I Choose You

Sunflower Seeds

*Unedited*

"40 ounces and a pack of ranch sunflower seeds
40 answers to the questions she's asking of me
What you doing later on?
I got nowhere to be
No, no, no"

- Bryce Vine "Sunflower Seeds"

***

"For someone that hates germs, you sure are cuddling that dude like there's no tomorrow," an annoying voice invaded my dream.

My eyes cracked open and as a reaction, I immediately groaned because of the intense morning light streaming in through my blinds. Squinting, I found Walker standing at the foot of my bed with a yogurt in one hand and an eating utensil in the other. He scooped a spoon full and shoved it in his mouth.

What the heck?

"Walker?" I questioned in a groggy tone of voice as I tried to sit up, however, I found it difficult because of Alexander's arm. "I locked my door ... How did you get in here?" I questioned, still dazed by being woken up in the middle of a deep sleep.

Walker gave me a toothy smile as if he was proud of something. "I get locked out of the dorms a lot. So, I've picked up a skill or two."

I looked over at Alexander to see that he was still passed out and clearly not effect by my brother and his intrusion. "Walker, can we not tell mom about this?" I inquired with the hope that my older brother would be cool about the situation. In my mind, there was a fifty-fifty chance.

Walker smiled from ear to ear. "I have no reason to tell her. In fact, I'm all team Grace Getting Laid," Walker's eyes danced around the room, "though, it doesn't look like much action happened here last night," Walker said before taking another bite of his yogurt.

I glared at Walker. "Why did you break into my room?"

"Mom is making breakfast. I decided to wake you up so you can join the family festivities," Walker explained. "Just didn't know you were making festivities of your own."

I tried to increase the intensity of my glare to show Walker that he was on thin ice. However, by the goofy grin on his face, he was not getting the hint.

"So, how are you going to sneak your boy toy out of here before Mom sees him?"

I nodded my head in the direction of my window. "Same way he came in."

Walker beamed. "I'm so proud of you. Sneaking guys in through your window. You're growing up."

I gave my brother a disgusted look. "Nothing happened. Alexander is just a friend."

"Whatever you say, G," Walker rolled his eyes. "I'll tell Mom you aren't feeling well and want to sleep some more. Should buy the two of you an hour or so," Walker winked at me, "if you're quiet."

I reached behind me and threw my pillow at Walker, who skillfully dodged it with a chuckle.

"Get out of here, Dofus," I playfully demanded.

Walker continued to laugh but began to walk out of the room. Just before Walker reached my bedroom door, he stopped and his laughter went mute. I blinked a few extra times, confused at what had suddenly gotten into my brother.

Looking over his shoulder at me, Walker's expression reflected a sadness that I was not prepared for. "I'm sorry, G." Walker lowly stated in a voice leaking with shame.

"About?" I quizzed, confused at what he was apologizing for.

"About what I said to you last night," Walker twisted around on his heels and faced me once more. "I didn't mean to indicate that you were spineless. I just ... I get worried that you're too nice and kind to say 'no' to people. I fear that one day, your inability to say 'no' is going to get you in trouble or in a situation that you'll regret down the road. Especially, with the divorce between Mom and Dad..."