Chapter 27 : a talk between siblings

Yaelle Santa-Maria was not the kind of person you would call curious. Truth be told, she couldn't care less about what happened to other people because her mentor taught her to care only about her problems.

It was true that as an orphan, she already had enough to interfere in other people's affairs. But now the situation had changed, she now had a little brother, better off certainly, but who had just as much as she needed someone to confide in, from what she had heard from Cali. Yaelle wanted to be that trusted person and it wouldn't be so bad if their trusted relationship started with that kind of juicy topic. She was in a hurry to mind her own business and here was Klan handing her a pole.

"How was it on your side? I mean last night, you left without us noticing. I hope there wasn't any hitch on your way home."

" Oh! yes don't worry, I'm safer when I'm drunk than when I'm sober…" Oops, that was an embarrassing thing to tell, however, Yaelle mustered her courage and continued.

"Well, speaking of yesterday… Cali told me something. To be honest, I was the one who insisted that she talk about it... I also know that we became brothers, just recently and that we don't have that kind of relationship yet, however, the short duration does not prevent the fact that I am your big sister and that I care about everything that happens to you then…"

Yaelle clasped her hands around Klan's, led him to the counter, sat him down on a stool, and said with all her seriousness and concern:

"Go ahead! tell your big sister everything."

"What did Cali tell you?" He said with a shy face

"She told me what happened between you two last night."

Klan covers his mouth with one hand and turns his head away

" Really ? did she tell you what she thought about that?" he asked looking away shyly, even his hand that covered part of his face couldn't hide his flushed face.

But, at that very moment, the little boy sitting in front of her wanted to know Cali's feelings about their night.

Yaelle couldn't possibly talk about it. How Cali felt last night was something they discussed between them girls. Things girls discuss with each other must remain girls' secrets. However, since he was her little brother and he was cute and all, she could still say a little something to him.

But what could she tell without saying too much? Yaelle thought hard and finally:

"She told me that what how she felt last night she had never felt like this before"

"Really! …" Klan's face lit up. Even with his lips concealed behind his palm, Yaelle could see that subtle smile he wore.

Yaelle's heart nearly exploded. Her brother's shy reaction was so cute, his embarrassed look was so adorable.

"But she also told me about your current little 'hitch'..." She added

"About that…" Klan uncovered his face, joined his two hands, and intertwined his fingers,

"What are you planning to do if she is pregnant?" Yaelle asked

"I don't know exactly... but one thing is for sure, I couldn't bring myself to put Cali or my baby in a tight spot like father did. I am determined to take my responsibilities towards her even if she doesn't bear my child"

Well, as Yaelle could see, the Klan, in general, seemed like a responsible man, at least in Cali verse.

Aah… Yaelle sighed inwardly. The situation was not so simple, to begin with. On one side was the close relationship between Klan, Cali, and this famous Neil, and on the other side, there was the environment in which Klan had grown up and which made niters his atypical sense of responsibility.

If eventually, it happened that Yaelle had to choose a side, she could stay neutral by supporting Cali but, as a big sister, her opinion was already biased. Wasn't it natural for a sister to give her brother unconditional support? _she just didn't think about the possibility of not being involved at all_

Whether one called it 'big sister instinct' or 'fraternal solidarity'; because of this feeling she felt, Yaelle couldn't let her brother become the third wheel in that so-called relationship between Cali and the other one. She was willing to use, if necessary, her close relationship with Cali to help her brother earn points. But to do this, Yaelle had to know one thing.

"Say, what are your real feelings towards Cali?"

"…" Klan was stunned. What were his exact feelings for Cali?

It was undeniable that Cali was an important person in Klan's life, more than that, she was indispensable, that was a fact he hadn't put too much thought into. Now that he had been openly asked the question, his head and heart were in a complete mess.

When he told her his darkest secrets; when he wanted to let her enjoy all the world's greatest; when he was alone in a foreign country and most of his thoughts were towards her, or when he desired to care for and protect her against all these wolves, he knew deep inside that it was no longer the kind of attention or affection he would have granted to a friend, someone he considered family or intended to impress for some naughty purpose. Cali was way beyond all that. So, what was that feeling? Now that he realized it, Klan was lost in his own feelings.

Yaelle felt the confusion in his eyes, she put her hand on his and with the other stroked his head intending to appease him. Then with a reassuring smile:

"We may only be heart siblings for a few hours, but I want you to know that whatever the situation, I will be on your side, you can count on me because I am non-other than your sister."

Klan lifted his head and stared at her, looking moved. That was it! that comforting look, these words; it was the kind of brotherly relationship he was desperate to have. Besides, he wasn't the only one. Both of them somehow had people they called 'family' but they also longed for the kind of intimate relationship that only siblings can share.

"What are you doing there?" A voice interrupted them from the entrance.

Cali had just returned from her errand and witnessed this surge of affection between the two siblings. Moreover, it was the first time she had seen them like this, so close and affectionate towards each other that it felt really strange.

Klan jumped up. His guilty attitude made them seem even more suspicious in Cali's eyes.

"What are you two up to?" Cali asked like a detective in an interrogation room.

" What?! … what are you talking about? I came to pick you up." Klan regained his composure

Forgetting her suspicions, Cali asked, "Did you find one?"

"Yes, he is waiting for us right now." Klan took one of the shoulder bags on the counter and walked over to Cali.

" Oh! let me take my bag…"

"That won't be necessary." Klan stopped her and set forth the shoulder bag he was holding. He helped her put it on and opened the front door for her.

Yaelle was more than proud and in awe of such class, gentlemanliness, and gallantry her little brother had just shown.

"Okay…I'm heading out Yaya. Sorry to let you manage the store alone, this time as well. I'll be sure to make it up to you." Cali said as she left

"Sorry, we'll talk more next time," Klan said goodbye in turn.

"No worries, we will have time to catch up. bye, you two, and have a safe trip!"

Thus, the door of the shop closed.