest on my moist cheek for a few moments, transmitting his warmth to me, I was glad.

-Whichever girl he'll choose will always be your brother. This must not allow your bond to be broken.-

He was right.

He was damn right.

I nodded softly and as his hand moved away from my cheek, a slight, fleeting smile seemed to appear on his lips.

He pulled away slightly and I did my best to stop crying.

I decided to focus on him one last time, already fearing that he would soon retreat into his usual bubble of indifference.