Learning To Fall

twenty six

I opened my eyes feeling a sense of dread. Which was weird, seeing as today I was technically an adult. I should've been celebrating, I could legally get my own place now. I could legally do- not that much.

Elliot, however, was ecstatic. Even from down the hall I could hear him humming a tune from Rocky Horror Picture Show in the kitchen. Rubbing my sleepy eyes, I trudge into the kitchen where my male counterpart made homemade waffles. He was always the cook; it was his true passion. Not that he'd ever let the she-devil know.

"Happy birthday," He smiles, placing a plate of waffles with a side of mixed fruit in front of me.

"You too," I manage a laugh. My heart was still feeling the effects of several nights ago; not only was it heavy, but it felt cold, like the freezing snow had seeped into my body and left me forever chilly. In reality, I wanted to sink into my covers and watch Netflix all day. But, that wouldn't be the plan. As if on cue, a peppy Carter strolls in through the front door.

"There's my two favorite birthday siblings!" She sings, coming around the counter to peck Elliot on the lips. When she turns to face me, I notice the bag in her hands.

"Carter, no." I insist, but her grin says otherwise.

"Carter, yes." She giggles, pulling out a cocktail dress. I resist the urge to roll my eyes. Since her and Elliot started dating, she's been on this mission to turn me into someone who dresses just like her; skirts and blouses and heels heels heels. Last year she bought me a pair of six inch red pumps, and they've been hiding in the back of my closet since. I appreciated the effort, but there was no changing my style unless I  was the one to change it. "Just try it on. I even picked colors that you like," She begs, and I had to admit that the dress wasn't as bad as last year's heels. The top half of the dress was black and had a portion made of mesh. It was sleeveless, but had a small collar. The skirt was red and pleated, though the material was smooth. I look back over at the blonde and then at Elliot.

"Don't drag me into this, I made you breakfast," He humors as he continues to make waffles. Sighing, I look over at Carter who already knew she won.

"I will wear it for one night. That's it, and then it's going to the back of my closet. Do we have a deal?" In response, the girl squeals. Jesus, what did I just get myself into?  I take it upon myself to eat a bite of waffle.

"Deal! I already planned the whole party; I even invited your weird friends, too! Oh, and Michael!"

I almost spit out my food at the mention of Michael.

"You did what?" I exclaim, causing both members of the couple to flinch away. Carter looks to Elliot for help.

"Did I do something wrong?" She asks, her tone taking on one of a sad puppy. I pinch the bridge of my nose, taking in a deep breath. "Andy, I'm sorry I called them weird-" There I go, sighing again. They were weird, and that's why I loved them.

"It's not that, Carter. It's just, Michael and I are going through some issues right now. And I don't think it would be very wise to invite him." I calmy explain. "Did you invite Luke?" At that, she scrunches up her nose.

"Why would I invite Luke?" Another sigh.

"Him and I, we're okay now."

"You're kidding, right? Eli, tell me she's kidding." My brother shakes his head in response. Of course, he knew the whole story. Calum and I had taken our turns telling him pieces of what happened at the second Christmas party. "Okay, you're not kidding. Do you just want to text Luke since I've already sent out the invitations?" I nod, already doing so. He replies within seconds.