“Careful, Brian,” Mom sang from the kitchen.
“I think I missed you, Della,” Brian said, tightening his arms.
I wasn’t used to this Brian. The same brother who used to get off on hurting me and calling me names like skank and slut. Normally all his comments came in the form of a dig, but this time he sounded genuine.
“I missed you, too.” It was a lie. I couldn’t miss this version of Brian because I’d never seen him before. He was all new.
We sat around the table and ate. Brian told us all about SCU. His classes were easy, and he was confident he’d aced his finals. Next semester, he said, would be even more enjoyable because he’d picked up a slew of electives. He told us about joining his fraternity and the infamous rush week, even filling us in on some of the secret group doctrine.
“I hope the hazing wasn’t too rough,” Mom said, putting her napkin on the table.
“Nah,” Brian said. “Not for me, anyway.” He assured us he was one of the most liked members of his class, which was easy to believe. Brian had the ability to charm people wherever he went. It was at home, away from the eyes of strangers, where his unflattering side arose. And yet, none of that was apparent anymore. He seemed nice. He seemed normal. He seemed like the type of older brother I wished I’d had my entire childhood, not just in the past hour.
“What about you, Della?” Brian asked. I’d purposely remained quiet as he talked, wanting to assess everything he told us. “Do you think you’ll apply to SCU? You might love it there.”
“I’m not sure. I still have time to decide.”
“Not too much time,” Mom said. “You’re halfway through junior year.”
“I know,” I said. “But I’m retaking the ACT in the spring. If I can up my score, I might have more options.”
I liked to talk about options because it made me sound older, like I had an ounce of the freedom that Brian possessed. I knew I’d end up attending the school which made the most sense financially. And SCU was a big name on that list. I didn’t want to continue in Brian’s shadow, but I didn’t exactly have the grades or the spine to do much else.
“Well, you should think about it. It’s great there,” Brian said. “I’d love to give you a tour next semester. If you visit the campus, you’ll fall in love.”
“Now that’s nice,” Mom said. She walked to Brian and kissed the top of his head. “But you better not take your sister to that frat house.”
“Of course not, Mom. Must keep an eye on my little sister.”
They both laughed. Mom reached into the top cupboard and pulled out three mugs for cider. The two continued talking, the room filling with their jovial banter. I wanted to join them, but I was too busy trying to figure Brian out. How had this person, who seemed completely charming and rational, developed in mere months? I’d spent my entire childhood trying to relate to him. He went away for a semester and came back perfect? Brian noticed me staring at him. He didn’t let on, but, as he continued his conversation with Mom, I saw his eyes dart in my direction.
“Oh rats,” Mom said, looking at her watch. “I promised the committee I’d run by the community center tonight. We’ve got the Christmas parade this weekend,” she explained to Brian.
“I’ll go with you tomorrow,” Brian said. He leaned back and took a sip of cider.
“Please, it will seem so lowbrow compared to all your college experiences.” She kissed the top of Brian’s head again. It was the one and only time I ever heard her refer to something she helped produce as lowbrow. “I’m happy you’re home.”
“Yeah, it’s nice,” he said, as if convincing himself.
“I’ll be home within the hour. You want to watch a movie when I get back?” she asked. This time she addressed the question to both of us. We nodded. She grabbed her keys and left.
We sat alone at the table with our mugs in our hands. The scent of cinnamon filled the air. Neither one of us said anything. I’d been waiting for this. For the moment we were alone, and this preppy façade Brian wore would go away.
His phone vibrated on the table, interrupting the silence. He lifted it and his happy stare dropped within seconds. He turned and looked at the front door.
“What’s wrong?” I asked. Something had to be, otherwise his expression wouldn’t have changed so quickly.
“Nothing,” he said. “I’ll be back in a minute. Get me some more cider?”
He stood and walked outside. I stood, too. I refilled both our mugs from the pot. Then I walked toward the front door and looked out the distorted glass.
A red car was parked by the curb. A girl I’d never seen before was leaning against it. She was tall and slim with blonde hair that almost touched her waist. She was beautiful, the type of pretty that can only be cultivated at a place like college. None of the girls from Wilsonville had an effortless beauty like that.
I watched them. At first, they had a flirtatious exchange. Brian leaned against her car. She dropped a hand on his shoulder, and he touched the hairs falling around her face. After a few seconds, their body language turned frigid. Her arms were crossed, and she was taking a step away from him. Whatever they were talking about, she wasn’t getting her way.
I opened the front door, which brought their attention to me.
“Della,” Brian said. He sounded thankful I’d interrupted them.
“How’s it going?” I asked, stepping outside into the night.
He turned to the girl. “This is my sister Della,” he said.
She wiped any
