Chapter Two

Ever since Julio accidentally saw Lianne undress her shirt the other day, he suddenly became aware of his actions around her. He also became wary of her.

"No school?"

Lianne shook her head.

"D'ya wanna go somewhere?"

"I have a lot to do."

Julio nodded. Lianne cooking breakfast was one of the things Julio was thankful for ever since he came to lived with her. He used to be an afternoon person and he never really cooks.

When Lianne finally placed the food on the table, Julio noticed her nipples through her shirt, making him clear his throat.

Is she always like this?, he thought.

He became uncomfortable. He thought of asking her but then he remembered this might even make their awkwardness worse.

"By the way, how's school? that painting, is it one of your assignments?"

"You sound like a dad. Are you really like this?"

He laughed, "No, but I think I sound like a big brother there."

"I never had one, so I dunno."

Oh, she really is always straight to the point, he thought. "Then you have me."

There was a sudden stillness, although the clinking of silverwares were like drums ringing on their ears.

"What about mom? Your dad?"

"Uh, they're alright...You should talk to mom. I bet she misses you. We are growing old, they're growing weak."

"She's not talking to me."

Julio sighed, "I guess I have nothing to do with that huh?"

Julio caught her eyes and found himself locked in them. Her emerald eyes...her lips... Without thinking, he held her hand. "I wanted you to open up to me. Even just a little. As a family."

Lianne suddenly stood up. She seemed not to pleased. She took her plate to the sink.

Julio took a deep sigh, "What do you think of me, Lianne?"

Lianne felt a sharp pain in her chest. She couldn't get herself to answer him. "What am I to you?" She silently asked, and walked upstairs.

Julio was losing his mind, what the hell just happened? He just couldn't understand her. They were talking, smoothly at first, and then she walked him off just like that.

Lianne was pissed off. She didn't want anyone to barge into her life just like that. Even her ex-boyfriend was never like that. He is just her step-brother. She closed herself in the bathroom, looked at herself in the mirror.

What's wrong with me? she annoyingly asked herself.

"Lianne."

She jolted.

Julio sighed, "I'm sorry. I know I'm too much."

Lianne opened the door. Julio ran his hand through his hair, gracelessly smiling, as if he didn't know how he should react. But then, he pulled her softly to his arms.

"...You'll be late." She said, drowning on his chest. "You should go to work."

"Do you want me to leave?"

Lianne pushed herself. "What are you talking about? You're weird."

"Alright, alright."

Marco puffed his cigarette as he teased Julio for smiling endlessly.

"Tell me, what're ya happy bout?"

Julio confusely looked at him, "hmm?"

"You've been smiling a lot. Did something happen with that Monica girl?"

"Monica?"

"Hey guys!" Terry joined in. "Hey, Jules..."

"Yeah, I guess I better leave you two."

"Marco, I can't go today. I have to leave early."

"Well, whatever."

Julio hesitated to look at Terry."What's up?"

"Are we good later?"

"Yeah, of course. If you want to."

As Lianne stroke the brush, something kept intruding her thoughts. She was thinking of how unusual her brother has been acting for two or three days now. She knew that he has been really trying to get to know her. She seemed to be surprised for herself as well for feeling a bit relieved or happy...or she couldn't actually tell what it was. However, this morning when he hugged her, that familiar feeling came back to her. She didn't feel like he was her step-brother, but as a man. A stranger. Especially, when their eyes met— his eyes, it was as if they were staring at her soul that she couldn't contain herself.

He is your step-brother. She reminded herself.