Being Next to You

Chapter 35: old photograph

Five minutes after...

France kidnapped Theresa as she had to stop to a coffee shop called "Piano Francesco," it was France's home.

Her family runs it, and it's close to Shaine's street. Her main house is located on the second floor, while the ground floor is their business.

We entered the place, and it gives a jazzy and authentic aura. A different aura from "White Mouse" where the aroma of coffee beans circled around.

Brown wallpaper with a touch of wine red, the window glasses were simply nice, including the posters from the oldies, blue jazz, and different shapes and sizes of cacti.

It was dazzling! It felt like I was inside a book from the 19's.

"Greg!" France called the Barista who was serving coffee to the old men near the shelves of books.

"Where is my baby album?" She hurried to the shelves, looking for what she was looking for.

"Is that how you treat your boss?" He encountered.

And I noticed..., that he's a giant.

"Is he your brother?" I whispered against France's ear-- The Barista's hair was blonde and blue.

France answered, continuing looking for her album, "My older brother, his eight years older than me. I also have another one, who's three years older. But both brothers are all kids, so it's fine to ignore them if you have a chance."

"I've never ignored my brother..," I exclaimed, "and he is seven years older yet so cool."

"I bet your brother is cooler than mine." She jested, which her brother heard.

"Francis, have you ever saw someone with a cool hair like mine? No, right? Even, Fred's hair is just black like yours," her brother argued.

"For reals.." France was not interested, "Ah, I found it." She grabbed an album. "Greg, I might go home late, I'll be staying in this girl's place," pulling me in front.

I was nervous, my existence looked so diminutive because of her brother's height. But it was more obvious on Theresa and Sherry.

"For reals?" He repeated her sister.

My hands were sweating, "Nothing dangerous will happen, I will make sure of that..."

"Then, okay," he agreed quickly. "Mind taking this with you," handing over a takeout bags to France as he cleans the cups.

"Some coco and leftovers for four pretty girls," the Barista exclaimed.

"Thank you," We expressed our gratitude, then stepped out to the shop and head to my house.

"Your brother is really something," I complimented France.

"For reals? I think he was annoying," France bluntly stated.

"You have an older brother too, right?" Sherry popped, "I bet yours is very cool, Rina."

"Mature and cool," Theresa daydreamed.

"I wonder about that..," as I began thinking, "BUT HE IS THE BEST BROTHER FOR ME! HE'S SMART AND VERY NICE!" I pumped, somehow I over exaggerated it. However, I really love my big brother so much...!

Open door.

"Rina.., you're already here.."

Frenzy bed hair, droopy eyes, sweater, and sweatpants.