A Rose in Bloom

He swallowed the last of his mouthful. “You know, what’s really good for you when you’re feeling depressed? Working out. You should go across the street and work out at the gym.”

“I’m never going back there again.”

“Because of that girl who made you exercise until you wanted to puke?”

“No. Because I don’t want to run into Jaxon.”

“Oh. I get it. You’re afraid of him.”

“I’m not afraid of him.”

“Sorry. I meant to say ‘you’re afraid to face him.’”

“I’m not afraid to face him, either. I’m not afraid of anything.”

“I definitely smell fear.”

“I’m not afraid. I’m just mad, that’s all.”

“Nope, I don’t buy it. If you were mad, you’d march right over there and tell him off. This is avoidance, and it’s got fear written all over it. Just like the time in fifth grade when Lana made fun of your haircut in the lunchroom, and you didn’t want to go to school the next day. But when she called you a chicken, it made you so mad you got over being afraid and stomped on her foot.”

“And you decided you liked her. Some big brother you are. You didn’t even take my side.”

“I felt sorry for Lana limping around for days after that. You can be pretty fierce, Sis.” He chuckled, ruffling her hair. “Besides, she was hot.”

“Hot? Really? You were in sixth grade and she was in fifth.”

“What can I say? I’ve always had a thing for flat-chested girls. That’s why I like you so much.” Scotty ducked as she swiped at his head. “Ha—you missed! Ow!” He hopped on one foot, muttering under his breath.

“Figured if you liked Lana so much, I’d give you the same treatment.”

“Tsk, tsk. Violence is never the answer, Elyssa. Do I need to tickle you until you surrender?” He lunged for her, and she squealed, darting ahead, racing all the way to the theatre with Scotty hobbling behind her.

“I declare a truce during the movie.” She said between breaths, as she bent over, panting and laughing. She hadn’t felt this lighthearted since before she’d cut off contact with Jaxon. It felt good.

“Okay.” He grinned. “But after the movie, all bets are off. And you’re still gonna owe me big time for going with you. I bet I’ll be the only guy at this movie. My masculinity is really threatened.”

“...says the guy who dressed up like Marilyn Monroe last Halloween. You’re just worried someone will find out you cry at the sappy scenes. Don’t worry; your secret’s safe with me.”

“I’m just saying only a really great guy would sacrifice himself to watch a chick flick with you. Right? I want to hear you say it.”

“You’re right, Scotty. Only a really great guy would go to a chick flick just to make me happy. That’s why you’re such a great brother.” She stood on her toes and gave him a kiss on the cheek

.

Soon Elyssa was munching happily on popcorn and watching the previews, trading comments with her brother on the upcoming movies. As the feature movie began, Scotty whispered in her ear, “I’m going to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.”

She waved him off, intent on the opening scene. She barely noticed when he returned a few minutes later, handing her a box of Milk Duds.

She tore open the box and popped one in her mouth, savoring the flavor of her favorite movie candy. She sighed with contentment. What a great way to escape her worries and get over her foul mood as a result of the Jaxon fiasco. Popcorn, Milk Duds, and a good chick flick with the one guy in the world she trusted. She was lucky to have a brother like Scotty. She reached her hand over and squeezed his arm, leaning toward him to whisper, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” he murmured in her ear, his breath tickling her skin.

The hair on her neck stood up as a shiver ran down her spine. Her popcorn slipped from her fingers, tumbling to dump on the floor. She turned to stare at him.

“Jaxon!”

Part 32: Tug-of-War