Prideful Shirts

9: You

Sweet is the voice of a sister in the season of sorrow, and wise is the counsel of those who love us.
~ Benjamin Disraeli

"Really?" Imogen says in response to my announcement that my brother Nikolas is coming to visit. A smile immediately crosses her face, in turn making me happier and grin in return. Imogen did always get along with Nik whenever we hung out at my house when we were growing up, more so than with my other brothers, who were always distant. Then again, Nik was often forced into doing girly things with us while we were growing up, too. I never really understood the point of them doing that.

"Nik?" Amara questions in a slightly annoyed tone, causing my mood to flip right away for multiple reasons. I turn my attention to her and can't help but slightly glare at the woman that is taking my best friend from me and is now saying my brother's name in an unhappy voice without ever even meeting him.

"Amara, dear, Nik is one of Freya's older brothers! He's the nicest and youngest of the three. He and Freya are very close. I'm quite close with him myself since he spent a lot of time with me and Freya whenever I'd go to their house." Imogen explains to her girlfriend, still beaming with joy at the thought of Nik coming up for a visit. Amara smiles at Imogen, but I can see it's forced. She replies,

"That's nice. I can't wait to meet him."

"Liar." I can't help but murmur under my breath. I know Amara isn't happy about my brother coming and I don't know her reason behind it, but I won't stand for her (or anyone) being rude to Nikolas. Imogen rapidly turns her head to look at me as she questions in an overly sweet tone that she uses when she's annoyed but there are people around and she has to act nice,

"What was that, Freya?"

"Nothing." I mumble, adding, "I'm going to my room." I turn on my heel and practically stomp back to my bedroom, slamming the door shut behind me and locking it right away.  I angrily huff and plop onto the edge of my bed, glaring at the door. I'm mentally daring one of them to come after me and knock on the door to try and talk to me. I stand and take a few steps to my desk, grasping the back of my desk chair and rolling it over to my bed as I walk back and sit on the end of my bed again. I'm ready to use it if I need to, but thankfully, neither Imogen or Amara come to my door. I start slowing down at the same time that I hear my phone go off. When I grab it off of my night stand and see the message awaiting for me, my scowl immediately turns into a large grin.

Hey short stack, just got on a train to NYC. Can't wait to see you! The text from Nik reads. I rapidly respond, fueled by my joy,

I can't wait either! Love ya bro!

Love you too!

<3

<3

I lock my phone, my elation at the news that my brother is visiting returning at full force. I smile widely and fall back on my bed, looking up at my ceiling happily for the first time in what feels like years.

I stay in my room for most of the day, only going out to eat and to use the bathroom. Otherwise, I'm in my room, willing the day to go by faster so it can be tomorrow morning already and Nik will be here. It takes me hours to fall asleep, and when I finally do, my sleep is restless. It's filled with happy dreams that become twisted into nightmares.

I wake up at 4 am, panting and feeling even more tired than I did when I feel asleep four hours ago. I sit up and run my fingers anxiously through my hair, then restring my head in my palms as I groan at how little sleep I got. I nearly fall back asleep in that position when my phone goes off. I jump slightly at the sound but check it anyway.

What number apartment is yours again?

I stare at the text from Nikolas for awhile, in a state of shock as I am constantly reminded that he is actually here, In New York.

Oh wait, you're probably sleeping. Whoops. And if you're not, you really should be asleep. You need it. You know, beauty sleep and all. How else would you keep up your looks? I won't let you be lonely forever!

I'm not sleeping, you jerk. And it's number 23.

I reply back, smiling and shaking my head at my brother's antics. I pick up my phone and move into the living room to wait for him, since by his text, I can assume that he'll be here soon.

I hear a knock on the front door not long later. I immediately jump up from my place on the couch and nearly sprint to the door, flinging it open excitedly. I am greeted with the sight of my older brother, Nikolas, and in that moment, I don't think I could ever be happier to see him standing in front of me.

"Nik!" I exclaim, overjoyed as I fling myself at him and hug him tightly. I feel him chuckle as he hugs me back, saying,

"It's nice to see you too, short stack. You better not be getting into too much trouble."

"You know I'm not." I reply.

"I know." He responds, moving one of his hands to my head. He starts stroking my hair, comforting me in such a way that only few can accomplish. We stand there for a few minutes, but we are soon interrupted by the sound of Imogen's voice coming from behind me,

"Nik? Is that really you?" She asks. I reluctantly release my brother and step to the side, allowing him to fully enter the apartment as he answers with a smirk,

"You know it, munchkin." Imogen snorts at the nickname but steps forward to briefly embrace Nik. He returns the embrace. I close the front door as I watch the exchange. Not long later, Amara walks into the living room, yawning and stretching her arms above her head. We all turn to look at Amara but as soon as she locks eyes with my brother, they simultaneously speak, malice in their voices,

"You."