Rewrite the stars with you

Chapter Three: Bonds and Battles

Becky sat on her bed, flipping through a small album of old photographs. Each picture held memories of a simpler time—a time when her parents were alive, and life was filled with warmth and laughter. Now, it was just her and Ethan, her older brother. Though he had taken on the role of both guardian and parent, his protectiveness often felt suffocating.

“Becky!” Ethan’s voice boomed from the living room. “Come here!”

Becky quickly set the album aside and walked out to find Ethan sitting on the couch, a small box in his hand. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and carried an air of authority that made people think twice before crossing him.

“What is it?” she asked cautiously.

Ethan handed her the box. “Open it.”

Curious, Becky peeled back the lid and gasped. Inside was a sleek, brand-new smartphone. It gleamed in the light, and for a moment, Becky felt a rush of excitement.

“Ethan, this is… wow! Thank you!” she said, her face lighting up.

Ethan crossed his arms, his expression serious. “Don’t get too excited. This isn’t for chatting with random people or wasting time on social media. You’ll use it for studies, business, and nothing else. Got it?”

Becky’s smile faltered slightly. “Got it,” she replied, knowing it was pointless to argue.

Ethan softened, reaching out to pat her shoulder. “I just want what’s best for you, Becky. You’re all I have now, and I won’t let anyone mess with your future.”

Later that day, Ethan and Becky visited their parents’ graves, a solemn ritual they observed every year. The cemetery was quiet, the air heavy with the scent of flowers and freshly cut grass. Becky knelt before the gravestones, tracing the engraved names of their mother and father with her fingers.

“I miss them so much,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Ethan stood behind her, his jaw clenched as he stared at the graves. “I do too,” he said gruffly. “But it’s my job to take care of you now. I’ll make sure you’re safe, no matter what.”

As Becky placed a bouquet of white lilies on the graves, Ethan’s phone buzzed. He stepped away to take the call, his voice turning sharp as he discussed business matters. Becky watched him from a distance, feeling a mix of gratitude and frustration. She knew Ethan meant well, but his protectiveness often felt more like a cage than a shield.

After the memorial, Ethan decided to treat Becky to a meal at a nearby restaurant. They sat in a cozy booth by the window, the warm glow of the setting sun spilling in. Ethan ordered their favorite dishes, and for a while, the tension between them eased.

“This is nice,” Becky said, sipping her drink.

Ethan smiled faintly. “You deserve it. You’ve been working hard.”

Just as their food arrived, the restaurant door swung open, and two familiar faces entered. It was Kirk, one of Carlos’ loudmouthed friends, and his girlfriend, Jessy. They spotted Becky almost instantly, and Kirk’s face lit up with a smug grin.

“Well, if it isn’t library girl,” Kirk said loudly, striding over to their table. Jessy trailed behind him, her arms crossed and an amused smirk on her face.

Becky’s stomach sank. She looked down, hoping they’d lose interest and leave, but Kirk wasn’t about to let the opportunity pass.

“Hey, Becky,” he said mockingly. “Did you finally crawl out of your books to enjoy the real world?”

Jessy giggled, tossing her hair. “Who’s this guy? Your boyfriend?” she said, gesturing to Ethan.

Ethan’s eyes darkened, his protective instincts kicking in immediately. “I’m her brother,” he said coldly. “And you’d better watch how you talk to her.”

Kirk snorted. “Relax, man. We’re just having a little fun. No harm, right, Becky?”

Becky remained silent, her hands trembling slightly. Ethan stood up, his towering frame making Kirk take a step back. “You think it’s fun to bully someone who hasn’t done anything to you?” Ethan growled. “You think that makes you tough?”

Kirk tried to laugh it off, but Ethan’s intense glare wiped the smirk off his face. “Hey, chill, dude. No need to get all worked up.”

Jessy rolled her eyes. “Come on, Kirk. Let’s go. This guy’s clearly got issues.”

But Ethan wasn’t done. “If I ever see you bothering my sister again,” he said, his voice low and threatening, “you’ll regret it.”

Kirk muttered something under his breath and hurried out of the restaurant, Jessy trailing behind him. Becky let out a shaky breath as Ethan sat back down, his fists still clenched.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice softening.

Becky nodded, though her eyes were watery. “Thank you, Ethan.”

“You don’t have to thank me,” he said firmly. “No one messes with my sister.”

As they finished their meal in silence, Becky couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. Ethan’s protectiveness was overwhelming at times, but in moments like this, she was reminded of how deeply he cared for her.

Still, a part of her wished he could see that she was capable of standing up for herself—and that she deserved the chance to live her own life, free from his watchful eye.