Disclaimer: The only thing I own is the original characters. That is all, nothing more, nothing less. :)

Chapter 2

Bullies and Kisses

"Corrine, dear, daydreaming not very becoming of a girl your age," her mother said.
"I'm sorry mother, I was just..." Her father cut her off.
"Corrine, it's time to go in. Are you excited to see the new opera house?"
"Yes, I can't wait to see how it's been restored."

The family walked in and found the cast in a rehearsal.
"Oh, I beg your pardon. I had no idea you were in rehearsals. We'll come back later when you aren't so busy." Richard said, slightly embarrassed.
A young girl walked up to Corrine.
"He is so cute. What's his name?"

Alec buried his face in his sister's shoulder, which is what he always did in front of strangers.
"His name is Alec, and he's really shy," Corrine answered wishing the girl would go away.
"You don't have to be shy around me. I won't hurt you."
Alec slowly looked up and locked eyes with the girl.
"What's wrong with his face? He's ugly."
"Well, you know what? I think you're the ugly one," Corrine answered angrily.
Corrine walked away. The girl could only stand there with her jaw dropped open in surprise and disgust.

A week later in Corrine's bedroom.

"Now where did I put my blue shoes," Corrine thought to herself.
She looked up in time to see her tear streaked brother standing in the doorway.
"What's wrong sweet?"
Alec ran to his sister, threw himself in her arms and cried.
Corrine picked up the boy and rocked him until his crying stopped.
"Can you tell me what this is about?"
"They were laughing at me. They think I'm ugly."
Corrine carried her brother to the big mirror, and stood him in front of it.
"Look Alec."
Alec looked at his reflection, and started crying all over again.
"I'm ugly."
"No, you're not."
Corrine knelt behind him, and folded her brother in a big hug.
" I think you are the most beautiful boy in the whole world. When you were born, I wanted a little brother so bad I couldn't stand it. I prayed every night that you would be a boy. Now, here you are, and nothing can change that. Don't you see? You're the only wish that ever came true." Alec turned to face his sister. "Really?"
"Really, and you know what else?"
"What?"
"If I loved you any more I think my heart would break under the weight of it."
Alec threw himself in his sister's arms.
"I love you too, Cori."
That name always made her smile. He's the only one that was allowed to call her Cori.

"Will you sing to me?" Alec asked.
Corrine could never turn down those blue eyes.
"Alright, just one song."
Alec climbed up into her lap and snuggled down.

Baby mine don't you cry
baby mine dry your eyes
rest your head close to my heart
never to part
Baby of mine
Little one when you play
pay no heed to what they say
let your eyes sparkle and shine
never a tear
baby of mineIf they knew all about you
they'd end up loving you too
All those same people who scold you
what they'd give just for the right to hold you
From your head down to your toes
You're so sweet goodness knows,
and your soul precious to me
cute as can be
baby of mine.
After she finished the song, Alec gave a long sigh and climbed off her lap.

"I think I'm going to go play now," Alec said after Corrine placed several kisses on his face.
"Alright Alec. Be careful."

Unbeknownst to them, there was someone else that witnessed the whole scene from behind the mirror.