67

I smirked at my older brother, before leaving the two and making my way to Nathan’s room.
I stopped in my tracks as I could hear loud voices coming from his room.
Maybe walking in on a fight between the two brothers was not a good idea…
The door suddenly banged open before I could turn around and I watched a pissed off Max storm past me.
I turned in shock, before looking back in the room and slowly walking in to see Nathan sitting on the ground with his head down in his arms.
I walked over to him and bent down, gently placing a hand on his shoulder.
He abruptly looked up, startled, before relaxing after seeing it was only me.
His appearance startled me. His face was slightly red, probably from yelling, and his cheek had a freshly forming bruise, indicating someone had punched him. My guess would be Max.
What ha- I started, before he cut me off.
Not now Skylar. He turned his head away from me.
I felt hurt at his action, but got up and turned to leave. If he wouldn’t fix this, then I would.
I made my way to the living room to see Dustin, Tyler and Landon sitting on the couch and talking amongst themselves.
I felt their expectant stares as I walked in, but I was too busy looking for a specific face.
There. I turned at Landon’s voice to see him pointing towards the balcony.
I loved how well he knew me. I gave him a grateful smile, before walking out to the balcony.
I closed the door gently behind me as I stepped into the chilly Christmas air. I walked over to where a hunched over Max was leaning over the railing.
I suddenly started having second thoughts as I slowed down in my tracks. Maybe he also needed some time alone.
What ? Did you come out here to tell me that Dustin’s a spy now ? He spoke, his voice holding venom.
I stepped forward and leaned on the railing, making myself visible to him now.
Oh, it’s just you. He spoke quietly once he saw me.
I just stayed silent, not knowing what to say.
You know blaming your brother doesn’t solve anything. I finally stated in a confident tone. That confidence suddenly dissolved once he turned to give me a cold hard stare.
This is unsolvable. No one can fix this. There’s no way I’m gonna get my sister back. Max stated.
You can’t say that unless you’ve tried to get her back. I responded softly.
But they’ve brainwashed her. They infected her good heart and turned it into something dark and twisted. If we show up to save her, she’d get mad and probably stay. Max spoke in a defeated tone.
But she’s your sister. I’m sure she still has a place for her siblings deep down. I spoke with confidence.
But if we do bring her back then she’d only revert to what she’s been taught. If they’ve trained her brain to kill, who knows what she’ll do. Max argued.
Don’t forget she’s only a young girl. I spoke softly. What she needs right now is unconditional love and support, whether she sees it or not. I said with determination. I know through the support of her family, through therapy or psychologists or whatever the best option is, there is hope.
Max stared at me silently, thinking it over.
But how the hell are we gonna get past their security and into the building ? Max asked slowly.
A small grin took over my face. He was starting to think positively. That’s where my genius plan comes in.
Max just gave me a look, before sighing. Why are you so determined to fix this mess ? Max asked with pure curiosity.
Because if we get your sister back, we can bust Alvin and his chipmunks, get your family to safety, and all live happily ever after and so on. I explained quickly.
But what’s in it for you ? Max asked with a raised brow.
The happiness of Nathan. I said with a genuine smile.
God you two are so cheesy. Max said playfully, chuckling at my angry expression.
I couldn’t hold the face any longer, and broke out into a grin, happy to see Max laughing.
Well let’s not waste anymore time, come along now. I said strictly, grabbing Max’s arm and pulling him back inside.
I walked in to see Tyler, Dustin, and Landon all sitting around the dining table, paper and pens in front of them.
I almost laughed at how serious they looked.
They all looked up expectantly and I smiled. Man I feel so in control right now, it’s amazing. I gloated, grinning at the four boys.
Landon and Dustin rolled their eyes, Max scoffed and acted offended, and Tyler simply raised a brow.
Well I’d like to see them round up three emotionally unstable men and a mastermind kid in under five minutes.
Okay, let’s get started. I spoke, pulling out the chair at the head of the table.
Since this is pretty much a conference, and it’s Christmas, would you mind getting us all some lattes ? Max spoke up, the other two idiots nodding in agreement.
And a chocolate milk for me please ! Dustin added with a polite smile.
Seriously ? Get your own damn drinks, I’m not your maid. I huffed, going in front of the chair to sit down. And Landon go pour Dustin some chocolate milk. I added.
Come on, we all listened to you even though we had no reason to. I think we all deserve at least that. Tyler said this time.
No. I said stubbornly, crossing my arms.
Come on ! Max whined.
Please ? Dustin pouted.
I’m your older brother so you have to. Tyler stated obviously.
Don’t make me tickle you. Landon threatened.
I stared at the loud boys and sighed in exasperation. Alright, okay ! Fine ! I exclaimed, causing them to all shut up.
They all smiled cheekily up at me and I just huffed, gave them a hard glare (except for Dustin), and stomped off to the kitchen.