Fire and Ice

Denver

My father always told me that when life was bad, you just needed a little faith. The only faith I had, was my sister. So you can imagine just how bad my life was. It’s hard to get by in life when so much is expected in such a little person. I try my best every day, but Max always ends up being better than me. She always teases me about it too, like I don’t already know. Look, I’m tired of being a nobody; I want to be a somebody. I kept that thought in my head as my eyes fell closed and fell asleep.

I woke up early the next morning and walked into the kitchen for some breakfast. I walked quietly past Max’s room, not wanting her to freeze me for disturbing her “beauty sleep”, and entered into the small kitchen area. I banged around in the cabinets making a breakfast while humming a song I had heard earlier on the radio. I heard a soft groan and realized Max was awake. She entered into the kitchen, her hair was frizzy and untamed and she had dark bags under her eyes. “Morning Sleeping Beauty” I said handing her a plate of eggs, bacon, and toast. Max glared at me and snatched the plate away, gnawing at the bacon. “Sleep well?” she asked me in between bites. I nodded my head and poured a mug of coffee, sliding it over to her. “I guess. No dreams for once.” She nodded and continued her breakfast. “What about you?” She kept her head down. “I slept fine” I raised my eyebrows “Max… Something the matter?” she pushed the eggs around with her fork and slowly looked up. “I had that dream again, the one about the boy. I know he’s out there.” She took a sip of her coffee and wiped her mouth with her sleeve. Charming. “I’m going out.” She hopped off the stool and turned to walk into her room. “You’re not supposed to leave Max, it’s not safe.” She clenched her fists and turned back to me, “Who says? You always leave, you always get into danger. I can defend myself. You’re not going to stop me Denver.” “Maxine…” “Don’t” she snapped “Ever. Call me Maxine again.”  Her eyes were glowing a bright blue and she looked ready to snap. “Max, I just want you to be safe.” “I’m going out. Don’t try to stop me.” And with that she slammed her door shut.