Let's Not Talk About Tomorow

Gabrielle

"Is that your boyfriend?" Adrian, my irritating younger brother, sniggered "GABRIELLE HAS A BOYFRIEND! Why does he have all them marks on his face?"

"Shush! You'll wake him up!" I hissed, combing my fingers through Jake's hair as he slept peacefully, his head resting on my lap "Yes, he is my boyfriend. He's called Jake... he got into a fight, alright?"

"Why is he asleep? It isn't even my bedtime yet!"

"He's just tired, Adrian. Now go away" I snapped

"But, Gabby" He whined "I'm bored. Make your boyfriend go away because he takes all your attention away from me and he's asleep!"

"Adrian-" I was interrupted by Jake's phone ringing "Hold on"I reached in his back pocket, it was his dad.

"YOU TOUCHED HIS BUTT!" Adrian shrieked

"Shut up!" I answered the call "Hello? It's Gabrielle"

"I take it Jake's with you?"

"Yes, he's asleep. Do you want him to go home?"

"Let him sleep, I'll pick him up. What's your address?"

"76 Coleridge Lane"

"Thanks, I'll be there in a minute"

"See you" I slotted his phone back into his pocket "Adrian, he's my boyfriend, I'm allowed to touch his butt"

"Gross" He stuck his tongue out "Gabby, can we watch TV?"

"When Jake's gone, his dad is picking him up" I ruffled his mini afro

"He better hurry" Adrian huffed flopping on the other sofa.

I heard the doorbell and an exchanging of greetings before Jake's parents quietly entered the living-room. I noticed that Jon had clearly been crying, it pained me to know that Jake couldn't just be a teenager because of his parents. I know it's none of their faults but I still can't help but feel this way. "Has he been crying?" Ben asked worriedly, stroking Jake's cheek

"Yeah, my dad asked him if you were getting better and Jake got a bit upset because my dad said he was sorry about how everything is"

"Has your dad been okay with Jake?"

"I'm being totally honest, they are getting along great" I grinned "When Jake got upset he yelled at my dad to tell him he has no idea what it's like to be him so he can shove his apology.... you know. Anyway, my dad talked to him and told him about his parents because his mum died of cancer and his dad walked out on him. After that, they've been all buddy buddy"

"Well, I'm glad to hear it" Ben beamed "Thanks for looking after him"

"No problem" He scooped Jake up into his arms. Jake whined in his sleep, burying his head in his dad's chest. Ben smiled at him, pecking his forehead.

"C'mon, baby" He nudged Jon in the direction of the door "I'll see you around, Gabrielle"

"Alright, bye"

Adrian bounded over to me, jumping on top of my lap. Groaning under the sudden weight, I pushed him down so he was sat down and his hair wasn't sticking up my nose. More recently, Adrian has been super clingy to me. I have no idea why, he won't tell me.

"Gabby?" He said quietly

"Yes?"

"I love you"

"I love you too" I kissed his forehead "Adrian, is everything okay at school?"

"Why? You aren't ma" He said muffled into my chest

"But I'm your big sister and I care about you"

"Will you promise not to tell Ma or Pa?" You may be wondering why Adrian and I speak differently. I'm not to sure of the reason myself but I know that Adrian mainly says 'ma' and 'pa' because it irritates Mum and he looks up to Dad so much. He wants to be just like him.

"I promise" I threaded my fingers through his afro, which needed a combing.

"Some boys don't like me, Gabby" He mumbled "They call me names and punch me in the tummy so no one will see the bruises. It hurts, Gabby, it hurts a lot. They made me sick one time. Sometimes they kick me between the legs and it hurts really bad"

"Adrian, why haven't you told your teacher? Those idiots are bullies!"

"They told me that if I tell a teacher, they'll break my legs"

"What are their names?" I demanded

"No, Gabby. You'll tell Ma or Pa and I'll get beaten up"

"I'll beat them up. No one messes with my little brother"

"You wouldn't stand a chance" he snorted

"Oh yeah? Did Dad tell you that I got suspended for slapping someone who said nasty things to Jake?"

"No, but slapping won't do anything"

"Oh really? I slapped that bitch so hard, he had a black eye and his cheek bled"

"Gabby!" He exclaimed "You said a naughty word!"

"I know, don't grass me up"

"I won't as long as you promise not to tell Ma or Pa about those boys"

"Adrian-"

"Promise?"

"I.... I promise" The words stung my throat "Did those kids bruise you?"

"Yeah"

He pulled up the hem of his T-shirt to reveal a large collection of black and blue bruises on his lower stomach. I chewed my lip as I ran my finger over them lightly, he winced slightly and tugged down his top, nuzzling into me again. I held him tightly in my arms. How the hell could those fucking kids do that to my brother? My sweet, innocent yet irritating younger brother. What the hell did he do to them?! I could kill them!

Hours later, when Adrian was tucked up in bed, I pulled out my phone and dialed the only number I could count on to help me. Eventually my call was accepted, but not by the voice I wanted to hear.

"Hi, Gabrielle. Jake's still out cold. Is there a message I can give him?" Ben answered

"Could you please wake him up?" I asked sweetly

"I guess I could but if he doesn't sleep at night, it's your fault" He chuckled

"I take full responsibility"

"Good, now hold on a second" I heard the phone being put down on something and Ben whispering to Jake to wake up.

"Hello?" Jake mumbled sleepily, his words slurring slightly

"Hey, baby. Can I talk to you for a sec?"

"Gabs, what is it?"

"Do you fancy beating up a bunch of 7 year olds with me?"

"What?" He burst out laughing "You're joking, right?"

"No, some kids have been beating up my brother"

"Gabs, I love you and all but I don't think my parents would appreciate me going to prision for killing a bunch of kids"

"What?!" I heard his dad say in the background

"Dad, calm down" Jake sighed

"Jake, please help me! I can't just sit here and let him get bullied, Jake!"

"Gabs, listen to me when I tell you that if you get involved, it's just going to make it worse for your brother"

"What am I supposed to do?!"

"Nothing"

"Jake!"

"Trust me!"