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Rome laughs again. “I also wanted to know how you would feel about going out for pizza, ice cream and a movie?”
I blink. “Um, that sounds great, but—” I feel a tap on my shoulder and look up. Aaron is staring straight ahead with his eyes wide again and when I look in the same direction, my mouth falls open. I fucking squeal as I race towards my big brother, who is standing in the parking lot next to his car with his phone in his hand, dressed in dark wash jeans, a black T-shirt, and leather jacket, beaming at me.
He lets out an “oof” as I jump into his arms, wrapping my legs around his waist. I can’t stop smiling. “You came home.”
“Of course I came home,” he says, chuckling and moving the stray strands of hair away from my face. “I wouldn’t miss your birthday, little brother.”
I hug him tightly and he lets me down. “See you guys later!” I shout to my friends before sliding in the car. They wave at me, smiling as Rome peels out of the parking lot, and we head to a diner where we eat pizza and ice cream, and afterwards he takes me to the local theater to see the latest horror film.
“How long are you back for?” I ask on the drive home.
“Just tonight,” he says, frowning. “Gotta head back to school in the morning.” I nod. I know he didn’t have to come at all, and driving two hours after finishing his classes was already a lot. He’s so damn amazing.
When we get home, Mom’s car is in the driveway. She must have gotten in a little bit ago. Martin won’t be back for a couple of days. Something about acquiring new clients. Rome pulls his overnight bag out of the car and we head inside. Mom greets us and gives Rome a big hug.
“I didn’t know you were coming,” she says.
“Yeah, I didn’t either,” he says. “I wanted to but wasn’t sure I would make it so I didn’t say anything. I’m leaving tomorrow, though.”
“Oh, well, you know you can have your old room, though I’m sure Sebastian wouldn’t mind if you shared with him, he’s been missing you.”
I flush, but don’t deny it. And I was planning on forcing Rome to sleep in my room anyway. Rome grins at me. We stay and visit with Mom for a little bit and she gives me my present. It’s a collage frame with different pictures of Rome and me, from Christmas, to our camping adventure and a million little moments in between. I love it, and from the look on Rome’s face so does he.
“Thanks, Mom,” I say, smiling and giving her a hug.
“Popcorn and another movie?” Rome asks, and I nod, grinning.
We head upstairs and change into our pajamas, then settle under the covers on my bed with the laptop open in front of us and the popcorn bowl in the middle.
When the bowl is empty and my fingers are sticky with salt and butter, I lick them clean and then head to the bathroom. When I get back the bowl is gone, sitting on the nightstand next to Rome and he pats the bed next to him. I grin and climb back in, scooting all the way over until I’m cuddled up next to him, his arm around me as the movie continues to play.
“Thank you for coming,” I say, with a yawn. He kisses my head.
“Happy birthday, little brother.”
ROME - PRESENT DAY
When we arrive at the sit down restaurant Sebastian picked out, we give the hostess our names and let her know who we’re with. Before she can direct us, we hear a squeal and then Gwen is running over and wrapping her arms around Sebastian in a death grip. Her blonde hair is in a ponytail and she’s smiling widely, her green eyes sparkling. He grunts as he almost falls over before righting himself and hugging her back.
“My baby,” she coos, petting his head and making him squirm. “Happy birthday. I can’t believe you’re already nineteen. My baby is growing up so fast.” She hugs him again and then embraces me. “It’s so good to see you boys. Come on, Martin is in the bathroom. He’ll be out soon.”
We spot the table before we reach it and Sebastian’s eyes light up. It’s hard to miss. It’s got balloons standing on the center, and as we get closer we see the gifts sitting on the table as well.
“Surprise!” Gwen says. “I know it’s kind of a lot but since we don’t get to do this much we wanted to make a big deal out of it.” She kisses Sebastian’s cheek and he grins. I wouldn’t call us close, but I’ve always liked Gwen, and I really believe she’s good for Dad. I’ve seen that over the years. And while Dad and I aren’t exactly close either, I still care about him and our relationship. If there’s anyone I want to approve of Sebastian and I being together, it’s Dad and Gwen.
And yet, even if they didn’t, I would choose him. I will always choose him.
“It’s great, Mom, thanks.” Sebastian sits and I take the seat next to him. Dad comes out of the bathroom just then and we stand again to hug him. His hugs are always short and quick, never one for much physical affection. Neither was I, until Sebastian.
We jump into conversation about school and work, and I tell them how my internship is going. When they ask us if either of us have a certain special someone we both just smile and shake our heads, then change the topic.
After our meal Sebastian opens his gifts. He squeals with delight at the brand new pair of bunny slippers, exactly like the ones he has now. “Oh, thank god,” I say. “Laura and Dani are begging to be thrown out.”
He gasps. “Thrown out, big brother, I think not. They will be placed in a place of highest esteem and appreciated for many years to come.” He nods emphatically and we all laugh as he moves to the next presents. He gets a few different sets of press on nails, and a couple of new outfits, which he’s absolutely giddy over, along with a new pair of shoes. One thing I have to appreciate about Gwen is how she embraces her son and everything that makes him who he is. When she found out what had been going on at school towards the end of his sophomore year she was in tears that she’d been so blind and never knew. It was only because of the severity of the incident and Sebastian’s broken nose that it came to her notice. After that, we confessed everything. But I’m incredibly happy we did because it made Sebastian’s last two years of high school infinitely better when they transferred him.
We eat dessert next and Sebastian beams as Gwen passes out paper party hats and we sing to him. After the birthday festivities, we head home. Sebastian and I head upstairs to “put our things away” aka, have a chance to make out before we’re called downstairs for games.
He pouts when he reaches his room across the hall from mine, looking longingly at where I’ll be sleeping, instead of curled up in bed with him.
