How To Win Sam Wheeler

one

The aroma of the brewed coffee, my older sister Caitlin had prepared, filled the room with such calmness.

Shit, I disturbed her again.

I made my way towards the kitchen, which was the only light that was turned on, slightly dim that I'd have to narrow my eyes to see clearly, but bright enough that it shone throughout atleast half the yellow apartment.

"Hey, you" Caitlin asked, glancing at me, and only now noticing that I was standing near her, leaning against the countertop. "You alright?"

I nodded in assurance, smiling. She'd always had this sense of peace, her words ever so calming whenever she talks, as if every one she speaks with are as fragile as her voice appear to be.

"Let me guess, another brainstorming session that turned out bad?" She asked, pouring the both of us some coffee.

More like the worse so far.

I groaned, realizing I may have awoken her up again with my unending - and unnecessary - pep talks.

"I'm sorry," I apologized as I sat down with her. "I know I said I'd keep me quiet this time, but I couldn't help it with this-this thing of a monster."

Knowing Caitlin, she knows I was referring to my unwritten book.

"So you... cursed," She said, sitting down at the chair infront of me. "Instead of actually wracking your brain for ideas, you cursed. Very loudly. In a hushed apartment. At 2 AM. Okay, I see how that was hard."

I smacked her arm and she laughed.

"I'n sorry, though, really I am," I said again but she just waved me off.

"Its not like this is the first time you've had this... tantrum," She said.

"Oh," I chuckled and shook my head. "Right, you are."

She shrugged as she raised her cup of coffee, before taking a sip. "You're always welcome here, you know."

"I know," I said. "But I don't want to cause any more trouble than I might already have."

"Oh, hush," she said. "Thre's nothing trouble about cursing loud enough at 2 AM, I understand. I feel your pain."

Although this was her attempt to make me smile, I just shook my head.

"No, seriously," I said. "I should try to find another apartment if I'm doing this. Maybe get that extra room our aunt Rosie had-"

"No," was her reply. "You can stay here as long as you like, whatever you want."

I have been living in Caitlin's apartment ever since she was pregnant, mainly because she needs help with her, but also because she wants me around often.

She gave me a kind, knowing smile that says Don't argue with me on this one. I sighed.

I had no choice but to agree, anyway. I smiled back, knowing I'd have to give back to her, at some point in my life.

"Plus, Stacy would be devastated if you leave," She winked. "You know she's only here because of you."

I chuckled. "You're right."

My bestfriend, Stacy Kells, couldn't bear to see me away - we were inseparable since kindergarten.

So when I told her Caitlin and I have room for one more human being, she was ecstatic to move in and live with me, even if that means she gets to take care of a pregnant lady - not that she complains, she loves running Caitlin's errands, any way.