She takes the chair opposite mine, not wanting to sit next to me. Jokes on her, because now we have to stare at each other the whole meal.
She is fresh-faced and looks beautiful. I've always preferred her this way to the loads of makeup she wore as a teenager. I actually haven't seen her wearing much makeup at all since we've been home. She used to slather on the dark eyeliner, something I made fun of her for back in the day.
Gosh, we were petty and immature—
"If you could try not to look up into my window, that'd be great."
"Umm, how was I supposed to know you'd be in a bra with your blinds wide open?"
I want to tack on I saw more in the Jacuzzi last night, but I don't feel like causing a scene when our parents are about to come out.
"I'm already stressed out enough as it is. I can't be wondering if you are around the corner every time I come out of the shower."
"Don't flatter yourself, Amelia. I'm not waiting around to catch you naked."
"Well, I'm sorry if the past has a way of repeating itself."
Okay, sure, back when I was a curious teenager, I would spy on Amelia when she went swimming outside. Yes, I was caught a few times. But that was kid stuff. I'm not actively trying to catch her masturbating. That was also an accident. Something she will never know about. I guarantee she enjoys the idea of being pined after.
"I'm an adult now," I state. "We aren't kids anymore, so let's stop acting like it."
"I'm not acting immature, you are."
I don't even dignify her childish retort with a response, instead, I glare at her.
"What?" she asks.
"You're taking your frustrations out on me. Don't. It's not my fault you got fired and dumped."
Gosh, it feels good to finally say how I feel. I can tell she doesn't appreciate my honesty. I'm not the shy, soft-spoken kid I used to be. If I need to put Amelia in her place, I'm going to.
"And while you're at it, can you pick up after yourself in the bathroom? I'm here, too, and we have to share the space."
Now she looks as if I stomped all over her DVD collection.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Amelia drawls. "I forgot you're perfect."
"Well, that's a nice compliment."
"It wasn't meant to be one."
"And here I thought you were finally accepting me as your stepbrother."
"You'renotmy stepbrother."
"I think the California County Clerk's office would beg to differ, given the marriage certificate between our parents and all."
"You're giving me a headache." She massages her temples to show how badly I'm getting under her skin. I've barely started. Is this all she can take?
"Are you always this high-strung?" I ask.
"Only around you."
"Aww, I'm honored."
"Pardon me for constantly having to be on the defense."
"We have an hour to play nice," I counter. "You're the one accusing me of staring in your windows like a pervert."
