Our different worlds

My secret stars

After the credits rolled on Home Alone, I glanced over at Ethan, who was already dozing off on the couch. My dad, trying to be discreet about it, kept giving him little nudges, hoping to wake him up just enough to walk to his room. "Come on, buddy. You're getting too old for this," Dad said with a soft chuckle, struggling to lift Ethan's dead weight.

"Let me help," Alex suggested, rising from his spot on the couch. "I can carry him."

"Are you sure?" I asked, slightly worried about how big Ethan was getting. "He's thirteen now, and he's not exactly light."

"I've got this," Alex replied confidently, bending down to scoop Ethan into his arms with surprising ease. I felt a flutter of admiration as I watched him effortlessly lift Ethan, cradling him against his chest like a pro.

As we walked to Ethan's room, I led the way, trying to suppress the smile creeping onto my face at the sight of Alex being so gentle with my little brother. "His room is right here," I said, pointing to the door.

Once we entered, Alex carefully laid Ethan down on his bed, adjusting the covers around him. "He looks so peaceful," Alex murmured, glancing at the sleeping boy. "I can't believe this is the second time we're putting someone to sleep like this."

I laughed, recalling the night with Max. "Yeah, but Max was completely drunk. Ethan just fell asleep after a fun night."

Alex smiled at me, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Let's hope we don't have to carry anyone out of a party like that again."

"Right?" I said, shaking my head. "Let's not make it a habit." I paused, glancing at the door, then turned back to Alex. "Hey, do you want to see something cool?"

"Sure!" he said, his curiosity piqued.

"Follow me." I led him out of Ethan's room and up to my own, which was at the end of the hallway. I opened the window that led out to the roof. "This is my secret spot," I said, grabbing a cozy blanket and laying it on the cold surface of the roof. "It's my favorite place to stargaze."

Alex climbed out after me, sitting beside me on the roof. The chilly night air was invigorating, but the blanket kept us warm as we settled in and looked up at the stars. "Wow, it's beautiful out here," he said, taking in the view. "I've never done this before."

"I know, right? It's perfect," I replied, taking a deep breath. "It's so quiet up here, and the stars are just... incredible."

As we sat there, I could sense a shift in the atmosphere. Alex looked more relaxed than I had ever seen him. "I never really had this," he began, his voice soft. "I mean, feeling what it's like to be part of a family. Tonight was probably the cheapest, yet richest meal I've ever had. Everything just felt... right."

I glanced at him, surprised. "That's sweet of you to say. My mom is indeed a great cook, but it's also about the company."

He nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Exactly. It's the warm feeling of belonging somewhere, a feeling I kind of forgot over time."

"I get that," I said, nudging him playfully. "So, what's your story?"

He sighed, the weight of his family's expectations visible in his eyes. "Well, my dad really wanted me. He's always pushing me to take over the family business. My mom? She barely sees me; she's always worried about how I look. It's all about appearances with her." He paused, looking up at the stars. "And Charlotte... she has to look perfect all the time, seduce everyone, and be this leader. And I'm just supposed to be the manly character my mom wants me to be."

"Wow, that sounds... suffocating," I said, my heart aching for him. "You're so much more than that."

"I know," he continued, his voice heavy. "We have money, sure. I could book a jet to the Maldives right now if I wanted. But everything is controlled. My dad needs to know what I'm doing, who I'm with, and what my plans are. It feels like my life is already planned out for me."