HYMN OF THE RAIN

Two Musketeers

"That damned day must have changed my sister. I've always been sure of it, though I have yet to see it with my own two eyes.

Because when I arrive home, Miles is scurrying right past me to go upstairs. Along the way, I ask why is he going to his room so early. It's only been 6.

"Rachel got a visitor."

"Who?"

"That Peter guy. Gran is investigating him and Mom isn't that much help to stop it."

He looks disgusted by the whole thing. 

If my usually nonchalant brother can be that affected, how awkward can the whole scene look like?

I peek at the living room to see Peter sitting awkwardly close beside Rachel. Meanwhile, gran is eagerly shooting questions beside him. Mom sits beside a very pissed Rachel.

Rachel meets my eyes, "Oh! Sasha is home."

I glare at her, but quickly put on an awkward smile just in time for everyone else to see. 

"Have you had dinner hon?"

"Not yet."

"Let's have some then," gran turns to Peter, "You have to join us."

"Uh, I need to go, granny."

"What the heck?" I mouth to Rachel and she rolls her eyes in annoyance. Poor girl has been stuck there for who knows how long.

"Sasha, can you help me out here?"

"Coming, Mom."

Rachel looks at me in absolute horror as I get up to leave, "I can help!"

"No, Rachel. You just need to sit down. You're recovering." Mom sternly declines and I wince.

"Mom, I'm fine."

"Peter, you're joining us aren't you?"

The guy looks at Rachel as he seems to wait for her approval. Gran is tugging his arm, attempting to convince him he must join us for dinner. In short, it's quite an embarrassing scene to be in.

Rachel sighs, "Yeah, join us, Pete."

His sudden excitement surprises me. His eyes lit up at the approval and a grin soon makes it way to grace his lips. Oh, so he's not over my sister yet?

Mom changes her order and soon I'm on my way upstairs to get Miles. How thankful I am to escape the chaotic room temporarily!

"Is the guy gone yet?" Miles asks from his bed and I shake my head glumly. He sighs before following me anyway. "I hate how gran and Mom seem so desperate to impress the guy for her."

"I know."

"She can do it by herself! Scratch that, she's made him follow her everywhere like a lost puppy. What's the point?"

"They just want to make sure."

Our conversation is coming to a halt as we both go to the dining room. The seating position is the same. Gran sits beside Peter and Rachel, still attempting to help them grow closer and talk to each other more.

"I'm never bringing my girlfriend here ever." Miles mumbles and I immediately look at him in shock. He's 9 and he's got himself a girlfriend?!

"You-?"