The fall of our secrets

Chapter4

"Temper us in fire, and we grow stronger. When we suffer, we survive."
― Cassandra Clare.

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 Nina:

I polished my MK21 and ran my hands lovingly through its smooth aluminum handles. It was a powerful rifle and can do the job nicely. I heard my little sister's steps in the next room and smiled in adoration.

"Good morning, Arianna." I greeted my little sister, who didn't spare me a glance and plopped tiredly on the couch. It was still too early for her to be up.

I chuckled at her laziness, for a seven years old kid, she should be energetic and running around, but my sister was always lazy and loved her sleep more than anything.

"I take it your things are ready for school," I said as a reminder for her. The last time she forgot packing her things, we were late for school by almost an hour.

She just nodded at my statement. I shook my head and stood up from my seat. I needed to prepare a light breakfast for us. Before I went to the kitchen, I looked back at Arianna and said in warning.

"Don't you dare touch my rifle, understood?" She nodded her head again, and I narrowed my eyes at her. She sighed and voiced her answer. "Yes, Nina. I will not even go near it. I promise." I lost my stern expression and gave her a reassuring smile.

I opened the fridge and looked through its contents. I took out some eggs and chicken stripes and put them on the counter. I made a mental note to go grocery shopping soon since our fridge was nearly empty.

I cracked the eggs, diced some vegetables, and poured the mix in the preheated pan. I moved to the chicken strips, spiced them, and placed them in another pan.

Before I had the chance to call for Aria to come eat breakfast, the little kid came to the kitchen and inhaled deeply.

"It smells delicious in here," Aria said and sat eagerly on her chair.

If there was anything Aria loved more than sleep, it definitely would be food. I ruffled her wild brown locks and sat beside her. We ate in silence and enjoyed the morning air coming from the open window.

When we finished, Aria and I cleared the table and washed the dishes.

"Okay, it is time you get ready for school," I announced once the last dish was placed in the rack.

"Do I really have to go?" Aria whined.

I rolled my eyes at her. It was a daily occurrence, and I was used to her antics by now. I ushered her to our shared bedroom and helped her pick out an outfit for today. I made sure all her things were in her Rapunzel backpack, then I doubled checked her homework to avoid getting it lost accidentally.

Aria got dressed in her jeans and a pale blue Frozen shirt. She was in the phase of obsessing about cartoon characters. After Dora, Nemo, it was Frozen's turn. I helped her braid her hair into two cute pigtails.

I looked over my sister and deemed her ready to go. We went out of the apartment and climbed down the stairs to wait for the bus.

"Good morning, dear girls." Our elderly neighbor, Miss Edna, greeted us with a warm smile. She was a lovely woman who had a golden heart.

Aria immediately kneeled on her knees and scratched behind Miss Edna's dog to the delight of the little creature, which leaned into her touch.

I smiled fondly at my sister and allowed her some time with the dog before I ordered her to get up from the floor. I tapped her jeans to get rid of any dirt. Miss Edna said goodbye and went inside the apartment complex.