Game Over

4

Noha pushed me away with irritation, and I pretended to cry in sadness. "You’re choking me! Mercy, I just got back!" he whined, punching my arm, which had gotten a lot stronger. I grabbed my arm in mock pain as he laughed.

“You deserved that. Soleil, stop bothering your brother!” Mom chimed in.

Yeah, right. The beloved boy has returned, the one who gets all of Mom’s affection and Dad’s pride, while I... well, sometimes I think I must be adopted. Oh, wait, there’s Marcus, who seems to get more than Noah too.

I pouted in mock sadness, and Noah pulled me into another hug.

"Okay, okay, I missed you too," he muttered softly, hugging me back. "But don’t you think you’re home a little early?" he teased with a grin, and I shoved him away in annoyance. What’s the big deal about leaving school early? Nothing’s going on.

"You're lucky I’m here; Mom won’t even notice." He lifted his chin arrogantly, referring to Mom, who approached us with a glass of juice in hand. The favoritism has already begun, my friend.

I groaned inside and out, grabbed my bag, and tossed it at him when Mom wasn’t looking. He threw it back at me with enough force that I nearly crashed into the wall.

I bit back a scream, straightening myself with difficulty and shoving him again. The silent war continued until Mom showed up and gave us the death glare.

Dad walked into the living room, waving his hand dismissively and scolding us with his eyes. Noah cleared his throat and pulled me into another overly dramatic "big brother" hug. Bastard.

Though, to be fair, he really was like that.

Fast food was laid out in front of him, and I sighed in exasperation at the hotel treatment. Just as I was about to touch a plate, Mom slapped my hand, telling me it was for my dear brother.

And you wonder why siblings fight over inheritance?

Time flew by as Noah recounted his college adventures, like how he and his friends would sneak out at night to avoid the dorm supervisors. Mom clutched her heart in fear while Dad got excited, telling Noah he did the same thing back in the day. That, of course, sparked an argument between my parents, as Mom accused Dad of meeting girls back then.

Now I know where my desire to escape school comes from—it must be genetic.

I told a little white lie. I did have a chemistry class today, but I came home because I couldn’t deal with Mr. Steven’s arrogance.

Actually, I lied again. I left because I wanted to sleep, but now here we are at dinner, and I haven’t gotten a wink of rest. I’m glad Noah’s back, but not like this. I seriously need sleep.

Mercy, my mom won’t stop shoving food into Noah’s mouth. I swear, he’s going to pass out soon.

I glared daggers at Noah when he took my seat beside Dad. Mom sighed in boredom. "It's fine, come sit by me," she said, and I obeyed, though my eyes remained locked on Noah, whose smug grin hadn’t left his face as he stared back at me, enjoying himself.

I’m pulling out chunks of his hair tonight.

Finally, the little devil showed up, taking his seat next to Noah, who ruffled his hair. Oh, I need to take a picture of them right now.

I almost screamed when the doorbell rang. Who else but me would open it? Damn the person at the door. I stood up begrudgingly, my footsteps becoming more pronounced.

He deserves it. "What do you want?" I asked in a whisper, trying not to alert my family. Lucas smiled sweetly! I raised an eyebrow suspiciously—this gentle look didn't suit him at all.

"I told you, I want to grab some coffee with you!" He shrugged, sliding his hands confidently into his pockets. He wasn’t kidding?

"Soul, who’s at the door?" Mama called out, curious. I closed the door slightly in his face. "It’s the janitor; he found something strange in the trash."

I opened the door again, finding him frowning. "A janitor?" I ignored his words and replied with irritation, "Why are you at my house? You could have just sent a message! I’d just ghost you, anyway.”

"You blocked me," he said with a forced smile. I turned to see my mom standing behind me, eyeing Lucas from head to toe. "Soul, why are you leaving your friend outside?"

She scolded me immediately. This was the first time she’d even seen him! "He’s not my friend, and he’s leaving. Goodbye, Lucas."