FALLEN (NOW PUBLISHED ON AMAZON)

70.

"You don't understand, Si. You are not trying at all with Ronnie. You are just lucky that she already fancies you the way you are, but you are not husband material to her." I tell my brother as I follow him out of the kitchen of our flat to jump on his bed.

"What do you mean I'm not husband material to her? I can take care of her." He responds, being a little defensive, taking his shirt off so he can try some outfits for my graduation.

The first thing that pops into my head seeing my brother's bare back is the emptiness without the dark wings tattooed and all the scars I've seen on Marcel's. I still get sad and I feel empty not having what we used to have... but it was all a lie.

"I know you can, but it's not about that. She's the right one for you, but you are not even trying to be the right person for her." I try to focus back on the conversation, getting more comfortable on his bed.

"And how can I do that? I thought I was doing alright, was I not?"

"No! She fancies you because you make her laugh and life seems easier with you. You get along so well. But Ronnie is high maintenance."

"Oh for fuck's sake, Grace, I don't even understand what's the fuss if I make her happy." He turns around as he struggles to button his shirt.

"It's like buying a new car, a beautiful car, the car you've dreamed about. Once you get it, you give it proper care because of how much it's worth to you and you need to keep the engine happy so that it doesn't break or rust over time. You need to clean it, wax it, fill the tank, polish it, change the oil, check the engine, et cetera, et cetera. You need to treat Ronnie as if she were a luxurious car. You need to take her out. You need to cherish her. You can't just count on your banter and good sex to keep her around."

"Hey, I'm also fine as hell!" He retorts with cockiness, but it charms me.  I've missed him.

"Do you understand now?"

"Yes..."

"So get your head out of your arse and invite her out. Blow her mind. Surprise her. Dress up for her. I don't really like that shirt. It's too formal. It's supposed to be sunny this afternoon. Better have short sleeves."

He unbuttons his shirt and turns back around to look for something decent in his wardrobe. He slides a couple of items left, and I find it amusing that he really wants to make an impression. Graduation is in a few hours and I've never seen Simon so invested in something. He seems so proud of me. He has even made me breakfast and we got talking about Ronnie while doing the dishes. We've carried the conversation in his room as he gets dressed. My outfit has been ready since yesterday.

I'm looking forward to go to dinner with the family just after. Now that I'm living with my brother, the family seems closer than ever. William will be there with Cynthia, she insisted to come to support me. I like it. She's a wonderful girl, and Will seems happier since he's living with her. It reminds me to question him about the psychology course he wanted to take.

"My dress will be bright red under my graduation gown. It would be nice if you'd match with me." I inform him as I get up and off from the bed to go dress up as well.

"Wait, is that alright?" He shows me a white and red checkered shirt before I leave his room. I turn around to look at it and nod immediately. I wait for him to put it on and nod again. He looks really good!

"That's perfect, Si. You almost look too good for Ronnie to miss this. I'll text her, maybe she can come to my graduation as well."

"You're the best, sister." He immediately smiles, his interest for her being so obvious in the way his eyes opened to the mention of her name. I've never seen him act like that for a girl. He's never cared that much! I like it.