4 Chapter 3 – A Relationship Reborn

Am I the first human ever to see the moon in this gloriously bewitching form? The sheer size is breath taking whilst the dazzling light shines directly upon me, illuminating my plain coloured t-shirt and shorts as if aiming to provide sustenance to my very soul.

My feet dangle precariously over the edge of this unforgiving cliff, the demonic void swirling at its depth beckoning for me to join in some form of twisted partnership culminating in an eternity of despair. The cold breeze is biting...Yet feels oddly reminiscent.

How have I ended up here and how much time has passed? What purpose did I have? What am I hoping to achieve? These unanswerable questions swirl around in my head meaning nothing yet everything at the same time. Did I come here to meet someone? Yes I remember now....She told me to come.....But who exactly is she? And can I really trust this faceless phantom?

"Please wake up Onii."

Who is Onii? That means brother does it not? Yes I'm sure I've been called that before but I'm struggling to remember.....

"Onii...Oniiiiiii.... ONIIIII!!!"

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"NOOOOOO!!!!"

Suddenly shooting upright in bed, the icy beads of sweat currently pursing down the back of my neck remain a small reminder of my trepidation. Eve's face is buried in my chest whilst her arms are tightly wrapped around my waist, am I still dreaming??? No this is real I'm sure of it.

"Eve I'm OK now...I'm sorry I scared you." The feeble words escape my lips in a stammer as Eve's rhythmic breathing into my chest begins to slow. Silently taking a few steps away, the fear of my recent actions are evident in the whites of her eyes as she glares in my direction.

"Eve honestly you don't need to worry about me so mu..."

"Don't you dare scare me like that EVER AGAIN!!!" Unwilling to provide me the opportunity to finish, Eve screamed towards me whilst simultaneously wiping away the tears forming beneath her bloodshot red eyes. A momentary silence descended between us as (not for the first time) I found myself lost for words. Shaking her head hopelessly Eve turned and stormed out my room, unceremoniously slamming my door in a whirlwind mixture of anguish and frustration.

Dejectedly slumping my head towards my pillow wondering what in God's name just transpired, a weary sigh escapes my lips as I glance towards my bedside clock (8:06am)....Too damn early to be awake on a Saturday morning. All of a sudden an icy breeze envelops my body as I hurriedly slide under the quilt. A few hours of sleep would possibly ease my weariness however the vivid images of an unrelenting and endless void leave me fearful of falling asleep again, not to forget I have to make this shit up to Eve.

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It wouldn't take a genius to deduce your current train of thought: What spectacular events transpired between holding my crying sister in school and waking up (still holding my emotional sister), but covered in sweat in my own bed? To tell you the truth the rest of the day was just a blur. I know it sounds cliché but on Friday my day and dreams meshed together into one twisted inseparable reality; I guess you can call it a real life daydream.

Perhaps it would be more helpful if I relay whatever pieces of the puzzle I can remember: Myself and Eve awkwardly parted ways, walking individually towards the meeting area (so we wouldn't be seen together), following which we had our regularly scheduled classes. My head-teacher happened to make a typically unscheduled visit to my after school detention in order to discuss the fire alarm incident. Thankfully Miss Valdez saved my ass, explaining the extenuating circumstances surrounding my little party act. Eve on the other hand returned home late after dropping Mum off to the airport, following which she locked herself in her room without another word (until my crazy dream of course).

My Mum works for a multinational fashion design company and therefore she constantly travels overseas for weeks at a time. Sadly my Dad also passed away when me and Eve were very young so unfortunately we've had to get used to coping with just the two of us. Subsequently with Mum having left for France last night I guess that means it's time to get out of bed.

Ambling out of my room having thrown on my favourite grey hoodie and matching joggers, the sound of Eve's muffled voice from behind her door caused me to momentarily pause. I imagine she's having a highly riveting and intellectually stimulating conversation regarding the price of stilettos or which shade of blonde hair colour looks more blonde...As you can tell I thought extremely highly of the conversations Eve had with her very...Thought provoking friends shall we say??? No matter this provides me with the perfect opportunity to make do on my promise earlier and what better way then my speciality.

"OK what do you want now Onii?" Eve narrowed her eyes questioningly towards me as I finished preparing the pancakes, sniffing the air like a suspicious bloodhound.

"Now now isn't it possible for a caring older brother to occasionally do something extraordinarily nice for his dearest sister without wanting anything in return?" Laying the plate carefully in front of Eve as she took her seat the at table, her elated giggles were clearly audible behind me as I turned to get my own plate.

"Hahaha hold up a second....Whilst I appreciate the thought, you actually wrote [To My Darling Sister] in chocolate sauce on my pancakes? Your Siscon levels maxing out Onii??"

"Would you people stop calling me a Siscon....Sheesh you do something nice for someone...."

"Hey Onii....."

"Yeah?"

"Thank you...For everything...What you did for me the other day it really meant a lot....But don't let it get to your big head, compliments are a once in a life time thing where I'm involved got it??"

"Anytime." My lips pursed joyfully into a smile as we sat together, playfully aiming sarcastic comments at one another whilst devouring our exquisitely prepared pancakes (not that I'm boasting or anything). For the first time in years eating together with Eve felt different, the awkward tension which generally surrounded us no longer lingered and what replaced it was an unfamiliar warmth.

Perhaps this is what they call: Turning a corner?