I'll show you gay!

Chapter Four

There's no other love like the love for a brother. There's no other love like the love from a brother. - Terri Guillemets

My footsteps echoed off the walls of my home. I've lived in this house for as long as I could remember. These walls used to hold laughter and joy but, not so much anymore. It's become more rundown since my dad died. My mother isn't quite as handy as he was but, she tries her best. 

"I'm home," I called out into the quiet house.

I glanced at the photos scattered across the walls as I made my way into the kitchen. Happier moments. My eyes lingered on the last family photo, the last picture with all of us together. Mom, Dad, Nix, Me, and Charlie.

"Hey, Kriss!" 

I returned her smile with a scowl.

"I'm sorry, I mean Ryder" she rolled her eyes "Will you watch Charlie for me?"

"Why?"

"Will you please just watch her?"

"Why?" I repeated the question

"Why does it matter? Just please watch her, Ryder?" she begged

I glanced at my mom's outfit.

She had on a tight blue dress and shiny black heels. She had her soft brown hair curled and her signature dark red lipstick on.

"Do you have a date tonight?" I raised an eyebrow 

"No..." she blushed "Fine! Yes! I have a date tonight!" 

"What's this one's name?" I asked not caring.

 My mom began twirling her hair, an anxious habit.

"Are going out with Steve again?" I groaned in disgust "Please tell me it's anyone but fucking Steve!"

She looked at her fake press-on nails, avoiding all eye contact.

"Mom! Why? Are you serious right now?"

"Because I really like him!" she whined

"He hits you!"

"Only once!"

I can't believe she's defending him right now.

"Only once mom! Once is too much!" I yelled

I could feel the anger start to bubble in my stomach.

"He said he wouldn't do it again" she whispered.

I wonder if she truly does believe his lies.

"Whatever mom, go on your date with that piece of shit!"

I can't understand why she thinks so low of herself to even bother with scum like him.

"Baby I'm sorry" She tried to pull me into a hug "Don't get mad at me. I love you!"

"Just go! Okay I'll watch Charlie" I pushed her off of me "Just fucking leave already"

I watched her lip begin to tremble and her eyes glistened with tears.

"I love you," she said again before walking out the back door.

I didn't have it in me to say it back, there was too much anger. She should know better. She deserves so much more than a lowlife like Steve.

I sighed and tried rubbing the stress off my face.

At least I get to spend some much-needed quality time with Charlie.

She always knows how to make my day better.

I found Charlie coloring in her room. She was oblivious to the argument that had just happened downstairs. 

I stomped my foot on the ground to get her attention.

Her big, brown, doe eyes met mine and she waved.

'Ryder can we go to the park?' she signed

Charlie is deaf.

She wasn't born deaf though. We found out when she was still just an infant. The doctors tried to explain it but, I never understood. I guess it had something to do with some kind of ear infection. 

As soon as Mom and Dad found out we all started learning ASL together. They weren't interested in her getting a cochlear implant, they said she should be the one to decide that for herself.

'Go put on your shoes and socks'

'Are we going to the park' Her eyes twinkled with excitement.

I watched my baby sister run around her room looking for a pair of matching shoes.

'I can't find them' She signed frustrated.

'Check under your bed'

'But there's monsters under there'

Charlie ran over and grabbed my jeans in fear.

I kneeled in front of her and put my hand on her shoulder in reassurance.

'There are no such things as monsters'

'I saw them' 

Her eyes were wide and filled with fright.

'Want me to check'

She quickly nodded and hid behind me.

I walked toward her bed and flipped the whole thing over.

Sometimes being a big brother is even better than being a superhero.

'See no monsters'

I smiled and let out a small laugh.

She stood there in shock with her mouth wide open

I picked up a pair of sneakers

'And I found your shoes'

Charlie scowled at me and pointed toward her bed

'Fix it'

She had such a big attitude for a five year old, I loved it though. It was who she was and I wouldn't change it. Even if she could be such a little brat at times she was Charlie.

'Anything for you'

I meant that I would do anything for her, she's the most important person in my life.

'I love you Ryder

'I know now go put your shoes on'

When I got downstairs she had her shoes on and was waiting patiently by the door

'Do want to take my car or walk' i asked already knowing the answer

'Your car'

Charlie loves cars, especially my car. She gets that from Dad and Nix. She loves the way the world looks and how the colors blur together when you pass by them quickly. Every time she's in a car her face is pressed on the glass with a look of wonder and amazement.

Every few minutes I would check on Charlie from the rearview mirror, she always had her face on the window and her hands on either side of her face.

My beautiful little sister.

The first thing she did was climb up the ladder to the highest, sun-bleached, yellow slide. When she saw me looking she blew me a kiss before sliding down.

The whole way down she smiled.

'Did you see that Ryder' Pure joy flashed across her cherub face.

'Of course, I saw it'

She was perfect.

My beautiful little sister...