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❛ ━━･❪ ❁ ❫ ･━━ ❜
Cali lay sprawled across the bed, mouth slightly open, a small trail of drool running down her chin.
She twitched when she heard voices outside. Opening one eye, she wiped her chin with her sleeve and glanced around.
The first thing she noticed was how hot it was. Fully opening both eyes, she sat up, wiping the sweat from her forehead. "God, it's hot in here," she muttered, fanning herself.
Another thud echoed from outside. With her eyebrows furrowed, she pushed the blanket away and padded to the door.
She was met face-to-face with a maintenance worker. Raising her eyebrows, she asked, "What are you doing here?" A stupid question, she knew.
"The po-" the guy started to answer, but Andro's voice cut him off. "Hey, C, sorry they woke you, but the power's out, and they're fixing it." Her brother came up from downstairs and stood next to her. A breath of relief escaped her-she hadn't realized she was holding it in.
Andro dismissed the worker almost rudely. Once the guy walked away, Cali spun around and smacked Andro on the chest. "That was rude."
"Oww, what the hell, C!" he complained, rubbing the spot where she hit him. "I was just telling him to get back to work!"
"You have a mouth-use it," she lectured him like a scolding parent. He rolled his eyes; he had been doing that a lot lately. "Okay, Mom. Anyway, what are your plans for today?" he asked, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and leading her away from the approaching workers.
"Sarah's been nagging me about not hanging out lately, so I'll probably go see her," she said, giving him a knowing look.
He raised his hands in surrender. "Swear, I had nothing to do with it this time." Dropping his hands, he shot her a grin as she shook her head, giving him a half-hearted glare.
"You know, it wouldn't kill you to make some friends once in a while," he said in a serious but understanding tone.
"Ugh, not this again," she groaned, dramatically throwing her head back. A couple of passing workers gave her odd looks, but Andro's glare made them quickly look away.
"Let's change the subject, shall we? What did Mr. Camren want you for?" she asked, curiosity creeping into her voice. What could be so urgent that it couldn't wait until after the storm?
A guarded mask settled over his face as he avoided her curious gaze. "Just some paperwork," he dismissed, shrugging slightly.
"That couldn't wait until the storm was over?" Her eyebrows furrowed, clearly not convinced.
"Yes, Cali, it couldn't wait." His tone grew stern, his eyes hardening as they met hers.
She raised her hands in mock surrender, backing away toward her room. "Alright, fine. No need to use your big boss voice on me." She flashed him a teasing smirk. "And for the record, it doesn't work on me."
