“Well, after school you’re staying with sissy for the weekend, remember?”
“Oh, yes!” She claps. “I’m so excited.”
“So is she.” Jane has absolutely stepped into the big sister role flawlessly. There was never a question about how much I knew she’d love Katya.
She’s been the best sister to me all my life.
“She’s taking me to a show on Broadway.”
“That’s going to be a lot of fun. Janey loves musicals.”
We walk up to the bus stop, and I nod to a couple of parents as we stand waiting for the bus. Katya’s dancing a little. Kids are energetic as hell. I don’t think she ever sits still. “She’s so cute.” A woman smiles at me. “Is she yours?”
“Ah, she’s my sister.”
“He’s my brother. I live with him and my other brother, Aiden.” She beams. “They’re in love.”
The woman’s face falls with concern.
“Not like. No, it’s not. I mean?—”
“You and Aiden love each other,” she says to me then looks at the woman, her black ponytail swinging with the movement. “They kiss a ton.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “It’s not how it sounds. We’re not blood related. Like at all.”
“We’re blood related.” Katya frowns.
“Well yeah, but?—”
“And Aiden and I are blood related.”
“Katya—”
“And you’re in love with each other.” She smiles wide.
I take a deep breath. “It’s a long story. No blood shared between him and me.” I smile tightly and steer her to a different area of the sidewalk. “When you tell that story, maybe leave out the fact that we’re your brothers.”
“But you are.”
“Well yes, but?—”
“And you told me to never lie.”
And I’m regretting that.The bus pulls up. Thank fuck. “Hey.” I crouch down to her. “You have an amazing day, and Jane will be here when you get home, alright? I love you.”
She leaps forward, giving me a hug.
I let her get on the bus, waving as it leaves, then I turn around and see that woman. “We’re both her half brothers. No blood relation between us. Long story. Long, long story.” I smile tightly.
She laughs, nodding, and I make my way back to the bakery.
A lot has changed in only a couple of months.
Sometimes my life now with Aiden and Katya makes me feel like a whole different person. Sometimes it feels impossible. Then I’m woken up on Sundays by Katya asking to make pancakes, or enjoying quiet Monday mornings in bed with Aiden after she goes to school. It’s unreal.
For the first time in his life, he’s learning what it means to be loved.
He’s still... him. Gruff, blunt, and a little too much to the point at times.
