Ezra and Cyrus were half-heartedly playing their video game, their focus clearly drifting away from the screen. The usual competitive banter was absent, replaced by a heavy silence.
“Damn it, bro!” Ezra shouted, tossing the game controller onto the couch with frustration.
“What’s your problem?” Cyrus asked, eyebrows furrowing as he glanced at Ezra.
“It’s Eva. I can’t stop thinking about her,” Ezra confessed, rubbing his temples. “No matter what I do, she’s always on my mind.”
“Yeah, I know what you mean,” Cyrus admitted, sighing deeply as he turned to face Ezra. Their eyes met in a shared moment of helplessness.
Ezra let out a bitter laugh. “Never thought anyone could resist me like this.”
“Same here,” Cyrus muttered, a wry smile tugging at his lips.
“We really screwed up, didn’t we?” Ezra said, leaning back and shaking his head. “And maybe we deserve it.”
Cyrus scoffed. “Did you even apologize to her properly?”
“I tried talking to her, but she wouldn’t listen,” Cyrus replied, rolling his eyes as he stood up, pacing the room.
Ezra eyed him skeptically. “Wow, you’re really not serious about this, are you?”
“I can’t force her to listen,” Cyrus said defensively. “Besides, she’s seeing some other guy now.”
Ezra chuckled, albeit without humor. “And you’re just going to let that slide?”
“I tried to talk to her, but she’s not interested. I can’t make her do anything,” Cyrus responded, shrugging.
“You need to persuade her, man. You’re being an idiot,” Ezra said, shaking his head. “Aren’t you at least a little jealous?”
Cyrus scoffed, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of doubt. “Of course not. It’s not like I’m in love with her.”
Ezra raised an eyebrow, murmuring, “Wow.” He continued, more to himself than to Cyrus, “I’m not in love with Eva or anything, but I’d be really pissed if I saw her with another guy.”
Cyrus chuckled lightly. “That’s just how in love you are.”
“No, I’m not,” Ezra retorted, though his smile gave him away.
The room fell silent, the only sound the faint background music of the game. They both picked up their controllers, but their minds were clearly elsewhere.
“Do you think you’ll ever get back with Eva?” Cyrus asked after a moment, his voice tentative.
Ezra sighed. “I don’t know. I hope so.”
“And what about Selena?” Cyrus asked, glancing sideways at Ezra.
“What about her?” Ezra replied, feigning ignorance.
“Come on, don’t act dumb,” Cyrus said, his tone exasperated.
Ezra sighed heavily. “I guess I’ll have to talk to her. That’s probably why Eva’s still mad at me-because of Selena and their friendship. I get it, though. If you had something going on with Selena, it wouldn’t be easy for me either.”
Cyrus swallowed hard, guilt creeping into his expression. He knew he was treading on dangerous ground, but he hoped his secret wouldn’t come to light.
“Yeah, you should talk to Selena,” Cyrus said, nodding in agreement, though his eyes avoided Ezra’s.
~~~~
“Blue balloons over here, and then pink over here,” Mom directed the designer, who nodded and started arranging the decorations.
“If it were up to me, I wouldn’t use blue at all,” I said, making Mom roll her eyes playfully.
“What if it’s a boy?” she asked, arching an eyebrow.
“Then I’m disappointed in Dad,” I replied, glancing over at Dad, who had just walked in, still shaking off the stress of the workday.
“You’re funny,” Mom chuckled, shaking her head.
If it turns out to be a boy, I’ll be a laughingstock forever. My brothers will never let me live it down. I can already see them mocking me until I want to gouge my own eyeballs out.
“Ready for the big reveal tomorrow?” Blue asked, smirking.
“It’s not even a contest,” Reggie interjected before I could respond. “Boys always win. We’ve got a four-to-nothing record.”
“I hate you more than anyone,” I shot back at Reggie, glaring at Blue and Grey. “And that includes those two idiots.”
“What did I do?” Grey asked defensively, hands up in mock surrender.
“You want a brother too, so we’re not friends,” I said, rolling my eyes.
“Just ignore her,” Blue said to Grey with a grin.
“See, this is why I can’t stand you,” I snapped. “You and Blue look exactly the same, and I can’t stand Blue.”
“Well, I’m the better-looking one,” Blue said, flashing a cocky smile.
“You’re all ugly,” I muttered.
“And yet, all your friends are dying to go out with us,” Reggie said, making me roll my eyes harder.
“They’re clearly blind,” I said.
“Let’s be real: if you weren’t our sister, you’d be one of the girls chasing after us,” Blue teased, causing me to fake gag.
“That’s disgusting, Blue! Who would want to date any of you?” I shot back, making a face.
” Who wants this ugly girl on their bed, eww” Reggie said, laughing.
Before I could respond, Anya ran into the room, grinning from ear to ear-another little traitor in the making.
“Did you all know that Blue is called Blue but he doesn’t even like the color blue?” Anya announced, eyes wide with mock innocence.
“Wow, shocking,” Reggie said sarcastically, earning a glare from Grey.
“Am I supposed to like blue just because my name is Blue?” Blue asked, exasperated.
“Of course, dumb head. Your name is Blue,” Anya retorted before turning to Grey.
“I love Grey,” she said sweetly, making Grey beam.
“Aww, thanks, Anya,” Grey said, smiling warmly.
“Not you, Fucking idiot-the color grey!” Anya clarified, rolling her eyes.
“No cursing, Anya!” Mom called out from across the room, her voice stern.
“Well, you’ve got dumb sons!” Anya muttered under her breath as she walked out.
“God, she scares me,” Blue said, shaking his head.
I couldn’t help but agree. As mean as she is now, they’ll never be able to control her dating life when she grows up. She’s going to do whatever she wants, no matter what they say.
~~
I retreated to my room after helping with the decorations, a sense of nervous excitement bubbling up inside me. The room was now filled with a sea of pink and blue balloons, and I couldn’t shake the thought: please let it be a girl. If it turns out to be a boy, I’ll have to love him eventually, but I was desperately hoping for a sister.
After a quick shower, I slipped into my favorite nightwear, feeling refreshed. I had already texted my friends about the big reveal, and they were all excited to come over tomorrow. It was going to be a blast.
As I brushed my hair, my phone buzzed on the nightstand. Seeing Marco’s name on the screen made my heart flutter. I answered quickly, unable to suppress my grin.
“Hi,” I said, my voice soft and warm.
“Hey, beautiful,” Marco replied, his tone playful and affectionate. His words sent a warm rush through me, making me smile even more.
“What’s on your mind?” Marco asked, his voice carrying genuine interest.
“Just gearing up for tomorrow,” I admitted, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “The gender reveal.”
“Oh right,” Marco chuckled softly. “Exciting stuff. Are you nervous?”
“A little,” I confessed, feeling a flutter of butterflies in my stomach. “I’m really hoping for a girl.”
Marco chuckled again. “I can see why. A little sister would be nice.”
“Definitely,” I agreed, feeling more relaxed. “I’ve already told my friends. They’re all excited to come over.”
“Sounds like it’s going to be a fun day,” Marco remarked. “I’d like to be there too, if you’ll have me.”
I hesitated, knowing my brothers might not approve. “I appreciate that,” I said slowly, “but I’m not sure how my brothers would feel about it.”
Marco was silent for a moment. “Your brothers, huh?” he finally said, his tone thoughtful. “They’re that protective?”
“Yeah,” I admitted with a sigh. “They can be pretty intense. I don’t want you to get caught up in all that.”
Marco chuckled softly. “I can handle myself,” he reassured me. “But I understand if it’s too much. Just know I’d like to support you, however I can.”
I felt a warmth spread through me at his words. “Thank you,” I said sincerely. “I’ll think about it, okay?”
“Of course,” Marco replied warmly. “Take your time. I’m here whenever you need me.”
“Okay,” I said softly, feeling grateful for his understanding. “I’ll let you know.”
As I hung up, I appreciated Marco’s genuine offer of support. The idea of him being at the gender reveal was comforting.
But hell No!!!!
My brother’s would kill Him and then kill me next.
I loved that he cared a lot and wants to be by my side tomorrow but I won’t risk it.
I slept of still bantering with the issues. I am just gonna tell him not to come tomorrow.
~~
The next morning, I was up before the sun. Excitement coursed through me as I darted to my parents’ room, flinging the door open and rushing to my mom’s side.
“Today’s the day!” I shouted, bouncing on my toes. My loud entrance elicited groans from both of them.
“Wake up, wake up!” I insisted, giving Dad a playful thump on his arm.
“God, I should’ve pulled out that day,” Dad muttered, squinting at me through bleary eyes.
“Honey!” Mom admonished, her eyes still closed.
“She’s driving us crazy, so yeah, I mean it,” Dad said, making me chuckle despite myself.
“Get up, you old grumpy man,” I teased, trying to nudge him off the bed.
“I swear, if you don’t settle down, I’ll reconsider letting you get married at 21 just to get you out of here,” he grumbled, rolling his eyes as he sat up.
“Thank you, Dad!” I replied cheerfully, pushing him toward the bathroom.
I turned back to Mom, giving her a big hug and planting a kiss on her cheek. “You gonna join your husband in the bathroom?” I asked, grinning.
“No, ew!” she said, her nose wrinkling in mock disgust, and I burst into laughter.
“Alright, I’m off to wake up the rest of your kids, especially Reggie,” I declared, a mischievous smile spreading across my face as I dashed out of the room.
~~
Reggie’s frustration boiled over to the point that he stormed out of the house that morning, slamming the door behind him. Despite his dramatic exit, he eventually came back, looking a bit more composed. Annoying my brothers brought me a peculiar sense of satisfaction-it was oddly relaxing.
As the morning progressed, guests began to arrive. I kept glancing at the door, eagerly anticipating my friends. My smile faltered, though, when I saw Cyrus walk in with Ezra. My heart sank for a moment, but it lifted again as Teddy walked in behind them.
“Teddy!” I exclaimed, a beaming smile spreading across my face.
“Hey, love,” he greeted, smiling warmly.
“Where the heck have you been?” I asked, feigning annoyance but genuinely curious.
“You know, family stuff,” he said, shrugging.
“Oh. Are you okay?” I asked, concern lacing my voice.
“Yeah, I’m good,” he said, nodding. I pulled him into a hug, feeling a comforting sense of normalcy.
“Touch my sister again, and you’ll be heading home minus a vital body part,” Reggie threatened, making Teddy laugh.
“He missed you a lot, you know. Sometimes he even cries,” I teased.
“I know. He calls me every day just to check up on me,” Teddy said, grinning.
“That’s a lie,” Reggie scoffed. “I was the happiest person when he left.” With that, he walked away, shaking his head.
Teddy turned back to me with a mischievous glint in his eye. “So, are we still on for that date?”
“That’s why I can’t stand you,” I said, rolling my eyes as he laughed.
I made my way over to where Grey and Blue were already digging into the snacks.
“I’m only eating the blue ones because I know it’s gonna be a boy,” Blue said, his mouth full.
“That’s so childish,” I said, grabbing a blue snack and popping it into my mouth. “But let’s see.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Eva walk in, followed by a group of our friends. I was about to head over to them, my smile widening, until I saw Marco trailing behind them. My heart sank.
Oh lord. What was he doing here?
TBC