81
Ryan
“What do you feel like watching?” Evan asks me, nodding towards the TV.
“A horror,” Christine says. “A cult.”
“Please, notHalloween!” I say right away.
“I was thinking maybe aNightmaremarathon?”
“Are you taking the piss?”
“A bit.”
And that’s why I love her so much.
So here I am. A quiet evening in with my family, slouched on the sofa in front of the TV, pizza boxes spread out on the table. I’m sitting in the middle, with Christine’s head on my shoulder, and Evan on the other side. Often, he prefers staying home with us than going out with his friends.
I don’t mind that at all. Although, after my brothers painting the bedroom, I’d love to find a way to make it soundproof. I love hearing her yell, instead of holding herself back in case Evan hears us.
“So?” Christine presses.
“I’m not ready.”
“Come on, O’Connor, I’ll hold your hand if you want,” Evan teases.
“I’ll hold the other one,” Christine says.
“Evan, cover your ears.”
“Sure.”
“Will you cuddle me later if I have nightmares?”
“Are you serious, Ryan?” Evan asks.
“Weren’t you supposed to be covering your ears?”
“You’re such a loser.”
“And you’re a little…”
“Okay, guys,” Christine cuts between us. “Ryan, if you don’t want to take this step, then…”
I can’t let them back me into a corner like this. I’m always outnumbered.
These two always push me around so effortlessly.
“To hell with that. Let’s get this marathon going, then.”
Christine claps excitedly, as she bends down in front of the TV to put the DVD into the player.
“Don’t do it,” Evan threatens me. “I know you live here now, but don’t do it. Not in front of me.”
“I wasn’t…”
“Ready?” Christine asks, sitting on my left, with Evan on my right.
