Chapter 102
"Leave him alone, Noelle." I say eventually. She turns, looking surprised to see me standing there. Naboo looks over, equally surprised.
"You should be in bed." They both speak at the same time. If Noelle didn't look as though she's about to kill someone, I would laugh.
"You were fighting."
"You should still be in bed." Noelle insists.
"She's right. You need rest." Naboo interjects.
"It's boring. Anyway, I needed to come and stop you two from fighting."
"We weren't fighting."
"I could hear you from your room, Noelle."
"Well, someone had to do it."
"Do what? Shout at Naboo for something completely out of his control?"
"It wasn't out of his control! He should have taken care of you! He didn't, and look what happened!"
"It's not his fault."
"But he should have taken care of you!"
"I'm an adult, 'Elle. I can take care of myself."
"But you can't! That's the problem!"
"I'm not Naboo's responsibility."
"But…" She trails off and breaks down into tears. "I just want you to be okay." She whispers.
"I am okay. I'm getting better. But shouting at Naboo won't help." When did I turn into a proper, practical older brother? "I'll be fine, 'Elle."
"You promise?" I smile at her.
"I promise."