INVICTUS

II

Through coloured panes

They cavort

A miry ephemeral flame

"I'm coming with you." Announces Aaron popping his head out of the front door.

"Why would you want to do that?" I ask.

Probably to get out of doing homework, but his big green eyes peer through his bronze curls as he look up at me with utmost sincerity saying:

"You suck at choosing clothes. I can't have you embarrass me at my first social."

I'd be the first to admit that was true, but if he's talking about my R2-D2 dress-shirt from last year then I'd be rather disappointed. I had thought it was rather charming. But I'd outgrown it, along with most of my clothes during the dreadful growth spurt of 2017. Hence the outing.

I study him for a moment trying to discern his true motives before finally saying:

"All right, hurry up then."

He rushes back inside grabbing his converses hopping on his feet putting them on. I watch amused by his enthusiasm but also hesitant about his intentions. He finally gets into the passenger seat of Dad's navy blue Ford Falcon visibly excited.

I get in and start up the engine.

"Gum?" I ask offering him a packet, of Strawberry Hubba Bubba. He takes two and pops it into his mouth, chewing loudly, trying (and failing) to make bubbles. Once we're on the road he asks:

"So you got a date yet?" He asks.

"Nah bud, I'm going stag."

"Sucks for you."

"No really" I answer with a smile.

I remember being his age, twelve going on thirteen. There was only one thing on my mind. Dragons. Most boys thought of girls. But honestly, a naked girl was not as interesting a full-fledged dragon. I never understood it, I still don't, this obsession with dating. I tried it a few years ago, it was kind of anti-climatic.

We finally arrive at Westfield. Parking the car I turn to my brother.

"Why are you really here?"

He doesn't answer me, merely getting out of the car and shutting the door. I sigh and get out as well, locking the door. I shove my hands in the pockets of my jeans following Aaron.

"You choose the store," I tell him. Which seems to please him.

We pass through cars, gleaming dully in the dim light the parking lot, the smell of petrol and long dead cigarettes fills my nostril. Salih loves it, the smell of gas and petrol, though I could never understand why. With relief, we step into the Air-wicked air-conditioned shopping centre and Aaron leads the way.

We finally arrive at Connor, where Aaron rushed over to a rack and rifles through the array of colours with alarming accuracy, he picks out three dress shirts.

He gives me a once over with deadly precision.

"You're quite tall and lanky. I think we should go for an elegant kinda graceful look."

"I never knew you were such a fashion connoisseur." I tease.

"Fuck off."

Well, I guess you learn new things every day. Then it occurs to me. He came because he actually enjoys shopping and choosing out clothes. Before we can make any further progress though, I see two figures walking towards us. I turn to the blond teacher from Monday and a taller man walking towards us. She gives me a warm smile before ushering the man with her.

"Henry this is Rhys Heinlein, he's school Captain at where I'm teaching." She says.

The funny thing was I couldn't remember her name, other than the fact that it sounded like Wilson, but I'm pretty sure that wasn't right. But she remembered my full name. I got that feeling you get when you meet a person after a long time and you don't remember who they are, then you just stand awkwardly calling them 'mate' or 'buddy' before you finally realize who they are.

"Nice to meet Sir," I say offering my hand.

He takes it and gives it a firm shake.

"Please just call me Henry." He says.

"I'm Aaron!" My brother pipes up. "I'm in your Geography class."

"Yes, I remember." Says Mrs. Whats-her-name. "You look just like your brother."

"Yeah but he's the stupid one."

I'd disagree, but he's the one choosing my clothes and I'd rather not be on his bad side. I can't tell the difference between a potato sack and a good blazer for shit.

She laughs at that.

"I'm sure you're both lovely."

With that, her eyes run over my body with that unsettling stare of hers. And that wave of discomfort passes through me. Henry clears his throat. He looks like wants to snap something in half. Or more accurately, he wants to snap me in half. I bet he can. Between her intense look and his flaming glare, I felt more lanky, fragile and awkward than ever.

"I think we should continue with what we're supposed to be here for." He says.

"Right." She says. "Do you know where the Apple Store would be? We just moved here."

"Third floor, right at the end," I say.

"Thank you." She says.

With that, they left and I felt unsettled. It was weird, the looks she was giving me, as well as the reaction of her partner. I also found it weird that she would come into this store just to ask for directions. She could have used any of the directories. Maybe it was just seeing a familiar face.

"What was her name again?" I ask Aaron.

"Mrs. Wilkins."

So, her partner must have been her husband.

"I think we should go for the classic black and white." Aaron says. "Black bowtie, with suspenders."

"I trust you." I tell him, snapping out of my thoughts.

"Don't worry I don't want to embarrass myself."

Sure Aaron, I think, I know your true motives.

"You should consider going into design." I tell him. "You clearly have an eye for it."

He smiles at that, a real genuine smile.

~~~

Couldn't help myself.

- Alekos P.