Crimson Rain

chapter 6

But before I could stay unnoticed, Aron spotted me. “Oww, my little wife is here!” he called out with a mischievous grin.

I scrunched up my face in disgust and hurried straight to Aries.

Without missing a beat, Aries smacked Aron lightly on the shoulder. “Back off,” he muttered, protective and amused at the same time.

We quickly said our goodbyes to the others, and Aries gently held my hand as we walked toward the school gate. Soon, we climbed into the car.

---

In the car, I unconsciously drifted off and fell asleep on Aries’s lap. He froze for a moment, clearly unsure what to do, but I was too tired to notice, completely lost in sleep after such a long day.

When I woke, I found myself back in my room,Confused, I sat up, looking around. Just then, the nanny came in with a gentle smile.

“Aries brought you here, little one,” she explained softly. “Then he went back to his own room. I’ll help you freshen up now.”

I nodded quietly, still half-dreaming from the day’s events. As she helped me wash up, I couldn’t help but think how strange and comforting it felt — having Aries nearby, even if only for a little while.

---

After freshening up, I ran out of my room and stopped in front of Aries’s door. I knocked lightly, and the door swung open.

Even before he could say a word, I darted past him, climbed onto his bed, and flopped down with a satisfied sigh.

Aries just stood there, blinking at me in surprise, clearly unsure what to do. I lay there comfortably, feeling bold and strangely at home, while he slowly closed the door behind him, muttering something under his breath.

Did Aries just call me a pig?! I thought, frowning. “Aries!” I shouted, grabbing a pillow and hurling it at him.

He yelped and quickly retaliated, tossing a pillow back at me. Before long, we were both laughing and dodging, the room filled with the sound of playful chaos as our pillow fight continued.

Aries grinned mischievously and teased, “You’re a dirty pig that sleeps and drips saliva!”

I felt my cheeks heat up with anger and indignation. “And you’re the stupid pig!” I shot back, sticking out my tongue.

Just like that, between the teasing and laughter, we started getting closer. Pillow fights, playful insults, and little arguments became our way of connecting, and for the first time, I felt a warm, silly kind of closeness with my big brother.

---

After dinner, we video-called Uncle Jason and Aunt Linda. They both looked well and happy, and they told us they’d be back in five days. I felt a flutter of excitement at the thought.

But soon, as the rain started tapping against the windows, a sudden wave of fear washed over me. I couldn’t help it — I started to cry softly, letting my sobs shake me in the corner of my room.

Aries, passing by my room, froze when he saw me. His brow furrowed in confusion and concern. Without a word, he stepped closer, gently picking me up into his arms. He held me carefully, rocking me slightly, and whispered softly, coaxing me until my tears slowed.

Aries carefully laid me down on the bed and climbed in beside me. His hand patted my back softly, a steady rhythm that soon lulled me into calm.

Feeling safe in his presence, I clung to him without thinking, letting the warmth of his comfort wash over me. Slowly, my eyelids grew heavy, and I drifted off to sleep.

Over time, it became a routine — Aries and I would often end up sleeping together. I would bring my pillow and quietly make my way to his room at night.

A whole year had passed since that first night, and in that time, Aries had been with me through it all — teasing, protecting, and quietly watching over me.

*******

Since I was about to turn seven and Aries would be twelve soon, it meant he was going to move up to junior high school.

I felt a pang of resentment bubbling up. How come this tall pig is going to junior high already, while I’m still stuck in elementary?! I muttered to myself, crossing my arms. He was bigger, taller, smarter… and now he was moving even further ahead while I was still learning the basics.

Aries, of course, had no idea about my little sulk, probably too busy being his usual self — teasing, joking, and acting like the “big brother” he’d become over the past year.

One day, Aries brought home a bicycle. “We’re not taking the car anymore,” he declared with a grin. “This is way better!”

I looked at him skeptically, but the excitement bubbled up inside me. Soon, we were riding together, the wind in our hair, laughter escaping freely as we pedaled side by side.

**********************************

-To be continued....