Page 23 of Quarantined

“Oh, yea! Last week you told me to choke on a dick.”

Reid looks guilty for once and runs his hand through his hair. He has a serious face on. “I… I was pissed about something and… I have been a little shit. I am sorry.”

Reid looks like he just came to a realization. He jumps up on the DJ stage and grabs the mic. He whispers something to the DJ, and the music winds down.

What the hell is going on tonight?

“Hello, friends and family,” Reid’s voice booms from the microphone. “Thank you for coming tonight. Raven and I are having the best night ever!”

Everyone joins in to clap, hoot and cheer.

“For those of you who do not know, my brother Milo threw this party for us.” He points at me. “Yes, that good looking asshole over there.”

More cheers and hoots follow from our guests.

“I just want to take a moment to recognize how wonderful my brother is. He is the best man I know and the best older brother. He will sacrifice everything for us and ask for nothing. Milo is annoyingly patient with me, even though I am a complete asshole who deserves an ass-kicking.”

Reid holds up his fingers and makes a scout’s honor sign. “So… I Reid Sinclair, want to make this solemn oath in front of everyone, that from now on, I shalt be an asshole no more.”

A round of amused laughter from our guests.

Reid raises an imaginary glass. “And I want to raise a glass, to my wonderful sibling. Thank you for all you do and for never giving up on me.”

Our guests raise their glass as well and yell outcheers.

“Now let’s party!” Reid shouts out, and body dives back on the dance floor as the music starts thumping again.

Could that possibly have been a sincere apology and a promise of a better future?

Things have been on and off with Reid. Sometimes I feel like I am walking on eggshells. I can deal with a grumpy teenager, but Reid’s anger is out of control. And it scares Mia. If Mia doesn’t have to witness us fighting anymore, I will take the win.

I turn around to find Raven. Grinning, I go up to her to take her in a hug. She tenses and turns it into a quick hug with a pat on the back. Again, weird.

“Hey, birthday girl.”

“Hey, Milo! Sorry, I didn’t see you there.”

“No worries. Are you having fun?”

“Yes, of course. Thank you for organizing this. This is wonderful.”

“Of course.”

“Hey, I see a couple of friends I wanted to say hello to. Will you excuse me?”

“Sure.”

“See you around. And thank you again. This really is a wonderful party.”

I am stumped. Did Raven just give me the brush off? She seemed… friendly. She thanked me twice, was perfectly nice and polite. But she wouldn’t make eye contact. Something is off.

My thoughts are interrupted when Reid’s hand hooks around my neck.

“Awesome speech. Should I be flattered or concerned about how much you drank?”

“I meant all of it.” Reid almost whispers. “Things will be different.”

Is today opposite day? Raven is freezing me out, and Reid is treating me to hugs and smiles.