Beautiful Ruins

XVIII 》Cloud nine.

🎀The noblest art is that of making
others happy.

–P.T. Barnum.🎀

~ALDRIC~

Checking myself once more in my full view mirror, I ruffled my hair some more before stepping out of my room and shutting the door behind me.

I could hear the sound of my parents' laughter and Dom's voice as I walked down the stairs, my bag hanging loosely on my shoulder. It was a bit heavier than usual today since we had both Chemistry and Physics which meant bringing their textbooks along and they both had quite a weight.

I had my head so high up and my vision a bit hazy from sleep that I missed the extra stair, loosing footing and almost falling but Dad's large hands steadied me mid-way.

“Easy there son.” The mocking laugh that seeped through his voice made a smile form on my lips as my eyes rose to meet his.

It still knocked the breath out of me all the time at how much resemblance we shared. From the same tone of dark skin, the same facial features, height, and even the exact shape and size of lips down to the voice except that his was slightly deeper. I literally saw myself in him.

The only thing that differed between us was my most apparent feature; my eyes.

While his was dark brown, mine was a dark shade of gray which was said to be inherited from my Mum's side of the family. The full curly hair, also included.

“I had that under control, you know.” I caught the teasing smirk at the corner of his lips and returned it with one of my own.

Before he could reply, I had already pulled him in for a hug and he was quick to swing his arms around me too but Mum was also quick to interrupt. “I can see someone's starting to have a favorite.”

I released a chuckle before I pulled away from Dad and walked over to my Mother who had just set the last plate on the table.

How this woman loved attention ehh.

I gave her a hug too from the back and planted a kiss on her cheek. “Good morning, Mother.” 

A bright, beautiful smile graced her lips which made me smile even more. She was dressed in a flare red dress. It had little yellow flowers splattered on it, complimenting the yellow hair band that adorned her long, wavy hair.

Her outfit was quite casual compared to my Dad who spotted a sleek silver-gray suit that blended well with his dark skin. 

Mum patted my arm around her neck before she spoke. “How was your night baby?”

I pulled away, opening my mouth to speak, but a certain brother of mine just had to interrupt. 

“I thought I was the baby here.” Dominic shut the book in front of him, looked up with the corner of his lips pointing downwards. 

I couldn't help the  hearty laughter I realeased as I walked towards a seat at the dining and slid into it afterwhich I stuck my tongue out at the caramel skinned boy across from me which he returned with a glare.

Mum simply shook her head at the both of us and came to sit beside me, Dad joined in to, taking his usual seat. Dominic said the prayers which served as a signal for breakfast to commence. 

I took a sip from my juice first, savouring the thirst of fresh citrus against my tongue. A bite from the toasted bread followed afterwards.

I looked up from my food, to see Dom busy with his food as well as he munched away and drank greedily like a wild animal as though someone was going to snatch it away if he paused for just a second.