Chapter 53 Wild Waves
I reluctantly headed back to the room; it was already 9 PM.
Standing by the hotel’s big window, I watched the city lights and occasional fireworks, feeling unusually calm.
The video call rang. No need to guess—it was Brad.
On the screen, Brad looked unhappy, curled up in his room. He lay on the bed, one hand behind his head, the other holding the phone, chatting with me.
He wished me a Happy New Year and asked about my wishes. I said I wanted everyone to be happy, to attend a live concert, for Brad to get more handsome, to earn more money with my skills, and for my parents to enjoy life.
Brad smiled, praised me, and told me to come back soon. He joked that Zoe was driving him nuts by coming over every day. If we didn't get back soon, he’d be wandering the streets. I laughed so hard my stomach hurt.
Brad went on about how boring the New Year was and how annoying Zoe was at dinner. No one liked her except Daniel. He said he regretted coming back for the New Year since my family went on a trip, leaving the house cold and empty. If he had known, he wouldn’t have come back.
He rambled for an hour until I promised to return soon, then he finally hung up.
I might have imagined it, but Brad’s eyes seemed reluctant and a bit resentful before he ended the call.
Early in the morning, Daniel posted on Facebook: [This New Year is no longer lonely.] Below was a picture of Zoe sleeping peacefully, leaning against a shoulder with a triangular birthmark—it was Daniel.
Seeing that intimate picture, I didn’t feel sad. Instead, I smiled.
Same place, different people, completely different feelings.
Daniel found his happiness, and I wished him well.
Under Brad’s daily nagging, my parents and I came back after an eight-day trip.
As usual, Hugh and Emma organized a family dinner, saying we’d eat at home this time. She’d prepare everything, and we could just relax.
Helen declined, saying she was too tired and wanted to rest.
Family dinners always seemed to have drama lately, so we were wary.
When I woke up, it was dark outside, and the living room was filled with laughter.
I went out to see Brad and Ronan engrossed in a chess game.
After more than ten days, Brad was still incredibly handsome. When he saw me, his eyes lit up even more.
Helen whispered to Ronan with a mischievous look, saying Brad seemed distracted but his eyes lit up when he saw me. Ronan, always indulging Helen, nodded seriously and whispered something I couldn’t hear from my spot by the door.
Unlike my parents, I didn't worry much. Brad had always been super good to me since we were kids. How could they not see that? Grown-ups just overthink everything.
That night, Brad had dinner at my place. Actually, he cooked the meal and then ate with us.
It was my first time eating Brad's cooking, and it was surprisingly good. Watching tall Brad in the blue apron I bought for Helen, busy in the kitchen under the warm yellow light, was a pleasing sight.
After dinner, Brad took me out to see the night scenery. Helen was a bit worried, but Brad made countless promises to bring me back safe and sound, so she reluctantly agreed.
There was a performance in front of a big mall, with loud music and young people jumping and shouting on stage. The audience swayed like waves, raising their hands and creating layers of heat, driving away the winter chill.
We arrived late and stood on the outer edge, unable to see the stage clearly. But it was enough to make me happy. I clapped, jumped around, and shouted during the climax.
“Do you like it?” Brad shouted in my ear, his big hand on my head.
“I absolutely love it,” I shouted back, eyes probably sparkling like Brad’s.
Brad suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me into the crowd.
Some people glared and complained, but Brad ignored them, leading me forward until we were close to the stage. I could see the bassist’s fingers and the performers’ masks clearly.
I turned back and met Brad’s gentle, affectionate eyes. He looked at me tenderly, his eyes filled with a vast ocean of affection, completely enveloping me.
Despite the bustling crowd and bright lights, I only saw a small, silly me in Brad's eyes.
Brad’s gaze seemed to say I was his princess, the treasure he wanted to cherish forever.
He didn’t say anything, just looked at me, but it felt like he had said all the sweetest words, and I understood every one.
My heart started pounding, my cheeks heating up and turning red like a ripe apple.
When we returned, it was past ten. I was still excitedly talking about the performance. Brad listened patiently, occasionally responding, but his gaze stayed on me.
I didn’t know if it was my imagination, but Brad’s gaze seemed warmer, and sometimes I mistook it for affection. But he was my brother, how could that be? I must be mistaken.
Back then, Daniel called me clingy, and I realized he only saw me as a little sister next door. I misunderstood his feelings and got scolded badly.
Now that I had grown up, I knew I couldn’t bear being called clingy again. So, I didn’t dare to guess, nor did I dare to believe.
If being the girl next door meant I would never get hurt, I thought I was okay with it.
Don’t call me useless; I was just afraid of getting hurt and feeling pain.
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