The City of Astan [2]

Grace

I study him as he does me, "Always."

Eli

I nod and let go of her, kissing her cheek, "See ya 'round?" I ask, "I heard there's this huge camping trip that the teens like us are going on. Are you going?"

Grace

I flash a smile and shrug, crossing my arms over my chest again, "Maybe. I don't know yet."

Eli

I nod, "You should come. It'll be fun."

I pick up my IPod and wave, walking back to work as I do, knowing my parents are probrably going to yell at me once I do...

Grace

I smile and watch him go before heading home, hoping Brenden wasn't in just yet.

Eli

I get home and close the door silently, sneaking up the stairs and hoping mom or dad won't see me.

Grace

I find Brenden with a bunch of his buddies in the living room and quickly make my way to my room, locking the door and sighing.

Eli

I get caught and swear, mom at the bottom of the stairs as she looks up at me, "Downstairs. Now."

Grace

I put my stereo and keep it loud enough to hear but quiet enough to keep my brother happy.

Eli

She gives me a lecture about being out late and sigh, rolling my eyes.

Grace

I sit back and pull out an old book, opening it and smiling at the pages.

Eli

Once she finishes, I curl up and fall asleep on the couch.

Grace

I fall asleep soon after rereading the first page, right there on the floor.

Eli

I wake the next morning and dress, yawning.

Grace

The next morning, I wake and head into work in wait of orders.