𝓥𝓲𝓸𝓵𝓮𝓽

After school Katie had walked back with me to my house. Clara wasn't back from work yet. We did our homework at the dining table, helping each other when we got stuck on something. She had English, I had Government, which I struggled with but still managed to keep a good grade in.

I offered Katie one of the strawberry muffins left over from this morning. Gladly, she took two.

About an hour later, I heard a car pull into the driveway, and Katie, already near the door, looked out the window. "It's Dominic," she murmured. She grabbed her bag and walked past her brother, not even saying a goodbye. He didn't seem to care. He walked in and shut the door.

There clearly seemed to be some sort of tension between the two. I wanted to ask but decided to save it for later.

I had changed, and Dominic, still staying consistent, drove me to and from work.

"Ready?" he asked, glancing at the neat pile of papers on the table. I nodded, watching as he walked over to the table, looking at my homework. "Government. I loved that class."

"Oh." The fact embedded in my mind. I grabbed my coat.

He frowned slightly. "You-" he paused, "mmm. Some of these aren't exactly right, Violet." He looked at me. "I'll help you later."

He gathered them into his hand and came closer, leading me to his car.

"Why did you bring those?" I asked.

"We'll do them later," he said matter of factly. I assumed it meant he was taking me back to his apartment after work.

Today was my first day back after my trip to Florida. I was happy to be seeing Mary-Lee and Marley again.

He buckled me into his car, something he insisted on doing, and drove me to work. He was quieter than usual.

"Dominic," I started quietly. He looked at me briefly, waiting for me to continue. "Is there something going on between you and Katie?" I said slowly, rethinking my decision to bring this up now.

He sighed; a muscle ticked in his jaw. I braced myself for his coming anger but was surprised when he spoke calmly. "I had one of those older brother talks with her," he laughed softly. "I was mad at her, but it's nothing you need to worry about right now. You'll probably be upset with me," he smiled. "I'll bring it up later when I'm all sappy and too hung up on you to get mad."

I giggled, "okay."

As he dropped me off, I couldn't help but think what may have been said between the two of them that caused so much of a drift in their relationship. What could be said that could make me upset? I pushed the thought away as I opened the door and was immersed in the scent of flowers.