Silent Corners

STEPS INTO SOMETHING NEW

From that day, Daniel started to change. I noticed it first in the small things.

He didn’t spend all his time with his skateboard or going around with boys that liked trouble. Instead, he sat with his books more. Sometimes when I passed his room, I saw him reading, his head bent like he was really serious.

I also noticed this change at school. I noticed it in his punctuality,the way he related with teachers and shockingly he hasn't gotten into any trouble so far. His classmates and teachers were surprised. Others didn’t believe it at all. They whispered that Daniel was only acting good so everyone would trust him, and then he would use that chance to pull a bigger prank. Even some teachers kept watching him closely, like they were waiting for him to slip.

Jimmy asked me if I noticed how Daniel was calmer these days. I just smiled, but inside I was proud of him.

For the first time, it felt like my brother was really trying to become someone Dad could be proud of. This feeling made me take it upon myself to help him anyway I can.

The next day after church, we all went home. Mom made roast chicken with mashed potatoes and some vegetables. We all sat down at the dining table to eat. Daniel joined us too.

The table was quiet, like it has been these days. Nobody talked. The only sound was the spoons and plates touching.

Mom tried one or two times to talk with Dad, but his answers were short and dry. She gave up and just faced her food.

Jimmy was sitting opposite me, eating slowly. Daniel kept his head down, cutting the food more than eating it. I wanted to say something to break the silence but couldn't make you something in my mind .

We all just ate like that until everyone had finished. Dad and Jimmy went to the living room. I assisted Mom with the dishes while Daniel went to his room.

While I was with Mom in the kitchen, I told her about the date with Henry. I requested she help me select what I was going to wear.

"Alright, let’s finish up quickly and go to your room, honey," she said. Before we knew it, we had finished and immediately headed to my room.

Mom sat down while I went straight to my wardrobe. I brought out the best blouses, skirts, and gowns I had. I wore them all in front of the mirror but nothing felt good enough for the date. I then changed back to what I had worn originally.

As I changed back, Mom smiled softly. “Wait here, I have something.” She left and came back holding a dress. It was a red dress, simple but elegant, that she wore years ago when she was my age.

I wore the dress and looked at myself on there mirror. The dress felt different. It wasn’t new, but it looked beautiful and classy. I turned around in the mirror, and Mom’s eyes lit up. “You look perfect, honey.”

We sat down on my bed afterward, the dress folded neatly on the chair. Our talk moved to Daniel. Mom said she had noticed how quiet and serious he had become lately, even at home. I agreed, telling her I was proud of him. “It’s like he’s finally showing his best character,” I said. Mom smiled, but her smile carried both relief and worry.

After our talk, Mom left so I could rest before the evening.

I sat on my bed talking with Sam over the phone. "Girl, you have to maintain your cool and not turn red after every sentence he says to you," she said. I listened quietly as she was speaking. It was as if I was being lectured. I took a pic of the dress I was going to wear and she liked it. "Alright Chris, don’t embarrass yourself, cause if you do, I don’t know you again," she said jokingly as she told me goodbye so I could rest a little.

I rested for a few minutes, then my phone buzzed. It was a message from Henry: “I’m on my way to pick you up.” My heart jumped.

“Please don’t act cringe when he comes,” I warned them. Jimmy laughed, Daniel smirked, but Dad only nodded. I then ran back upstairs to get ready.

When Henry arrived, Dall·E welcomed him into the living room. They sat together, and I could hear their voices as I hurried to finish getting ready. Finally, I came down the stairs. The moment Henry’s eyes caught me, he looked stunned. I saw it clearly. I began asking myself if he didn’t like the dress, but I kept a positive mind. We left together in a taxi.

"You look really beautiful in that dress, Chris. I never knew red suits you so well," he said as we were in the taxi. I thanked him for the compliment, and his words made me stop worrying about what he thought of my dress.

We arrived at a fancy restaurant. I didn’t expect it, and honestly, I was surprised Henry could afford such a place. Maybe I had been underestimating him. He had even booked a table for us.

We ate and talked about school, and then about the future. At one point, Henry mentioned Daniel. He said he was surprised at Daniel’s sudden change, then laughed, adding, “But honestly, I kind of miss the old him that used to heat up the whole school.” We both laughed at that.

Then the DJ switched to another song. Henry leaned closer and asked if I wanted to dance. My heart was beating so fast, but I said yes. On the dance floor, he told me I was good, and we danced for a while before sitting back down.

A few minutes later, he asked me to follow him. I agreed. He led me to the water fountain behind the restaurant. The place was calm, with only a few people around. The sound of the water filled the air.

Henry turned to me, his face serious. “There’s been something I’ve been needing to tell you…”

When he said that, I could feel my heart pounding harder than when we danced. For the first time, everything between us felt different.