Hypnotic || H.S

twelve

My mother sent Joseph and I to go buy groceries for Thanksgiving dinner telling us to try to bond. We did bond (sometimes) people just never saw it. My relationship with Joseph was just like all other siblings. We pissed each other off, and forgave each other. We would have a boring relationship if we didn't have ups and downs. Yes, Joseph was difficult to handle, but it's what made him my brother.

The longest I went without talking to Joseph was probably when I was in fifth grade and he told my entire class I peed my bed till the age six. My bladder couldn't help it, the nights were dark and I was terrified of what I couldn't see.

Like all teenage girls my mind was preoccupied with something else. A tall man with the most elite emerald green eyes, with his bold wardrobe and his famous boots. Two days ago at the coffee shop, I was certain that 1) He had the best luck of finding me or 2) there was an unknown scientific reason why we'd find each other when we least expected it.

I had taken precautions in case I'd ever bump into him, I would keep a distance from my dysfunctional brother. I told Joseph we should separate to find what we needed faster, I didn't want Harry to think I was with someone.

The market was packed with families, screaming little kids and it was impossible to move through. Thank god I didn't get a cart, otherwise I wouldn't be able to move. I read the list of what my mother needed:
milk
Eggs
Bread
Soap
Cookies
Stuffing
Biscuits

I huff squeezing through everyone with just my hand basket. The place smelled of ham and pineapples with the hint of people not showering. Each aisle was full due to everyone shopping for Thanksgiving.

One Thanksgiving a few years ago, Daniel forgot to buy a turkey, so we ended up eating soup. My mother furious at the time, I thought it was because we had to soup, but later I found out it was as because my father was with his mistress at the time he was supposed to buy one.

My childhood was difficult to deal with, an annoying brother that tortured me, and parents that did nothing but fight. I just thank god, my mother put Joseph and I before trying to fix a damaged man. Things could have went south, Joseph and I would lose our direction and become kids acting out for attention. My aunt Bailey tried to get my mother to date again, but once trust is broken like that; it's nearly impossible to fix it.

I was checking what kind to biscuits to buy when I felt someone tap my shoulder. I quickly looked to find Joseph smiling. "There is a sale, two for five dollars cereal."

I scoff looking back at the biscuits. "Are you paying for it?"

"No mom is. You want fruit loops or-"

"Fruit loops of course." I interrupt him.

"Alright, you got everything yet?" He asks putting his items that he retrieved in the basket.

"There wasn't eggs so maybe we could try another market. But other than that, we're set." I grab any biscuits and put it in the basket.

We start trying to walk towards the registers, shoulder by shoulder. "We could do that." He says finally finding a pathway less crowded. Soon he leads the way.

--

"I take it that you guys got along...." Our mother says as we help unpack the groceries. I hand Joseph the loaf of bread. The texture was incredibly soft like a cloud in my hand.

Looking at Joseph for a confirmation. He smiles shrugging his shoulders lazily. "You gave me no choice."

My mom laughs pleased with herself. I wash my hands before peeling a banana. "I am working late tonight so if you guys want to order in, I'll leave money." She says turning her back towards Joseph and I. We look at each other trying to figure out what we want. He raises his eyebrow looking at me.