Chapter 10

As long as Eileen can remember, Hollen made a promise that he will protect her. Hollen does not talk much about their parents, and Eileen will not pry anymore than what she needs to. Occasionally, she will get some details here and there like how their mother's favorite color was blue because it was the color of their father's eyes and their father hates sweets, but he would put up with them because their mother had a sweet tooth. All Eileen knows is that Hollen and her lost their parents in an accident when Hollen was seven years old and she was born. She can't even imagine how difficult it was for a seven year old boy to raise a little sister. Hollen had to become a mother, father, and brother all at once for Eileen.

His whole life revolves around Eileen, and she is livid. Hollen hasn’t been able to live for himself. He hasn’t had a prom, hangout with friends or even dated anyone. Life is passing by, Hollen is 25 years old now, and he started to work for CROPEL by the time he was 17. From what Eileen heard from other people, CROPEL does not allow people below the age of 24 years old to become one of their scientists to work on the team. The only reason CROPEL laid their eyes on Hollen is because of his skills and intelligence he possessed from a young age. Hollen was able to skip high school and accelerated to his bachelors and masters while he was working in CROPEL. He has worked as an inventor and a doctor for Eileen. There are times Eileen would not see him for weeks on end. Whenever he is, Eileen finds him in his office. There would be nights where he’s working late. At this point, his job will kill him before anything, and she hates the fact that she has no way to pay him back. How can you repay such a sacrifice? This guilt was eating her, it is one of the things, but she wanted to get away from him, that is the truth. These past few years, Eileen has been under intense surveillance, and Hollen was slowly dragging Eileen under the same boat. There are times where she was not able to leave the house for weeks on end because Hollen would be worried about her immensely. There was a time where she could not get out of the house because the pollution in the air from that week was two degrees too high. If she is out of the picture more, both siblings would be able to have some breathing room. Since becoming 18, Eileen's health had plateaued, so all was good.

There was one thing that Eileen could not do and is to read what her brother is thinking. Whenever it is in his favor, Hollen has a talent to have a poker face.

“Fine then. You will leave by the end of this month. If you really want to spread your wings, then you find a way to earn money and maintain yourself. I will not contact you after you leave. The only time I will see you are on your medical checks. Don’t worry about your medical expenses, I will have that covered. I will make arrangements for a place for Mr. Miller’s apartment. It’s the farthest one from me. I will give you a grant to start off.” Hollen’s voice was so bitter. He left the room and towards his office. Eileen softly walked towards his office to see how he is. She leaned her ear near the door and hears the bottle of gin being opened.

Eileen did not know what Hollen was playing at. He would have not agreed to this so easily. Eileen does not care if she is going to follow his game, but she will take this chance that the cage is being open.

Even when he’s so pissed at her, there is no ounce of malice in him. Eileen had the thought that Hollen would just kick her out in the streets with nothing. Eileen was waiting for her brother to make this as a lesson and this was not going to be easy for her. There was no more arguments or discussions. She didn’t know what to think after that. She got what she wanted. It’s more sour than mellow, this victory.

A month passed by, Eileen was uncomfortable when she moved into the apartments. Eileen was not sure if she should at least say goodbye. Hollen answered that by not being at the apartment by the time it was moving day. There was no wishing good luck or giving her a blessing that all will be well. Eileen woke up with a note on the table with instructions. At the new apartment, there weren't any souls she knew, and she felt utterly alone. The movers helped with her things. When the job was complete, Eileen was about to tip them, but the movers immediately declined. They stated that their brother has already covered that. One of them commented that it must be nice to have a good brother.

Eileen was trying to be strong and hold her tears. She already made it this far but reality hasn’t set in yet. Eileen just curled herself into a ball in front of her room.

An old man was walking by in the hallway.

“I see you’re the new resident. You are offly young to live on your own,” the old man commented.

Eileen remained silent.

The old man grunted, “I was trying out my late wife’s recipe. You see, I had a craving for her cooking. It will never be like her’s, but it’s not half bad. I made too much Jambalaya. Do you want to come over and have some?”

Eileen looked up.

“How can I go to a stranger's apartment, if I don’t know your name?” Eileen with a snarky tone.

“Hah hah, where are my manners? I guess my old age is getting to me. My name is Ryan Miller, but you can call me Mr. Miller.” Mr. Miller lent out his hand.

“My name is Eileen Smith. It’s nice to meet you.”

Ever since she’s been living in the apartment, Eileen goes by often to Mr. Miller’s place. They would play card games, Mr. Miller would share his stories about his war days, and they would have dinner together. Eileen likes all the quiet down times she has with Mr. Miller. A thought came to mind if this is how it feels when you have grandparents. If it is, then she feels like she has hit the jackpot.