Never Again

"Where are you?" I asked the person I was talking to on the phone. [Outside the airport.] A man's voice with a low-pitched tone answered me. "Aight," then I hung up. As I sauntered through the crowd; pulling my luggage. I can feel the gazes of the passersby directed onto me. But I didn't pay attention. I'm already accustomed to such gazes; this is not the first time I experienced this. I adjusted my sunglasses while still walking towards the entrance of the airport. It's been 3 years. Within those years, I did nothing but study. Pouring all my time, attention, and effort on studying which I didn't regret. Time flies, it's like three years have passed in the blink of an eye. When I finally reached the entrance of the airport; I saw a tall, and slender man with distinct handsome features; smiling at me warmly. I can see people looking at him going out and entering the airport. I raised an eyebrow. "O," I reached for the luggage when I finally got close to him. "Ouch!" He moaned holding his chest. "Is this how you greet your beloved big brother after not seeing me for three years." His expression was emotional but it was obviously fake because of the big grin plastered on his face. Thank you I can't stop rolling my eyes. "Can you bro don't be OA, we just saw each other last week," I asked him as I got into the passenger seat. He quickly put my luggage in the trunk of the car, then got into the driver's seat. "Don't you even miss me?" He asked with fake sadness. "No. I'm already home," he answered frankly and then ignored him. I'm hungry now so my head is hot. I heard his laugh which made my eyes roll again. Tch. He started driving the car and never pissed me off again. After some time. "I'm hungry," he suddenly said while still looking out the window. I really can't stop the hunger, my stomach has been boiling for a while now. Still at the airport. I don't bet on the food on the plane, there's nothing you crave for. Ayt. "Hehehe. Pig," he answered. I looked at him then raised an eyebrow. "Well, we're siblings so logically you're a pig too," the answer was philosophical. He grinned while his attention was still on the road. "You mean a hot and handsome pig?" I scoffed. "Feeler." "Haha." My eyes rolled again for the third time. I feel there would be a tendency that one day I would have a cross-eye for rolling my eyes many times today. "Kidding aside, the Ferguson's invited our family on the upcoming birthday banquet of their former patriarch this coming Saturday." The brother said suddenly without the previous playfulness in his tone before. The atmosphere inside the car suddenly became heavy. I didn't answer immediately and just looked at the houses and cars we passed from the car window. I heard him sigh. "If you don't want to attend. I can tell—" "No," he immediately cut off what he was going to say. "I'll attend." "Are you sure? Aly, you're my sister. You're much more important than anything else. I don't want you to be forced to do something you don't want to." Concern and worry were clearly visible in his low-pitched voice. I lowered my eyes. It's been three years, what's there to worry about? Also, it's all in the past. There is really no need to be bitter about something a long time ago. I turned my head towards my third brother's direction, and looked at him with a smile on my face. My brother turned to me for a moment when he noticed that I was looking at him. And when he looked back at the road; there was already a faint smile that was plastered on his thin lips which made my smile grow wider. I really felt so lucky to have such a very thoughtful brother, even though most of the time he was annoying. Still I'm grateful. "Yes. I'm sure." I said firmly. I may have vowed not to chase him ever again, but that doesn't mean that I would hide like a mouse whenever the cat is present. This time, I would stand confidently, proud, and firm; never conceal my true self; have respect for myself, and to what I believe in. The naive, brainless, and childish Allison from before is now completely REBORN.