Chapter 4

"You're right. I promise to take full care of you, okay?" he said, his voice tinged with sadness. For the third time since meeting him, I hugged him tightly.

"And I know you'll do a great job at it," I reassured him.

"Damn straight!" he replied, making me laugh.

After another forehead kiss (which seemed to be becoming a habit), we finished the dishes. We loaded them into the dishwasher because my hand wasn't fully functional yet. The doctor had said it would take a month to heal and would likely leave a scar.

Luckily, the heel only fractured two bones it passed between; mostly, it was torn muscles that were affected.

Once done, he let me head up to my room. I was exhausted. He informed me that we were going shopping the next day because, according to him, my wardrobe is 'atrocious and outdated.'

Some brother he is!

Hours later, I woke up feeling fully rested. My new bed quickly became one of my favorite things about this room. It was mid-morning, and I decided not to be stubborn about the shopping trip with Brady. So, I got ready for the mall.

I took a shower and dressed in a simple pair of jeans, a plain t-shirt, and a pair of pumps. I tied my hair up in a ponytail before heading downstairs. The smell of bacon wafted up from the kitchen, and my stomach was delighted to find a plate of sizzling bacon waiting for me.

"Good morning, everyone!" I greeted happily, practically skipping over to the bacon. They all responded warmly.

"I see you're still hooked on bacon," Dad remarked amusedly.

"Bacon is life!" I declared dramatically.

"I'm just glad you got ready without me having to drag you out of bed. We seriously need to address this wardrobe situation," Brady commented, glancing at his phone.

"Brady!" Bella scolded him.

"What? Look at her, Mum! She has so much potential that's being wasted. She's too beautiful for those clothes. She deserves to look adorably gorgeous," he argued.

I wasn't sure what exactly he meant by that!

Honestly, I've always dreamed of having a more feminine wardrobe, but it was never within my means. When I did have money, it would often be taken from me for various reasons.

Eventually, I gave up and settled into the frumpy, 'atrocious' look as Brady put it.

"It's okay, Bella. He does have a point. My wardrobe could use an update," I smiled.

"And you're letting him take you shopping?" she asked, clearly surprised.

"Uh, you can come along?" I suggested uncertainly.

"No!"

"Fantastic!"

Brady and Bella replied in unison, with Bella firmly rejecting the idea while Brady cheered.

Dad chuckled as Bella headed upstairs to get ready. "You've started something big."

"What? I didn't know!" I defended myself.

"Why would you do that?" Brady groaned.

"She's probably not that bad, guys," I tried to reassure them.

Never before had I been so wrong about anything in my life!

Seriously!

Seven hours later, my entire closet was stocked with every type of clothing I had ever dreamed of owning, and my feet felt like they were on the verge of giving out. In one day, I had purchased more shoes than I had owned in my entire life. Handbags, jewelry, and perfumes now occupied their designated spaces.

And yet, Brady was still dragging me to a party.

"Come on, Brady! I'm exhausted!" I complained.

"I did warn you, Lillian, but you let the shopping monster come along. Now, put on your big-girl panties and get moving!" he replied, crossing his arms.

I pouted. "Why do you hate me so much?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about. We're leaving in an hour," he said before walking out of my room.

Once again, I realized there was no point in arguing with him, so I talked myself into getting up and preparing. As this was my first party, I wanted to look cute enough to be noticed but not overly conspicuous.

I opted for a simple white skirt that ended just below mid-thigh, paired with a light pink crop top and peach-colored pumps. I accessorized with matching jewelry, and by the time Brady returned to my room, I was finishing my hair.

"Now I can proudly say that my work here is done. You look stunning, sis," he smiled as he entered the room.

"You don't look too shabby yourself, lady killer," I teased, referring to his all-black outfit.

"If only, but I don't swing that way," he smirked.

My eyes widened. "You don't?"

"Nope! What sane straight guy do you know who could survive seven hours of shopping?" he asked.

I couldn't believe I hadn't noticed!

"But you're so..." I trailed off.

"Not gay? There's no such thing, sis. Not all gay guys flaunt their femininity or are skinny and unable to defend themselves from bullies. Stereotypes are misleading," he chuckled.

I was speechless.

"Are you out of the closet?" I blurted out.

"If you mean does everyone know, then yes, they do. Most people are okay with it," he said nonchalantly.

"I don't have a problem with it either, despite my reaction. I just didn't expect it," I quickly clarified.

"Calm down, Lillian! I know," he winked at me.

"Great! Because you're my brother, and I love you no matter what," I smiled warmly.

He pretended to sniffle and adopted a baby-like tone, "You wove me?"

"Of course, you big teddy bear!" I teased him.

"I thought Dad was the big teddy bear!" he pouted.

"You thought wrong! You're both big teddy bears," Bella chimed in from the door.

"Exactly!" I giggled, which earned me a playful scowl from Brady.

"You look beautiful, mija," Bella complimented me. She had asked if it was alright to call me that, and I happily agreed.

"Thank you," I blushed.

"Let's go before Mum takes you all to herself," Brady teased.

"I brought you into this world; I can take you out, Brady," Bella threatened playfully.

"My stepdad is a cop; I'd like to see you try," Brady smirked.

"He wouldn't imprison his loving wife. If anything, he might think it's for the best," Bella shot back with a shrug. Brady gasped, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"You are not my mother!" he exclaimed.

"That's okay. I have a daughter now, so you can disown me if you want," Bella replied calmly.

Brady turned to me. "Time to choose sides. Just remember, if you don't pick mine, you're walking to the party."

"And if you pick mine, you get to stay and rest," Bella added with a sly smirk.

Smart lady!

"Hmm, decisions, decisions," I teased, pretending to ponder deeply.

"You're taking too long," Brady complained.

"You're just scared she'll pick my side," Bella laughed.

"She's too smart for that, Mum. That's why we're leaving now," Brady remarked.

"But what are you talking ab-"

I was mid-question when my dear brother decided I was a sack of potatoes, picked me up, and tossed me over his shoulder. Bella laughed as I was carried downstairs.

"Brady, why are you carrying your sister like that?" Dad asked, pausing from his laptop work.

"She was about to make a terrible mistake. I'm saving her from herself by being a good brother. We'll be back later," Brady explained.

"Be safe and enjoy yourselves," Dad chuckled.

"Seriously? You're not demanding he puts me down?" I asked, astonished.

Dad simply shrugged. "What can I say? He's being a good brother."

Oh great, kill me now!