Freeze Frame

Melancholy alt rock plays from my computer as I lie in bed, struggling through the reading for one of my classes. I can't really concentrate today. I keep picking up my phone and looking through my collection of photos.

Juniper as Daring Do for Halloween. She was sixteen and excited for the premiere of the latest Daring Do movie, which would be the last one to feature the original actress. "I'm gonna be the next Daring Do!" she'd tell anyone and everyone. She really, honestly believed it too, even though she's never had a single acting role in her life. When Chestnut Magnifico was cast for the part for the next film, Juniper was shellshocked. Then she started acting all moody and bitchy.

Then there was the incident that got her kicked off Uncle Canter Zoom's set. I still don't know all the details, nor do I know why Juniper got fired from the movie theater usher job Uncle Canter got her after that. I asked, but she wouldn't talk about it, and got really moody if I pried. Eventually, I stopped asking and settled for just being her supportive big brother. It occasionally occurred to me to do some digging behind her back and get the facts, but I couldn't bring myself to betray her trust like that. Besides, once she made those new friends of hers, her attitude did a complete turn-around; once she was all smiles and sunshine and adorkableness again, it just stopped mattering.

A few swipes later brings me to Juniper's Quinceañera, and I smile at the memory. My little sister, coming into her womanhood in a simple but gorgeous lavender dress. It's a little sad that it was only attended by family, mostly our cousins and second cousins and the like. Juniper's always had trouble making friends...

Oh, there I am dancing with her in place of Dad because Dad broke his leg a week before the party. I remember my heart beating so furiously as I looked into my sister's sparkling eyes...

Swipe, and I've got last year's trip to the beach. My blood rushes at the sight of Juniper in a purple-spotted eggshell bikini. So incredibly sexy...

I set my phone aside and toss the book I'm reading to the floor, folding my arms behind my head. I sigh and stare up at the ceiling, wondering what she's doing right now, what she's thinking...

What she thinks of her brother now that she knows...

What if things get too awkward at home now? I might have to get a job and move out. Mom and Dad are sure to pick up on the weirdness between me and Juniper if she can't cope with this...what then?

I close my eyes. I open my eyes.

The shadows stretching across the room are longer and the sunlight coming in from the blinds is less intense. I must have fallen asleep... I check my phone, and find two hours have passed.

My phone rings. It's Mom. I answer. "Hello?"

"How are you kids doing?"

"We're alright. Juniper's out somewhere with her friends. I'm trying to get some studying done."

"Good to hear. Listen, we're gonna be a while getting back. Your Aunt Roseberry came down with the flu right before we got here, then Sepia caught it so he's down, I'm on Bannaflu for a few days, and with Roseberry down they need me around here to help with the baby anyway. We might not be back until around Thursday or Friday. Will you kids be okay for a bit?"

Yikes. Dad can't catch a break sometimes. "Yeah, I think we can manage. I'll let Juniper know."

"Okay. The spare debit card's in Sepia's desk in our bedroom, it isn't locked. Don't go crazy with it, just use it to buy food for the two of you, okay?"

I roll my eyes. "I know, Mom. Tell Dad I hope he feels better soon."

"Right. I'll keep you posted. Love you."

"Love you too, Mom." I end the call and flop back with a sigh. It's just me and Juniper for a while...

I hear the back door open and close. I sit up, tucking my legs underneath me and frowning pensively. I have no idea what kind of mood Juniper's going to be in, or how strained things are going to be between us. I'm almost afraid to go out there and face her...