The weekend had passed to quickly for Mako. Suddenly, he was lying awake in his bed with the sun rising right outside his window on a Monday morning. He got up and went to the bathroom. He washed off his face and looked into the mirror. "Now what?" he asked himself. He shook his head. Bolin couldn't keep any secrets. He knew that his little brother would tell a teacher or friend that their Dad wasn't home. Their Dad couldn't be on "vacation" forever, what if the teachers find out? They could not go to an orphanage. They would just go to school and act like nothing ever happened. He went into Bolin's room and forced a smile on his face.
Mako-"Alright, bro! Rise and shine! Time for school!"
Mako turned on the lights, which made Bolin groan. Bolin rolled over and put his pillow over his head to block out the light. Mako walked over to the small window to the right of his brother's bed and opened the blinds. He looked outside. It was foggy and the window was covered with a layer of frost. A chilly winter morning, they would need their heavy jackets. That's what Dad would tell them, if he where here. The young firebender fought back tears. He took a deep sigh and forced his smile back. He started tickling his brother. Bolin laughed and laughed. Mako laughed at his brother's reaction. Bolin broke free of his brother's hands and leaped out of bed. He was out of breath and still laughing a bit when he started to talk.
Bolin-"Alright! I'm up, I'm up!"
Mako-"Ok, I'm going to get dressed and when I get back you better be washed up and dressed too, okay?"
Bolin smiled and nodded his head yes. Mako turned and walked to his room. He put on a white under shirt and his favorite red short-sleeved shirt. He then put on some black pants and shoes and his winter socks. Then he went to check on his brother. He laughed when he walked into the room. Bolin had on brown pants and had his green T-shirt stuck over his head.
Bolin-"Mako! Help me! Help me!"
Mako laughed and went to help his brother. He pulled the shirt over his head. Bolin let out a sigh of relief and fixed his hair. Mako then helped him put on his socks and tie his shoes. They ate cereal for breakfast and brushed their teeth. Then Mako sat down his brother for a talk.
Mako-"Bolin, you need to listen to me, okay?"
Bolin-"Ok."
Mako-"Dad's still on vacation. That's what you tell the teachers or your friends if they ask."
Bolin-"Ok. When will he be back, Mako?"
Mako shook his head, he wish his brother wouldn't ask so many questions.
Mako-"Soon. That's not the point. Do not tell them anything unless they ask. Got it?"
Bolin-"Got it."
Mako-"That's my little bro. Remember, I'm just down the hall if you need me."
Bolin-"Ok. Mako, can we go now?"
Mako-"Yes, Bo. We can go now. Just put on your winter coat first."
Bolin nodded and headed over to the hooks next to the front door. He went on his tiptoes to reach his green winter jacket. Mako walked over and put on his red one. He then reached up and wrapped his Father's red scarf around his neck. He borrowed his nose into it and took in a big whiff. It still smelled like his Dad. He didn't know where the key was to the apartment so he left the door unlocked. Then they walked to school. The walk was short, about 5 minuets. Small snowflakes started to fall on the way. They arrived to the school and walked inside. Mako when to his locker and got out his books. They arrived to Bolin's classroom. This is where they part.
Mako-"Alright Bolin. Have a good day at school and be sure to remember what I told you."
Bolin-"Yes, I remember. You said that-"
Mako-"Shhhhhh!"
Mako cut him off just in time. This would be harder than he thought. He pulled the young earthbender to the side and whispered to him.
Mako- "Bolin! Not here! You can't say anything about what I told you. Just be sure to do what I told you."
Bolin-"Ok, sorry Mako. I won't"
Mako relaxed and let out a sigh of relief.
Mako-"Thanks Bo. See you after school. Wait for me at my locker."
Bolin-"Got it. Bye Mako!"
Mako watched as his brother walked into the classroom with an innocent smile on his face. Bolin had no idea what was going on, but Mako still felt bad about that. He just shrugged it off and headed to his first class. School was long, boring. Mako tried to distance himself from his friends to avoid suspicion. Friends where the last thing on his mind, keeping his brother safe was now number one. This cycle continued for a few weeks. Then, one cold snowy Saturday, there was a knock on the door.
Author's note: Sorry for the wait! School, ugh. It ruins everything haha. I hope everyone school year is great so far! There will be many more chapters to come! I love this story and it's one of my personal favorites that I wrote, right behind "Asami Alone". Please review to tell me what you think! Thank you!