Stalking Charlie

Movie Night

Alex Stone

"No shift tonight?"

I looked around to see my brother standing by my doorway, his tall figure filling it up.

I just nodded my head, then bent my head back over the book I was reading. I don't want to talk to him.

I have been avoiding him and Charlie. I avoided him not because of what Natasha said. He had shown how sorry he was and I heard he kept his distance from the witch.

It's actually because of Kenneth. I keep wondering if they talk about me. It's not impossible. They're bestfriends since I can remember, and they share about everything. It would be humiliating if my brother knew what I did. I know my brother loves me, but he also loves to tease me. Just as I do to him.

And Charlie, well, she's not really at fault. I'm just sulking at the fact that Kenneth likes her. Besides, even if we live on the same house now, I don't see her much. I keep working long hours, and she's always out somewhere with my father.

I wonder where they keep going. And what they do.

Seconds later my book was ripped out of my hands. Nick chuck it in my desk drawer, then took hold of my wrist and pulled me to get up.

"What are you doing?" I asked, surprised. Now that he's near, I can see the look of determination in his face. His mouth twitch to a lopsided smile.

"I rented Saw. And you are gonna watch it with me." he announced, his eyes daring me to oppose his every word.

Which I did.

"I'm busy." I snapped. "Go watch it by yourself!"

Nick smiled indulgently.

"I was hoping you'd say that." he murmured. "I wonder how many likes I'd get if I put up your picture online."

I just rolled my eyes, ignoring his bait. I took my book again out of the drawer.

"You know, the one where you're kissing Mitchell."

I felt the world skidded to a halt. I looked up at his arrogant face, smirking and devious, while mine was probably as pale as milk.

"W-what did you-"

"I saw you kiss." he wiggled his eyebrows, laughing at my face.

"W-What else did you see?" I asked, my heart beating erratically. I searched my brother's face. Is that the reason why he's laughing? Because he saw Kenneth push me away? Did they talk about me? Did they laugh about my idiotic behavior? Oh God, this is so embarrassing!

My brother just shrugged his shoulders, his posture suddenly taut and rigid.

"I just saw you kiss. I ran down to greet you and him, and maybe make fun at you two but you're already at the stairs." he said offhandedly.

I managed a weak sigh, my shoulders sagging with relief. But my relief was short lived, I just fully realized what my wicked brother just said.

"You took a picture?!"

He shrugged again.

"Enjoy your reading, sister." Nick said, his voice filled with suppressed laughter. He turned to leave the room, and I ran after him.

"I-If I watch that damned movie with you," I gulped nervously. "Will you delete it? Will you promise not to show it to anyone else?"

He stopped, posing as if to think about it. Then he nodded.

"Okay."

I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Do I really have your word on it, Nicolas Alessandro Stone?" I asked suspiciously.