The State Files

Icky Bicky

Billy stood tall as he held the hot, smoking plate in his hands.

The cornbread looked pretty good, he said so himself. Black, crispy, and crumbling, just how he liked it!

He smelled it, the smoke wafting into his nose. It smelled salty, sour, and tart.

He licked his lips and went to take a big bite.

Just as he was about to take a bite, movement was seen in the corner of his eye, causing him to pause and look over.

On the couch, Magnolia sat all alone.

He stared for a bit at his older sister. Why was she alone? Jackson had always been with her...

It was not like he was the most comforting and feely guy around, but he felt a tug in his chest. He looked down at his plate and then at her.

Hmmm...maybe she'd appreciate a bite?

He stepped forward, the plate in his hands. He tapped her on the shoulder.

Magnolia turned around and looked at him. "Hm?"

He stared at her, then down at the plate, then up at her. "Wan won?" He mumbled.

She stared at the plate in his hand, then at him. "You're givin me one?"

He nodded.

She smiled slightly. "Well then, I appreciate that," She looked at the black cornbread; her lips tugged slightly, but she bounced back quickly and picked one up. She looked at him and slowly brought it to her mouth.

She nibbled at it slightly. Billy stared at her expectantly.

"Mm-blurg...Mmm, yum! But, ya know...this is more than I usually eat," She smiled wobbly and put the cornbread on the table by the couch. "Thank you," She smiled at him. She awkwardly patted his shoulder and then stood up and quickly walked away.

He stared as she walked away. Did she like it? Right? But she just left. And she didn't finish it!

He looked down at the plate, then up again.

An idea came into his mind. He wouldn't admit it, but...it felt kinda nice to give his food to his sister. And he liked the compliment.

His lips tugged upward ever so slightly. He gripped the plate and trudged onward through the hallway. He bet others would like his cornbread also!

...

"You're giving me a piece?" Judy questioned him.

Billy nodded. Staring at his Midwestern sister.

They never really talked. They had no reason to. But she was nearby, and that was enough for Billy.

She glanced at the muffins, the same look that was on Darlene's face came over hers. "How...nice of you," She smiled.

"Go on..." Billy nudged.

She smiled nervously and slowly grabbed it, hovering it in front of her mouth. She took a nibble.

"Eghmm.. yum, so good...thank you, but this doesn't really agree with my stomach,"

"Whatdya mean?" He tilted his head.

"I uh...allergies! Ya know..."

"Allergic to wha?"

"...Ember?"

He hummed. There was a ton of embers on it. He nodded.

Judy smiled slightly. "Great...well then, bye..." She left swiftly.