Affliction

“Oh gosh, still waking up,” I fake a yawn and hope he doesn’t push. “Want eggs?” I ask, walking past him to get breakfast started. Shit, I don’t have eggs.

“Nah, I have to run, and I won’t be in tonight,” he reminds me; like I care he isn’t dropping in to babysit. He hasn't been in a lot lately and the less time he spends here, the better. I love my brother, but having him around all the time is just painful. He showed up the first day I was released from the hospital, taking up Kadence’s old room. I didn’t protest in the beginning, it wouldn’t have gotten me anywhere. My brother is a fierce protector and in his eyes this was something that would let him feel like he was fulfilling his brotherly duties. I gave him that, knowing I needed it too, but now, three months later, it’s getting old.

“I know, dear brother. However will I survive?” I joke and watch his lips quirk at my attitude.

“I’m sure you’ll manage, but if you need me, just call,” he says, coming forward, and wrapping his arms around me.

“I’m not a child and you’re not my parent, Sam. I’ll be fine,” I counter, pulling back to face him. I hate feeling like a burden to my family.

“No, Holly, you’re my sister. You were shot. You’re dealing with some serious shit, and I’m worried about you. We all are.”

“Sam, that was three months ago. I’m fine,” I protest, with only a small amount of lying laced in my words. I am fine, aren’t I? I was until I saw Sy last week.

“I know how long ago it was, Hol, and the more you say you're fine, the less I believe you. I’m your big brother; I’m allowed to worry.”

“You worry too much,” I tell him, hating that I can't fool him.

“Do I?”

“You know you do. Quit it. You’re turning into Mom,” I tease.

“Take it back.” He reaches for my arm and twists me, holding my arm behind my back. I try to out twist him, but he’s too quick. I know his moves; he’s been pulling them on me since I was five years old.

“Let me go. I thought you had to leave?” I try for a different tactic.

“Not ‘til you take it back.”

“Sam, you are so like Mom it’s disgusting,” I say as an insult. He reaches around and flicks my nose again. “Quit it. You're going to mess with my make-up.”

“Take it back.”

“Fine, okay. You’re not turning into Mom,” I lie. “Now, let me go,” I demand. He holds on for one second longer, and then releases his grip.

“I miss this side of you,” he quietly confesses, causing me to look up at him.

“I’m getting there,” I tell him.

“Love you, little sis,” he smiles, reaching out and scuffing my hair.

“Sam,” I screech, smacking his hand away.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he laughs like he loves the fact that he has now pissed me off.

"See ya, asshole.” I wave him off and walk back to the bathroom to fix up the teased mess that is now my hair.

“Make sure you lock up,” he calls after me from the front door.

“Yes, Mom,” I yell back, hearing him laugh. After fixing my hair, I walk back out and finish getting ready for work. A knock at the door stops me from reaching my coffee, and I curse, realizing I keep getting interrupted. Opening the door, I feel the color drain from my face when I see Sy standing there.

“Sy,” I murmur, hiding my reaction. Oh, God, what is he doing here?

“Holly,” he responds, the sound of his voice sending a rush of pain through me. It’s the most beautiful pain in the world, one only I can feel.

“What’s up?” I try for cool, but don’t feel like I even pull it off. I haven’t spoken to him since the morning after the party where I had made a fool of myself.

“Can I come in?” he asks and like a dumb fool, I step aside and let him inside.

“Is everything okay?” I ask, surprised I’m less panicky to have him in my home.

“Yep, but you’ve got a tail today,” he states without any further explanation.

“Umm, okay, why exactly do I have a tail today?” I ask, knowing this has to do with Kadence.

“Club business,” he says, shrugging, his hands going to his pockets.

I cross my arms, waiting for him to tell the truth, because if he thinks for one second I’m in any danger, Kadence would have already called me.

“Well, considering I’m not part of your club, doesn’t look like it concerns me," I say, walking back to the kitchen to try for the third time this morning to get my coffee.

“Well, you are a part of the club, so don’t even start that shit,” he says, following me into the kitchen.

“What do you want, Sy? ‘Cause I’m certain you didn’t come all this way to argue with me about if I’m a part of your club or not, which by the way, I’m not.”

“I did come here for Holly watch. Got shit going down. Nix wanted eyes on you. There’s been some talk circulating ‘cause of the fallout from Zane.”

“What talk?” I inquire, my panic spiking.

“Just some whispers; we’re looking into it.”

I try not to let my panic show, but just hearing Zane’s name has my hand grasping my chest.

“Don’t fucking touch her, asshole,” I yell out to Zane.