A Siblings Advice

Grandad Chippy's family Christmas: (Part two)

Zoe's POV:

Watching as mum steered Dianne towards the kitchen, I grab Nan's attention, pulling her aside as Joe turns his focus to Grandad; " Nan, can I borrow Joe and go into the fancy living room for a bit please? I need to have a quick chat with him before he jets off into the sunset." I natter, silently wishing she agrees so I can sort my brother out once and for all. Don't get me wrong, the change in him is crazy this year but I can'y help but feel like the tension and anxiety radiating off Di has something to do with his inability to recognise certain emotions. Getting the go ahead, I plod over to Grandad Chippy, hesitating only to stroke Alfie's hair as he is lost in conversation with my cousins- something about this new drone he has found and will no doubt appear in our house at some stage. Leaning down to press a kiss to Grandads forehead, I turn to Joe and haul him to his feet, "Just borrowing trouble over here, some last minute Christmas plans to discuss but i'll bring him right back to you. I'll even bring your little redhead friend back too, I seen you dancing with her earlier on you, I know your game!" I tease, dragging Joe into the "nice sitting room," and shoved him in the direction of the beautifully set sofa's. "ZO? Jesus, what's got into you? Nearly knocked me out sis! What have you dragged me here for? Have you asked Nan to come in here? You know what she is like when people touch the fancy room." He panics, leaping off the sofa and quickly brushing off the sofa and re-arranging the cushions before sitting on the rug in the middle of the floor and encouraging me to do the same.

"Joseph, tell me now that nothing has happened between you and Dianne? She's been very quiet and almost...intimidated? I don't know if that's the right word actually...withdrawn. What's going on? You are usually glued at the hip you two, you've barely been near her." I finish, sitting opposite from him so I can read his reactions carefully. Despite the stereotype that siblings bicker and fight constantly, especially when close in age, Joe and I have always been inseparable even now, when we live miles apart. This means that of all people, i'd definitely say I know him best so when his reaction betrays my original gut instinct, i'm shocked. "What do you mean Zo? Do you think something is wrong with her? God, I've been so busy fretting over her presents and the changes in our flights, I hadn't really noticed much. I knew she was quiet in the car but she said she was just sleepy and I assumed she was comfy beside grandad. Oh Zoe, where is she now, we've totally left her." He mutters, reaching for his phone and checking something, his hands tugging through his hair. Choosing to change the subject before sending him to his girlfriend, I can't help but question what he got her for Christmas; grinning to himself, he chuckles, " I got her a camera and tripod for her channel. I broke the rules too, I've got her some stuff to open in Australia and I've got her something for us to...wait why am I telling you that?! Ignore that, for my sake."

Joe's POV:

Fuck sake, why on earth did I reveal that to my SISTER of all people. Ruffling my hair, the teasing commences, just like I expected; "Oh JOSEPH! Oh ho, you bought her UNDERWEAR, didn't you? Oh look, my little brother is all grown up and buying his girlfriend lingerie and his face is as red as her hair!" I love Zoe but I just know i'm never going to live this down but i'm going to try and buy her silence anyways, "Zoe, keep your mouth SHUT, I am warning you now, not a word to Mum, dad or nan. Or i'll tell them all about that time I caught you and Alfie in Mum's..." I threaten, met with a sharp punch and a flustered, "Don't you DARE." Sometimes, I remember just how lost I would be without my sister and chuckling, I give her a quick hug as we head back in to join the party again, hoping to catch Dianne on my way through.

Glancing round the family room, I see no sign of my girlfriend or my mother, so I sneak past my Nan and Aunite, creeping into the kitchen to find both girls huddled together, Dianne's shoulder's shaking lightly as mum kisses her forehead. Well done Joseph, you've done it now. "Do...Dotty? Are you okay? Mum? What's going on" I ask, reaching out and taking Dot from mums grasp, immediately engulfing her in a bear hug, letting her brush the hair off her face and smiling as she kisses me sweetly. "I'm alright now Joe, just had a bit of a moment with your mum but i'm fine. Now, lets go back in, I promise Chippy another dance." Her affection towards Chippy always melted my heart a little bit, two of the most important people in my life getting on so well is definitely an emotional point for me. "Uh, before you two disappear, I have something to show Dianne...you'll not believe what I found Joe." Mum giggles, frantically scrolling through her phone. "What on earth have you found now mother?" I murmur, slotting in behind Dot and wrapping my arms silently round her waist before peering at the tiny screen that she has been hysterically giggling. I am HORRIFIED at what mum is showing her, "MUM! WHY are you showing my girlfriend my childhood bath pictures? Why are they on your phone at all! MUM STOP IT!" I groan, trying in vain to snatch the phone before she could embarrass me anymore. "What is this? Embarrass Joe day, first Zoe and now you mum? Honestly, I can't win!" Cuddling back into me and placing a hand on my red-hot face, she just smiles sweetly and winks at mum..."But embarrassing you is my favourite thing to do, this is the best Christmas ever!"

Following many more embarrassing stories, dances with Chippy and overall family chat, the evening slowly draws to an end and we begin to leave. Leaning down to kiss nan, I mutter a quick goodbye and happy Christmas before heading back over to join Dot and Mum beside ol Chipster. "Grandad! What have I told you! Keep your hands off my girlfriend! She's mine I tell you, all mine and I don't share." I tease, lifting Dianne to her feet and offering mum a kick and giving him a hug before walking to the door with Zoe, "It was lovely to see you Zoe! I'll see you in the new year, hopefully before I disappear off on tour again but have a good Christmas! If there is anything you want from Oz, let me know yeah?" Stepping back, Dot lets me in to give Zoe a squeeze as we head out into the cold, wintery night. Goodbyes over, we walk hand in hand to the car, offering a wave behind us and without warning, Zoe yells, "Ey DI? Enjoy the presents our Joe got you yeah? I'd love to me an auntie soon, hint hint! Bye guys!" Looking over at me, doe-eyed and innocent, she raises an eyebrow, "Joseph. What on earth have you got me for Christmas...and did you remember that my boobs are NOT a size six?" She teases, placing her hand lightly on my thigh and grinning at me with that famous Buswell smile.

I'm going to KILL Zoe!