Sheets | ✓

FORTY-FIVE

A few days had passed since my suspension. While the storm had passed, the aftermath it left in its wake was still a sore wound. As the weekend passed, Jamie was basically a watch dog, making sure that I couldn't leave my home since, not only was I suspended, I was also grounded. In those two days, since Nico used his newfound freedom to work without worries, I focused on powering through the class content for the next week. However, as Monday rolled by, my momentary enthusiasm to study had fizzled out.

Even though spring had begun, the days were still cold. Not finding it appropriate to turn on the heating during the spring despite the chill, I sat on my bed wrapped up in my blankets, eyes drifting in and out of my English literary text. The small black words were blurred as I struggled to maintain my concentration, a plethora or other things on my mind. 

Groaning and my last thread of patients snapping, I threw my book across the room, the wad of paper slapping against the edge of my desk and onto the floor. Pulling out my phone, I flicked through Benny's messages, my friend messaging me every ten minutes complaining about how school is absolutely shit and that he's contemplating starting a fight to get suspended alongside me. Though in jest, his words still warmed my heart, his implied intention clear.

Lying on my bed, mind listless but body flaccid, I scrolled aimlessly through my phone. Since it was still early in the day, I was sure that Nico was still resting, especially since he worked a late shift at the bar last night. My heart fluttered when I saw his latest message, which was sent long after I had fallen asleep last night.

Nico Beckett - 2:57am
Im home, babe
Good night
Love you

Smiling to myself, I tenderly stroked my finger across his last words, longing in my belly. Rolling onto my stomach, I began typing a response to Nico, but was interrupted by four successive knocks on my door.

Knock. Knock, knock, knock.

"Wes, we need to talk." Jamie's voice was crisp even through the door, and I swallowed nervously, unable to respond to her. It would be a lie to say that I hadn't been actively avoiding the rest of my family over the weekend. Luckily, mum's shifts often meant that when she was home she was busy catching up on sleep, and Jamie had work on weekends so she was out of the house for most of the day. Unfortunately, on a Monday, Jamie didn't have any morning classes. Considering it was still only around 8 o'clock in the morning, I was surprised that Jamie was awake. 

If she's awake, then it must be serious.

Clearly irritated by my lack of a response, there were a series of aggressive knocks against my door and a muttered string of profanities.

"Wes, come on, we need to talk. I'll wait for you in the lounge room." With that, I heard Jamie's footsteps trickle down the staircase, until it was silent again. Thick dread swelled inside me, my teeth gnawing at my lip. Inhaling deeply and shakily, I grabbed my phone and pulled on a jumper, somehow wanting it to protect me from Jamie's barbed words that were sure to come.

Walking down, the house felt colder than it used to. The blinds were still drawn, apart from one in the living room. Jamie sat on an arm chair by the window, the sunlight hitting her naturally brown locks and turning them auburn. The sunlight cast shadows on her angular face, which was pinched tight as she waited for me. Sensing me approach, my older sister jerked her head towards the couch across from where she sat. 

Tentatively lowering myself onto the chair, Jamie didn't hesitate before speaking, eyes sharp.

"Wes, what's going on with you?" Jamie asked, her tone cutting into my skin. Leaning forward, elbows on her thighs, my sister narrowed her eyes and stared at me unblinkingly. Though we shared the same eye colour, her eyes were far more intense than mine, clear and unrelenting.