But my jolly sailor bold

⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆

𝕋ℍ𝔼 morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm, golden glow on the kitchen. Rain stood in front of the stove, frying eggs with a look of intense concentration on her face. Her hair was still messy from the night before, and she had that pre-coffee haze in her eyes that made everything feel just a bit more foggy than usual.

She was trying to concentrate, trying to get the eggs exactly right, but something kept distracting her. Maybe it was the fact that Bella was nowhere to be seen. Bella, who, lately, had been a bit of a ghost, flitting around the house like an apparition. She'd been distant and quiet, as if she were in her own little world, wrapped up in the thoughts of seeing her mother after such a long time. And honestly? Rain didn't know what to make of it.

The sound of footsteps behind her broke her concentration. Without turning around, she knew who it was.

"Morning," Bella's voice was soft, tentative.

Rain grinned without looking. "Morning. You're late to breakfast. I'm about to eat this whole plate of eggs and leave you nothing. You've been warned."

Bella let out a dry chuckle, standing awkwardly in the doorway. "I'm not hungry, actually. Just... not feeling it today."

Rain flipped the eggs onto a plate with unnecessary flair, the yolks landing perfectly in the centre, like a small victory. "Well, tough luck for you. If you're not eating these eggs, I'm keeping them. It's a principle thing."

Bella frowned, taking a step closer. "You always act like you're the best cook, but it's just scrambled eggs."

Rain raised an eyebrow, her face full of mock seriousness. "Don't you dare disrespect my egg-making skills, Bells. These eggs? They're the reason I'm so good at life. You don't just make eggs like this. You've got to put in the work."

Bella rolled her eyes, but it was clear she was amused. "You're unbelievable."

Rain set the plate down in front of Bella, crossing her arms. "Yeah, yeah. You can't live with me, but you also can't live without me. I'm your favourite sibling. Admit it."

Bella took a reluctant forkful of eggs, chewing thoughtfully. "Okay, okay, fine. You're good at eggs. I'll give you that."

"I knew it," Rain said, pumping her fist in the air. "All it takes is a little food and a lot of charm. You'll learn, young Padawan."

Bella smirked, but there was a flicker of something behind her eyes. "I'm sorry, Rain. For everything. I... I haven't been the best sister lately. You were always there for me, and I shut you out. I didn't mean to hurt you."

Rain paused, her own smile fading slightly. She leaned against the counter, letting her eyes soften. "You know, for a minute there, I thought you were just in a secret competition to see how much you could screw up and still have me put up with you."

Bella laughed, but it was strained. "I get it, Rain. I do. But I've just been... I don't know, lost in my own head."

Rain tilted her head, eyes sparkling with mischief. "I know the feeling. I mean, who wouldn't be confused when there's a whole bunch of weird stuff happening in their life? But hey, you can't just go around acting like the world owes you something, especially not Edward, you know?"

Bella winced, her gaze dropping to her plate. "I've been an idiot. I keep pushing you away, and I don't even know why."

Rain shrugged, giving a dramatic sigh. "Because you like drama, obviously. What is life without some ridiculous family drama?"

Bella chuckled, but it was more genuine this time. "I don't know. Sometimes it feels like nothing makes sense anymore."

Rain's voice softened, but only slightly. "It makes sense if you stop running away from it, Bells. It makes sense if you don't just let everything get all twisted up in your head." Bella met Rain's eyes, the guilt in her expression clear. "I don't want to run anymore. I want to be better. For you. For me." Rain studied her for a moment, her gaze steady. "Alright. I'll give you one chance to be the best little sister in the world, but if you mess it up again, I'm seriously taking all of your stuff and selling it on eBay."

Bella's eyes widened in mock horror. "You wouldn't dare."

Rain leaned closer with a wicked grin. "Don't test me. I've got connections. I could make a fortune off your old sweaters and weird posters."

Bella laughed, a full, hearty laugh that felt like sunshine breaking through the clouds. "Okay, okay. I promise I won't mess up again."

Rain stood up straight, tapping her finger against her chin like she was seriously considering her sister's words. "Hmm. I'll hold you to that. But just so we're clear, the next time you pull some crazy stunt, I'll be right there, popcorn in hand, ready to watch you crash and burn."

Bella smiled, the weight in her chest lifting a little more. "I'll try not to screw it up, I swear."

Rain patted her on the shoulder, giving her a wink. "Good. Because we're in this together. And if you think you can get away with screwing things up and not having to face me in the process, well... you clearly don't know me as well as I thought."

Bella chuckled, finally looking more like herself. "Okay, I get it. I'll behave. Promise."

"Good," Rain said, nodding dramatically. "Now, go grab your stuff for the weekend. No slacking. And no weird, brooding Edward moments. I mean it. If you start getting all mopey, I'm calling the cops." Bella laughed again, shaking her head. "You're unbelievable."

"That's what makes me fun," Rain shot back with a grin. "Now get going. I've got some serious napping to do before I ruin your life again."

Bella gave her a playful shove. "Yeah, yeah. I'll see you later."

As Bella turned to leave, Rain couldn't help but feel a pang of warmth in her chest. For the first time in a while, it felt like things were back to normal between them. They were sisters again, and nothing, not even Bella's chaotic life, could change that.

She watched Bella disappear up the stairs before letting out a sigh. "Okay, Rain," she muttered to herself, "Let's not screw this up."

As the sound of Bella's footsteps faded upstairs, Rain let out a small, contented sigh. She stood there for a moment, leaning against the counter, watching the kitchen's quietness settle back in. It felt like things were slowly getting back to normal—like there was hope for them again, as sisters. It was an odd feeling, almost like she was taking a deep breath for the first time in a long while.

"Alright, Rain, you got this," she whispered to herself, trying to shake off the lingering uncertainty. She didn't want to get too ahead of herself. This was only one step, after all. The road ahead would have its bumps. But for now, everything felt... okay.

She grabbed her phone from the counter, scrolling through the messages and emails she'd ignored all morning. But then one text caught her eye—a message from Erian.

Sour wolf: "Hey, how's your day going so far? Just checking in. "

Rain's lips curled into a smile at the familiar message, one she'd been hoping for since earlier. It wasn't just the conversation she was craving; it was the sense of peace and fun that came with being around Erian. She quickly typed back, her fingers flying over the keys as she responded with a playful wink emoji.

Rain: "It's going... better now. I think I just made up with my disaster of a sister."

She waited for his response, leaning back against the kitchen counter again, but before the message came in, she heard the sound of Bella's footsteps from upstairs. The creak of the stairs echoed through the house, and moments later, Bella appeared at the top of the stairs with a big bag slung over her shoulder.

"Rain," she called out, "I think I'm ready. I mean... if that's okay?"

Rain grinned, tossing her phone onto the counter, and walking toward the staircase. "You're asking me if it's okay? Girl, I'm just waiting for you to leave so I can steal all your snacks." She gave her sister a mischievous wink.

Bella rolled her eyes, but the smile tugging at the corners of her lips betrayed her. "You wouldn't."

"Oh, I would," Rain said dramatically. "The moment you're gone, I'll raid your stash and eat everything—popcorn, chips, cookies, and all that weird, flavoured tea you keep hoarding like it's gold. Don't even think I won't."

"I know you too well," Bella said with a small laugh. "But I'm not going yet. I still have a few more things to grab from my room. Don't get too comfortable with your plans, okay?"

Rain shrugged. "I'll be waiting." She flopped back onto the couch and grabbed the remote, turning on the TV without hesitation. "You're officially on borrowed time."

Bella chuckled, shaking her head at her sister's antics. As she started back upstairs, Rain called after her, "And by the way, if you bring Edward over here again and try to pull that whole 'moody vampire' act, I'll lock you both in the closet."

Bella stopped midway up the stairs and turned back with an amused glance. "You wouldn't."

"Oh, I would," Rain insisted. "I've got a whole plan for when you try to bring your brooding boyfriend around. It involves popcorn, a lot of fake crying, and very questionable dance moves." She raised an eyebrow at her sister, who was still looking at her with an expression of disbelief.

"I'm scared," Bella replied, laughing before disappearing up the stairs.

Rain grinned to herself and relaxed back into the couch, checking her phone once more. Erian's message had come in, and he was clearly in his usual playful mood.

Sour wolf: "If I were there, I'd say we should ditch the sibling drama and grab some ice cream. But I guess you'll have to hold down the fort on your own, huh?"

Rain laughed aloud at his suggestion. Ice cream. Now that was a solid idea. She quickly typed her response.

Rain: "I'd kill for ice cream right now, but guess what? I'm stuck with Bella, who will probably steal all the good flavours before I can get a scoop."

She chuckled at the thought of her sister's ice cream-stealing habits. Bella always did go for the cookies and cream or mint chocolate chip, leaving Rain with the lesser choices. But then again, that was the sisterly dynamic they had—the little things that made life entertaining.

Sour wolf: "Sounds like a tragedy waiting to happen. But hey, if you need someone to rescue you from your ice cream crisis, I'll be there. I'm always up for some fun with you."

Rain smiled at his words. "I'll take you up on that," she murmured to herself, then quickly typed back.

Rain: "You're on. But just so you know, I'm an expert in ice cream crises. You better be prepared for the best rescue operation of your life."

Sour wolf: "Challenge accepted. I'll bring the heavy artillery. Don't worry, Rain, I've got you."

She stared at the phone screen for a moment, the simple exchange bringing her a sense of contentment. It was funny, really—how much joy could come from a few words, a few jokes. It was always like this with Erian. Just the right mix of fun, care, and understanding.

She set the phone down with a smile and glanced up toward the stairs, where Bella had disappeared. It was funny, but the house felt quieter already, emptier somehow. Bella had always been the drama queen, the source of chaos, but the thought of her being away for the weekend was... unsettling.

As she stood up to grab a snack, she heard the sound of footsteps again. Bella was coming back down, the bag packed and ready to go.

"Well, well, looks like someone is finally ready to leave," Rain teased as Bella approached, giving her a teasing smirk.

Bella rolled her eyes but smiled. "Okay, okay, I get it. You're the queen of the house. I'll just take my leave."

Rain stood up, giving her sister a tight hug. "Have a good weekend, Bella. And remember—no drama. If I hear anything about you starting a fight, I'm coming for you."

Bella laughed, hugging Rain back just as tightly. "I promise. No drama."

"Good. And don't forget, if Edward gives you a hard time, just kick him in the shins for me. It's amazingly effective." Rain grinned. Bella snorted, rolling her eyes again. "You're ridiculous."

"Only the best for you, sis."

With one last laugh, Bella grabbed her bag and walked toward the door. As she opened it, she turned to look at Rain one more time.

"You're not that bad, you know. Thanks for not hating me."

Rain grinned. "I don't hate you, Bells. I just think you're a little dramatic. But that's what sisters are for, right?"

Bella smiled, and with that, she was off heading toward the weekend with her mom.

Rain stood in the doorway, watching her go, and for a moment, she allowed herself to breathe, feeling the weight of everything lift off her shoulders. She was finally at peace with her sister again.

⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆

By: SilverMist707

Remember that you all are amazing <3