My Brother, The Devil ✔

24

Blair POV.

Christmas is approaching. Mrs. Mary takes Michael back to the old mansion from the capital to celebrate. I also received a call to go back. The Emerson family has an unwritten rule that they take a family photo every Christmas Eve. I join them every year, but essentially, I'm no different from the holly wreath hanging on the door—just adding to the festive atmosphere.

When the photographer arrives, my foster parents are still in the garden drinking coffee, and George goes upstairs to find Michael, who locks himself in his room to play games as soon as he gets home.

So, I walk through the living room to the garden to tell them to get ready.

There is a small door between the living room and the garden.

Just as I'm about to push the door open, I hear Mrs. Mary's voice faintly from outside, "Are you out with friends every day?"

Then Mr. Emerson's voice responds, "We just play cards, fish, nothing else."

"It's better this way. Stay away from those shady deals."

"Your temper is getting worse. Now that George is in charge of the family, what deals could I be involved in?"

"What do you think? If I hadn't handled it in time, do you know how much the Apex incident would have affected me? In two years, I'll be entering the central government, and you're still causing me trouble!"

Mr. Emerson chuckles, "Just minor economic issues, don't worry. Besides, George is reliable. With him around..."

I cough.

"Who's there?" Mrs. Mary asks.

"Mom, Dad," I push the door open and walk out, "the photographer is here. We can take the photo now."

Mrs. Mary frowns, giving me a suspicious look.

I pretend not to have heard anything, smile, and lead the way back to the living room.

The makeup artist arrives with the photographer, and before taking the picture, Mrs. Mary takes Michael to get his makeup done. That's when I notice a scabbed wound on Michael's forehead.

As I'm wondering how he got the injury, George, arms crossed, asks Michael, "How does it feel to get beaten? Fun?"

"Don't kidding me." Michael replies. "The guy who beat me ended up worse than me; he's in the hospital."

This kid sure is a troublemaker, even in the capital. I shake my head slightly.

"Your mother has really spoiled Michael," Mr. Emerson says to George with a helpless look. "It's bad enough he doesn't study, but he insists on fighting with classmates and making their parents come over to apologize."

"Can we celebrate the holiday in peace? Do you have to talk about this now?" Michael says, starting to get annoyed.

The room falls silent.

As soon as the photo session ends, I grab my bag and coat and sneak out.

Antonio has been in a bad state lately, staying home and obeying his parents. The more obedient he is, the more uneasy I feel. Today, I finally convinced him to go out with me and Barbara. We planned to have dinner at a restaurant and then set off fireworks by the river.

Winter nights fall early. By the time we arrive at the river with a trunk full of fireworks, there are already many people there. We find a relatively empty spot to park.

The stars are exceptionally bright tonight, and even the white breath when we speak seems warm.

Barbara is timid, only dares to play with sparklers, waving them around to draw circles. I take pictures of her, and she says she wants to post them on social media to flirt with guys, urging me to take good ones.