56 Another Fight at the Konner House

20XX, September 8, Sunday; Konner House, My Room

It's family day! Yup, aunt was back for a visit last night until this afternoon. Then, Eli will accompany her to the bus station and it'll be us two again tonight. It's going to be quiet again. I'm hoping there won't be another argument between them especially if I won't be able to support Eli at that time.

What aunt did was a surprise visit. We thought she'll be visiting next week but it's not like she'll catch us doing something we shouldn't do.

Eli didn't have practice and of course I didn't have anything planned so we were both sitting on the couch after dinner, me trying to spend more time with him. Even though we don't talk.

Fortunately, he never asked why I was not going out with my 'friends' last night. I'm already done with my night outs so I don't really what reason to tell him that I won't be doing that anymore. A disagreement with my 'friends'?

Anyway, while I was thinking of a reason in case he asked, there was a knock on the door. We both looked at each other, with suprised expressions on both our faces. I mean, I saw he was surprised and I was probably mirroring that look.

But when the door knob clicked, we knew it was aunt. I mean, who else could it be aside from her? Uncle? I don't think he'll be out until a few more years and he wouldn't have a key anyway.

What was great was that it was aunt who cooked this time. Before, even though Eli sometimes helped, it was me who cooked our breakfast and dinner. Lunch was usually at school so I never bothered to cook a boxed lunch for us.

During dinner, the atmosphere was a little different compared to the silence with only the clinking of the spoons and forks when it was just Eli and I. Same as how it usually was, Eli was seated beside me while aunt was seated in front of Eli. Uncle was seated in front of me if we're talking about a few years ago.

After we had our dinner, as expected, aunt stopped us from cleaning the dishes immediately then returning to our rooms early or watching the tv on the couch. While we got our butts back to our seats, she asked us about school and us living by just ourselves in this house. She might be expecting we were having problems but it seemed like she forgot how we were living since we were kids. Wasn't it the same with me taking care of Eli as we wait for dad?

Since we weren't forthcoming with any problems, aunt changed the subject. She turned to Eli with an eager face, suddenly asking, "Have you decided which school you'll take criminology at? I sent a few brochures but I think where I and your dad went was still the best."

Of course Eli and I were shocked. I had my eyebrow raised but I don't think anyone saw since aunt and Eli were glaring at each other. Aunt was now treating Eli taking criminology like it's a done deal. Of course my brother would react. Again.

I saw him clench his fist below the table. He was about to raise it, probably to slam it on the table but then he visibly inhaled and I saw his fist loosen as he calmed himself. Surprisingly, that didn't take long.

Gently, he replied to aunt, "I know what you wanted for me was good for me too, aunt. But I also want to do what I want. I promise that I will do my best with a sports scholarship so that both of us won't be disappointed. I even plan to take subjects on business administration to not just focus on soccer."

But aunt looked like what she heard just passed through her ears. She insisted that if he knew what was best for him, then he'll better follow aunt's plans for him.

Can't aunt see how Eli loves soccer? She had been with him for a lot of his practices, more than me, and she still wouldn't let him do what he loves.

When I saw that Eli's fists were clenching again, I put my hand on top of his and spoke to aunt, "

Then, she turned her eyes on me, telling me that my brother was like this because I keep supporting him. That maybe I was telling him that I'm friends with someone with a sports scholarship and that I shouldn't introduce my friends to Eli or he won't get what advice he should get.

Was she talking about Brad? As my friend? I wonder where she got that. But it's not like Eli needed another's influence to decide that he loves soccer. She should have seen that.

Anyway, aunt was mad at me too. At least she stopped scolding Eli until her phone rang and she left us sitting on the table as she quietly talked on the phone in her room.

The breakfast earlier was strained. But, fortunately, aunt never opened the topic about Eli's college again. I stayed in the house as we waited for the time aunt has to leave. I didn't want Eli to deal with her alone and I have nothing to do now anyway.