Chapter 21: “Where’s mine?”

“Can I have one now?” Anna asked politely, smiling at me impishly as she sat on the counter with her little arms wrapped around Andrew’s neck.

Affectionately booping her on the nose I say, “Five minutes more and these goodies are all yours.”

“What? No! Half of them are mine,” Andrew claims, glaring at me, a stupid smile playing on his face.

Laughing I turn around and start putting the dirty bowls in the dishwasher as instructed by him, it seems to me that he has gone back to being his usual self with an advancement of something. I feel like he is no longer uncomfortable around me at all.

He smiles more, laughs more and has become playful too. It seemed like revealing some of his secrets had unburdened some of the weights off his shoulders.

Maybe winning his sister has strengthened our bonds.

We have been spending time in the kitchen for the last one hour since we all agreed that brownies would make a good snack, perfect for this occasion.

The kitchen much like the house was a mix of modern electronics and a homey vibe. The pearly white counter had a set of black padded bar stools. A beautiful vase held a bunch of fake fuchsia colored flowers in the middle of it. Brown polished wooden boards and the designer white ceiling was distinct yet held beauty in its own way.

A blackboard hanging on one side of the white walls had been a little worn out from its extensive use but still held a message from Monica in her beautiful handwriting informing us that she had lied and wouldn’t be back before 3 hours as she had gone to hang out with some of her friends.

All in all, it made me wish that I was back at home with my family. It reminded me of my parents and the happy times we spent together.

I put up a mental reminder in my head to get ahold of Blu and then call them as soon as I reach home. It had been a while since all four of us had talked together.

After washing and drying my hands clean, I look back at the duo whispering something to each other. They were in their own bubble oblivious to my stares as I took in this happy picture. It really was causing me to think how lucky I was to have a similar bond with my slightly weird, bossy and yet lovable sister.

Placing the freshly made brownies on a plate I present it to Anna and say, “Go on, dig in.”

“Where’s mine?” Andrew complains eyeing the plate of brownies and then looking at me. Widening his blue eyes and pushing his bottom lip out like a kid.

“I made these only for Anna but she can let you have some if she wants to,” I conceded jokingly, laughing at the expression he was still sporting.

“I offered to make some didn’t I? But you didn’t let me!” he argues still keeping up the charade. His voice took on a whiny edge as he put up a show for his sister who entertainingly watched the banter between us.

“That’s because your sister said that you always manage to burn them!” teasing him, I nonetheless lay out two more plates for us. After all, even I could feel my mouth watering at the sight of the freshly baked brownies.

Pouting at me, he looked down at his little sister in his arms who is smiling brightly at our interaction, “You will share those brownies with me, right princess?”

Giving her full attention to her elder brother she immediately takes one from the plate an offer it to him, “Andy, I remember you said that sharing is caring and I care for you the most so of course I’ll share with you.”

I love it how she doesn’t even hesitate for a moment before offering it to her elder brother.

So far in the last two hours what I have noticed is that Anna has an intellect much more than that of a six-year-old but her character is still innocent as ever and Andrew acts much more kiddish around her. A contrasting yet adorable pair!

Stuffing the whole piece at once in his mouth, imitating a dinosaur he gobbles it from her hand causing her to shriek and giggle at once.

Hugging her to himself he looks over at me and catches me staring at them and extends one of his arms to invite me in their hug fest.

I hesitate at first uncertain if I should intrude in their family moment but then the smiling princess also breaks free and cheers, “Scar come and give us a hug! I’ll also give some of my brownies to you.”

Bending my frame to her height so that we are face to face I asked her in a mock serious tone, “Are you sure that you will share your brownies with me?”

She immediately and excitedly nodded her head as if to prove her point with an added magnitude.

Chuckling I jested, “I guess then I have no other option than to hug you.”

Rising to my height I smiled at her and then looked back at Andrew to see his gleaming blue eyes welcoming me in. This time I give in, just to be part of this moment and maybe a part of their happy memories.

Not for long if you continue with your plan.

That annoying reminder with Blu’s voice again rings in my head but I ignore it and relish in the feel of this affectionate hug, of Andrews strong arms wrapping around my shoulders and Anna’s short hands winding half way around my back.

I can’t look at their faces but I can hear the gentle giggles of Anna, who is sitting in between us and the growing warmth exuding from Andrew to know that this moment has brought them happiness and I have in a way helped in brightening up their day today.

I don’t want anything to ruin this feeling of happiness for me and maybe, just maybe I don’t want myself to ruin their happiness too.

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Illustris ❤