Chapter Five- Conflict in Paradise, Rose

We got to the store a little past nine in the evening, I kept track of the time so I wouldn't miss the special later. He parked the car and turned off the engine.

"Alright dad what do we need to get again for this dessert? I got a special for Doctor Who and you know I can't miss it." I said as I bounced my leg up and down a bit anxiously while waiting for his call. He looked at me and nodded in agreement as he was a vivid fan of the show as well and wanted to watch it as much as I did.

"Okay so game plan, we each get specific items and meet back at the front door of the store once we are done." He gave us each twenty bucks, "Alright let's go!" He shouted as we all got out the car and hurried into the store. I was in charge of chocolate syrup, whole milk, sea salt caramel sauce, and marshmallows. I was able to grab everything in a couple of minutes except the sea salt caramel sauce. Not tying to waste any time, I quickly found an associate and asked where to find it. They pointed me to aisle four and I thanked them as I started to do a quick jog over there.

I was about to reach the aisle when I heard my brothers voice followed by a couple of female voices. I stopped in my tracks and peeked in to the previous aisle I passed. There he was talking to two seemingly attractive girls. I was SO not going to let this moment pass. I started to listen in on the conversation when I noticed they were saying some pretty harsh things.

"I think it is so cute of you that you think this outfit looks good on you sugar!" The first girl said as she tugged lightly at his shirt collar.

"Yeah, as if you could land a date with someone with this mess of a hair you got going on." The second girl chimed in with a snobby look on her face.

"You ladies are so right, I can do a lot better to show you a good time if you let me." My brother awkwardly responded trying to act like he was in control of the situation.

I can tell you right now, he was not in control. I know my brother like the back of my hand. This was not his scene and I was not about to let these Beverly Hills wannabes disrespect my bro like that. I walked up to him and put myself between him and them. They backed away as they sized me up.

"Hi, yes, I'm Rose. This guy you are speaking to? That's my brother and unless you want a wake up call on why you think you can give fashion advice and love life advice on a man that is worth much more than you can possibly dream to offer then I suggest you back off and go get your nails done and pretend everything in your life is going right while you are probably getting cheated on and your father doesn't love you." I spoke calmly as I starred the first girl in the eyes. They both shut up and starred daggers for a few moments before they scurried away.

"Well that solves that problem. Bro you gotta watch those type-"

"What the hell is your deal Rose?!" My brother shouted at me interrupting me trying to lecture him. I only blinked confused. He has never been okay with situations like those before, Why was he getting so upset with me?

"I don't understand, I always have your back bro. They clearly were washed up divas trying to mock and belittle you." I stated defensively.

"All you did was embarrass me! I'm a grown adult now Rose, I understand that you are always so confident and just barge right in if you see people trying to talk advantage of me but sometimes that confidence turns into arrogance. I can defend myself now. What you did was not cool!" He shouted loudly at me in the middle of the store.

"I was just trying to help you! It's not like you let me in what's going on in that thick brain of yours anymore! You leave for college for one year and now it's like I don't know you anymore Mark! I'm sorry that apparently you don't need me anymore!" I shouted back offended and hurt by his words.

Suddenly my dad showed up and broke up our fight, "I don't know what has gotten into the two of you but this needs to stop IMMEDIATELY." You two are family. You are supposed to be a team not enemies. So knock it off, walk it off, and go to the car. I will get all the stuff and meet you there." He said firmly as he grabbed our groceries we picked up.

Mark shoved the groceries into dads hands and went to storm away. He paused and turned and looked me dead in the eye and said,

"I wish you weren't so blunt and direct Rose. Maybe if I had a sister who was more quiet and kind then maybe people would like you more and I could actually be able to have a better relationship with you again." He left the both of us after that heading to the car. Tears started to form in my eyes and my dad looked at me with pity. Before he could say anything I took a step back and shook my head as I turned and walked away to find a bathroom.