p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"Nicholas Rose/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center" /p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanToday was Summer's birthday, she was turning eight today. Mom and Momma had a Big birthday party planned down at the park; it was supposed to be a surprise so anytime Summer brought it up they just played it off like they didn't even know what day it was./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"They even asked Kirinu and I to take her to the arcade near the park to distract her while they finished getting everything set up with everyone. I didn't mind but I'd be lying if I wasn't a little jealous. It's been…a couple of years since they made this Big of a deal out of my birthday. It's not just that either, as time went on it seemed like Summer got more and more of their attention and I got less and less./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I tried to not let it show how much it bothered me. I mean Mom and Momma are just super busy and they have two kids after all, plus I love my little sister but…/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Now remember Nick, we just need you and Kirinu to keep her there for about an hour and then make sure that you walk through the park on your way home." Mom says, putting her white hair into a small ponytail./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Don't worry Mom, I got it."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Plus, I'll be there to make sure he doesn't mess up." Kirinu adds with a small giggle. I chuckled and elbowed her lightly./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Well then I have nothing to worry about."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Summer, let's get going!" I shout up the stairs. A moment later a very excited Summer comes running down the stairs, almost tripping over herself in the process./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I'm ready Big Brother!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Good, lets get going." She gives Mom a hug goodbye and I gently guide her out the door, Kirinu following behind us./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"It's actually only about a twenty minute or so walk from our house to the arcade, one of the perks of Momma's job moving us into the city I guess. The whole way there Summer is practically glued to me which I normally don't mind but for some reason it slightly annoys me today./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Once we get there we immediately jump into playing some games. I try to avoid anything that might be to violent for Summer like Grimm Horde 3, way to intense. We mostly just play kid friendly games like Camp Camp Racer. I even try my hands at the claw grabber aaaannddd after spending nearly a month worth of allowance, I manage to win a prize for both Summer and Kirinu./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Thanks Big Brother, I'll take good care of him!" She says as I hand her the stuffed wolf. As soon as she gets a hold of it she hugs it so hard I'm glad the poor thing isn't alive./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah thanks, that was sweet of you." Kirinu surprises me by kissing me on the cheek. I blush like crazy and look over to Summer and see that thankfully she didn't notice, I'd never hear the end of it…that said it's not like I didn't like it./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Big Brother, I have to the bathroom." Summer says, tugging lightly on my hoodie and looking almost like she is dancing in place./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Alright." KIrinu and I walk her over to the restroom, Kirinu offers to help but Summer insists she is a Big enough girl to go by herself./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Once Summer is out of sight I go and sit on a nearby bench, letting out a large sigh./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What's wrong?" Kirinu sits down next to me./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I don't know…something has just been bugging me lately, it's no Big deal."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Well then what is it, you know I hate when you go all vague on me."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Okay okay…it's just, I've been noticing more and more that as time goes on…I don't know it sounds when I say it out loud but I just feel like Mom and Momma don't have time for me anymore."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What do you mean?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""It's just…back then it felt like they were always there. Anytime I did anything they were there to congratulate me, they were always there to pick me up when I was down..." I look down at my feet. "It kinda just sounds like I'm whining."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Only a little bit." Kirinu makes a sarcastic gesture that makes me chuckle. "Look, you have a little sister now so that's just bound to happen, they have to split their attention sometimes."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I know I know, it still kinda sucks though." I sigh. "I guess sometimes…I just miss the days when it was just the three of us."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAfter Summer takes a bit longer than we expected to come back, Kirinu goes to check on her. I feel bad about even saying what I said. Of course I love Summer, she's my little sister. Yeah she can be a bit annoying at times and it's not always great having to share everything but…/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Nick we have a problem." Kirinu comes back looking slightly panicked./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Whats wrong?" I immediately jump out of my seat./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Summer wasn't in the restroom, I checked all over and I couldn't find her."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What?" I can't believe what I am hearing but I try to remain calm. Kirinu and I split up and check every inch of the arcade, every second that passes by without us finding her I panic more and more. Eventually we realize she isn't anywhere in the building./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"My first thought was to call Mom but my phone was dead, I kick myself for not remembering to charge it last night, of all the time for me to mess up it had to be today. Kirinu's phone was broken and she still hadn't gotten a replacement so that was a no go./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Finally we agreed that we'd head to the park to get help but we'd split up and look for her on the way, after all she might still be close by./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Don't worry, I'm sure we'll find her so try not to freak out okay?" Kirinu says to try and comfort me before we go our separate ways./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I start running as fast as I can, my eyes shooting in every direction looking for even the smallest glimpse of her. All the while I can't help but blame myself for not keeping a closer eye on her..what if she got hurt? What if someone took her? No, Stop!/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Those thoughts aren't helping, I need to just focus on getting her back. Don't worry Summer, Big Brother is coming!/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"Summer Rose/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center" /p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanDid Big Brother really mean what he said? I kick a rock on the side of the road and wipe a tear away from my eye. Does he really not want me around? Even thinking about it makes me wanna cry all over again./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Well well, look what we got here, a little crybaby./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Huh?" I turn around and see three older boys, they look like they might be close to Big Brother's age. They look at my change purse and smile really Big./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What luck, we were actually just talking about wanting to go the arcade."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I know right?" They start walking up to me with scary smiles on their faces./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Pl-Please just go away." I try to sound tough like Big Brother but I'm too scared./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What if we don't? You gonna cry little baby?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""My Big Brother will help me, he always does." I can't stop my hands from shaking./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Oh really? Then where is he?" another one of the Big kids asks. "If he really cared then wouldn't he be here already? Sounds like a bum to me."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Shut up! Don't talk about my Big Brother like that!" I'm really crying now, I can't help it. "He's the best Big Brother in the whole world…sure he might be a little tired of me right now but.."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I think back to what he said to Kirinu about how sometimes he misses when it was just him, Mommy and Momma. How I get on his nerves sometimes but…but I also remember all the time he played with me to cheer me up when I was sad. How many times he protected me from bullies and how many times he carried me when I got hurt and didn't want to walk./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""My Big Brother is the best and he's always there for me!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Okay I am getting tired of this, look kid just hand over any money you got and we won't have to hurt you." The Biggest of the three walks toward me and stretches out his hand to grab me. I think about running away but I know that they'll just catch me if I do./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"His hand is super close now so I just flinch and cry out./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Big Brother!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Out of nowhere I hear loud footsteps, like someone running. I hear the sound of something slamming against something else really hard and the Big kid yells, like he got hurt by something./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I open my eyes and see my Big Brother standing in front of me, breathing fast and giving the other boys a really angry look. The Big kid from before is on the ground, holding his cheek and looking like he wants to cry./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Wh-Who the heck are you!?" One of the kids asks./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Look…" Big Brother says, trying to catch his breath. "I don't care who you are or what you want, if you lay a finger on my little sister I will make you regret it!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You're her Brother?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Good, you seem to have at least some brains." Big Brother takes another step toward them and they all flinch, especially the kid on the ground. "So how about you use those brains of yours to do what's good for you and get out of here."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Y-You don't scare us!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah there is three of us and one of you!" The Big kid on the ground says, picking himself up./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Big Brother…they have a point, we should run." I lightly tug on his shirt./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Summer, listen to me." He says in a various serious voice. "This is about to get ugly, run that way."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"He points down an alley. "If you do you'll find Kirinu and she can keep you safe."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""B-But what about you?" I ask, scared for myself but also for him./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"He lightly ruffles my hair and gives me a reassuring smile. "Your Big Brother can handle these goons, I just don't want you to get hurt so just do what I say okay."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""O-Okay…we'll get help so just hold on Big Brother!" I close my eyes and run in the direction he pointed to, not looking back even with the yelling and other sounds of fighting./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I run as fast as I can, not stopping to catch my breath. I keep looking for Kirinu but I don't see her anywhere. I decide to not waste any time and don't stop until I finally reach the park. When I get there I start to worry really bad when I don't see anyone around./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Suddenly a banner with my name drops down and a bunch of people jump out from hiding places./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Happy Birthday!" I see Mommy, Momma, Auntie Yang and Blake, and some of my friends from school. Normally I would be very happy but I'm to worried about Big Brother to even think about a party./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Momma, Mommy, we have to help Big Brother!" I yell, causing them to stop smiling./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What do you mean sweetie?" Mommy asks./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Some mean boys were picking on me, they tried to take my money but then Big Brother showed up to protect me. He's still fighting them."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Sorry everyone, looks like the party is on hold for a bit." Momma grabs her bag and starts heading for the car./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""We'll help you look for him." Auntie Yang says. "No one messes with my little Nick."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You won't have to look far." Everyone stops and turns to see Big Brother, leaning on Kirinu. He has a bruise on his cheek and he's holding his side. He has a few scrapes and cuts on his arms and legs but he's smiling for some reason./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I run to him as fast as I can, hugging him tightly and crying into his shirt. "Big Brother!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Agh! Careful Summer, I'm still a bit sore."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Are you okay honey?" Mommy and Momma run over, checking on Big Brother./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You got banged up pretty bad huh kiddo?" Auntie Yang asks./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You should see the other guys." He says./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Dang, my nephew is a scrapper." Auntie Yang pats him on the back which makes him wince./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yang, please." Momma says./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Behave yourself." Auntie Blake says./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Big Brother…" I say, trying hard to stop crying so I can talk./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Hm?" he puts his hand on my back./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You got hurt because of me…I'm sorry."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What do you mean?" He pulls me away slightly and gives me a confused look./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I heard what you said to Kirinu and it made me sad...so I wandered off, I shouldn't have and I'm really sorry."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Big Brother and Kirinu look at each other with very sad faces before he turns back to look at me./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Oh jeez…you heard that huh?" I just nod./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Summer…I shouldn't have said that and I'm sorry you heard it." He sighs. "Look, yeah I'm…a bit jealous of all the attention you get sometimes but I would never want to go back to not having a little sister like you."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You mean it?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Of course." He says and it makes me really happy to hear, but…/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I still feel bad that you got hurt because of me..."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Yes, you shouldn't have wandered off but…I shouldn't have said what I said either. Let's just call it even and agree to never do it again."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""O-Okay." I say with a sniffle./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Besides" he hugs me. "it's my job to protect you, I'm your Big Brother. I made a promise and I am gonna keep it."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I love you Big Brother." I say, trying to not cry again./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I love you too Summer."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""For the record, we should be apologizing too." Mommy says./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""For what?" Big Brother asks./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Well.."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Your Mom and I have been so busy and we just see you as such a grown up little man that we sometimes forget that you're still a kid too and I guess that leads us to not give you the attention you need." Momma puts her hand on Big Brothers cheek. "We're sorry."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""It's okay…"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""No it's not." Mommy hugs us and Momma quickly joins her. "We love you both and we promise from now on, we'll try to do better."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"After a few minutes Auntie Yang snaps her fingers. "Alright, now with that all settled, I believe we still have a birthday girl to celebrate."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Y-Yeah, Happy Birthday Summer!" Big Brother says with a small sniffle, trying to hide the fact that he was crying. "Go on, it's probably time to blow out your candles huh?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah and in the meantime" Auntie Yang pulls Big Brother over to a picnic table and sits him down. "We gotta get you patched up champ."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I am still a little worried about Big Brother but he just smiles and waves me over to the picnic table with the cake. Mommy lights the candles and tells me to make a wish while Momma puts a small birthday crown on my head. I look around at my family and friends, all smiling at me and I just feel all warm inside./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I look over at Big Brother, who is still smiling at me even while Auntie Yang puts bandages on all his cuts. I realize that I can't think of anything to wish for. I have the best parents I could ask for and the best Big Brother in the entire world…I blow out the candles and everyone cheers for me./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Happy Birthday!" they all shout./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What did you wish for sweetie?" Mommy asks./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I…I wished that I could be with my family forever." I say with a smile./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center" /p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanToday was Summer's birthday, she was turning eight today. Mom and Momma had a Big birthday party planned down at the park; it was supposed to be a surprise so anytime Summer brought it up they just played it off like they didn't even know what day it was./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"They even asked Kirinu and I to take her to the arcade near the park to distract her while they finished getting everything set up with everyone. I didn't mind but I'd be lying if I wasn't a little jealous. It's been…a couple of years since they made this Big of a deal out of my birthday. It's not just that either, as time went on it seemed like Summer got more and more of their attention and I got less and less./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I tried to not let it show how much it bothered me. I mean Mom and Momma are just super busy and they have two kids after all, plus I love my little sister but…/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Now remember Nick, we just need you and Kirinu to keep her there for about an hour and then make sure that you walk through the park on your way home." Mom says, putting her white hair into a small ponytail./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Don't worry Mom, I got it."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Plus, I'll be there to make sure he doesn't mess up." Kirinu adds with a small giggle. I chuckled and elbowed her lightly./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Well then I have nothing to worry about."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Summer, let's get going!" I shout up the stairs. A moment later a very excited Summer comes running down the stairs, almost tripping over herself in the process./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I'm ready Big Brother!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Good, lets get going." She gives Mom a hug goodbye and I gently guide her out the door, Kirinu following behind us./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"It's actually only about a twenty minute or so walk from our house to the arcade, one of the perks of Momma's job moving us into the city I guess. The whole way there Summer is practically glued to me which I normally don't mind but for some reason it slightly annoys me today./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Once we get there we immediately jump into playing some games. I try to avoid anything that might be to violent for Summer like Grimm Horde 3, way to intense. We mostly just play kid friendly games like Camp Camp Racer. I even try my hands at the claw grabber aaaannddd after spending nearly a month worth of allowance, I manage to win a prize for both Summer and Kirinu./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Thanks Big Brother, I'll take good care of him!" She says as I hand her the stuffed wolf. As soon as she gets a hold of it she hugs it so hard I'm glad the poor thing isn't alive./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah thanks, that was sweet of you." Kirinu surprises me by kissing me on the cheek. I blush like crazy and look over to Summer and see that thankfully she didn't notice, I'd never hear the end of it…that said it's not like I didn't like it./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Big Brother, I have to the bathroom." Summer says, tugging lightly on my hoodie and looking almost like she is dancing in place./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Alright." KIrinu and I walk her over to the restroom, Kirinu offers to help but Summer insists she is a Big enough girl to go by herself./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Once Summer is out of sight I go and sit on a nearby bench, letting out a large sigh./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What's wrong?" Kirinu sits down next to me./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I don't know…something has just been bugging me lately, it's no Big deal."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Well then what is it, you know I hate when you go all vague on me."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Okay okay…it's just, I've been noticing more and more that as time goes on…I don't know it sounds when I say it out loud but I just feel like Mom and Momma don't have time for me anymore."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What do you mean?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""It's just…back then it felt like they were always there. Anytime I did anything they were there to congratulate me, they were always there to pick me up when I was down..." I look down at my feet. "It kinda just sounds like I'm whining."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Only a little bit." Kirinu makes a sarcastic gesture that makes me chuckle. "Look, you have a little sister now so that's just bound to happen, they have to split their attention sometimes."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I know I know, it still kinda sucks though." I sigh. "I guess sometimes…I just miss the days when it was just the three of us."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAfter Summer takes a bit longer than we expected to come back, Kirinu goes to check on her. I feel bad about even saying what I said. Of course I love Summer, she's my little sister. Yeah she can be a bit annoying at times and it's not always great having to share everything but…/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Nick we have a problem." Kirinu comes back looking slightly panicked./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Whats wrong?" I immediately jump out of my seat./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Summer wasn't in the restroom, I checked all over and I couldn't find her."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What?" I can't believe what I am hearing but I try to remain calm. Kirinu and I split up and check every inch of the arcade, every second that passes by without us finding her I panic more and more. Eventually we realize she isn't anywhere in the building./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"My first thought was to call Mom but my phone was dead, I kick myself for not remembering to charge it last night, of all the time for me to mess up it had to be today. Kirinu's phone was broken and she still hadn't gotten a replacement so that was a no go./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Finally we agreed that we'd head to the park to get help but we'd split up and look for her on the way, after all she might still be close by./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Don't worry, I'm sure we'll find her so try not to freak out okay?" Kirinu says to try and comfort me before we go our separate ways./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I start running as fast as I can, my eyes shooting in every direction looking for even the smallest glimpse of her. All the while I can't help but blame myself for not keeping a closer eye on her..what if she got hurt? What if someone took her? No, Stop!/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Those thoughts aren't helping, I need to just focus on getting her back. Don't worry Summer, Big Brother is coming!/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"Summer Rose/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center" /p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanDid Big Brother really mean what he said? I kick a rock on the side of the road and wipe a tear away from my eye. Does he really not want me around? Even thinking about it makes me wanna cry all over again./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Well well, look what we got here, a little crybaby./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Huh?" I turn around and see three older boys, they look like they might be close to Big Brother's age. They look at my change purse and smile really Big./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What luck, we were actually just talking about wanting to go the arcade."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I know right?" They start walking up to me with scary smiles on their faces./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Pl-Please just go away." I try to sound tough like Big Brother but I'm too scared./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What if we don't? You gonna cry little baby?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""My Big Brother will help me, he always does." I can't stop my hands from shaking./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Oh really? Then where is he?" another one of the Big kids asks. "If he really cared then wouldn't he be here already? Sounds like a bum to me."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Shut up! Don't talk about my Big Brother like that!" I'm really crying now, I can't help it. "He's the best Big Brother in the whole world…sure he might be a little tired of me right now but.."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I think back to what he said to Kirinu about how sometimes he misses when it was just him, Mommy and Momma. How I get on his nerves sometimes but…but I also remember all the time he played with me to cheer me up when I was sad. How many times he protected me from bullies and how many times he carried me when I got hurt and didn't want to walk./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""My Big Brother is the best and he's always there for me!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Okay I am getting tired of this, look kid just hand over any money you got and we won't have to hurt you." The Biggest of the three walks toward me and stretches out his hand to grab me. I think about running away but I know that they'll just catch me if I do./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"His hand is super close now so I just flinch and cry out./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Big Brother!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Out of nowhere I hear loud footsteps, like someone running. I hear the sound of something slamming against something else really hard and the Big kid yells, like he got hurt by something./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I open my eyes and see my Big Brother standing in front of me, breathing fast and giving the other boys a really angry look. The Big kid from before is on the ground, holding his cheek and looking like he wants to cry./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Wh-Who the heck are you!?" One of the kids asks./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Look…" Big Brother says, trying to catch his breath. "I don't care who you are or what you want, if you lay a finger on my little sister I will make you regret it!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You're her Brother?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Good, you seem to have at least some brains." Big Brother takes another step toward them and they all flinch, especially the kid on the ground. "So how about you use those brains of yours to do what's good for you and get out of here."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Y-You don't scare us!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah there is three of us and one of you!" The Big kid on the ground says, picking himself up./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Big Brother…they have a point, we should run." I lightly tug on his shirt./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Summer, listen to me." He says in a various serious voice. "This is about to get ugly, run that way."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"He points down an alley. "If you do you'll find Kirinu and she can keep you safe."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""B-But what about you?" I ask, scared for myself but also for him./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"He lightly ruffles my hair and gives me a reassuring smile. "Your Big Brother can handle these goons, I just don't want you to get hurt so just do what I say okay."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""O-Okay…we'll get help so just hold on Big Brother!" I close my eyes and run in the direction he pointed to, not looking back even with the yelling and other sounds of fighting./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I run as fast as I can, not stopping to catch my breath. I keep looking for Kirinu but I don't see her anywhere. I decide to not waste any time and don't stop until I finally reach the park. When I get there I start to worry really bad when I don't see anyone around./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Suddenly a banner with my name drops down and a bunch of people jump out from hiding places./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Happy Birthday!" I see Mommy, Momma, Auntie Yang and Blake, and some of my friends from school. Normally I would be very happy but I'm to worried about Big Brother to even think about a party./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Momma, Mommy, we have to help Big Brother!" I yell, causing them to stop smiling./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What do you mean sweetie?" Mommy asks./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Some mean boys were picking on me, they tried to take my money but then Big Brother showed up to protect me. He's still fighting them."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Sorry everyone, looks like the party is on hold for a bit." Momma grabs her bag and starts heading for the car./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""We'll help you look for him." Auntie Yang says. "No one messes with my little Nick."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You won't have to look far." Everyone stops and turns to see Big Brother, leaning on Kirinu. He has a bruise on his cheek and he's holding his side. He has a few scrapes and cuts on his arms and legs but he's smiling for some reason./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I run to him as fast as I can, hugging him tightly and crying into his shirt. "Big Brother!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Agh! Careful Summer, I'm still a bit sore."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Are you okay honey?" Mommy and Momma run over, checking on Big Brother./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You got banged up pretty bad huh kiddo?" Auntie Yang asks./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You should see the other guys." He says./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Dang, my nephew is a scrapper." Auntie Yang pats him on the back which makes him wince./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yang, please." Momma says./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Behave yourself." Auntie Blake says./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Big Brother…" I say, trying hard to stop crying so I can talk./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Hm?" he puts his hand on my back./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You got hurt because of me…I'm sorry."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What do you mean?" He pulls me away slightly and gives me a confused look./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I heard what you said to Kirinu and it made me sad...so I wandered off, I shouldn't have and I'm really sorry."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Big Brother and Kirinu look at each other with very sad faces before he turns back to look at me./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Oh jeez…you heard that huh?" I just nod./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Summer…I shouldn't have said that and I'm sorry you heard it." He sighs. "Look, yeah I'm…a bit jealous of all the attention you get sometimes but I would never want to go back to not having a little sister like you."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You mean it?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Of course." He says and it makes me really happy to hear, but…/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I still feel bad that you got hurt because of me..."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Yes, you shouldn't have wandered off but…I shouldn't have said what I said either. Let's just call it even and agree to never do it again."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""O-Okay." I say with a sniffle./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Besides" he hugs me. "it's my job to protect you, I'm your Big Brother. I made a promise and I am gonna keep it."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I love you Big Brother." I say, trying to not cry again./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I love you too Summer."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""For the record, we should be apologizing too." Mommy says./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""For what?" Big Brother asks./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Well.."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Your Mom and I have been so busy and we just see you as such a grown up little man that we sometimes forget that you're still a kid too and I guess that leads us to not give you the attention you need." Momma puts her hand on Big Brothers cheek. "We're sorry."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""It's okay…"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""No it's not." Mommy hugs us and Momma quickly joins her. "We love you both and we promise from now on, we'll try to do better."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"After a few minutes Auntie Yang snaps her fingers. "Alright, now with that all settled, I believe we still have a birthday girl to celebrate."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Y-Yeah, Happy Birthday Summer!" Big Brother says with a small sniffle, trying to hide the fact that he was crying. "Go on, it's probably time to blow out your candles huh?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah and in the meantime" Auntie Yang pulls Big Brother over to a picnic table and sits him down. "We gotta get you patched up champ."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I am still a little worried about Big Brother but he just smiles and waves me over to the picnic table with the cake. Mommy lights the candles and tells me to make a wish while Momma puts a small birthday crown on my head. I look around at my family and friends, all smiling at me and I just feel all warm inside./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I look over at Big Brother, who is still smiling at me even while Auntie Yang puts bandages on all his cuts. I realize that I can't think of anything to wish for. I have the best parents I could ask for and the best Big Brother in the entire world…I blow out the candles and everyone cheers for me./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Happy Birthday!" they all shout./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What did you wish for sweetie?" Mommy asks./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I…I wished that I could be with my family forever." I say with a smile./p