Days passed, and Kwame still refused to join the family for meals. He was eating dinner alone in his room again when Aunt Kathy came by.
"Please come join us," she said gently. "We miss you."
"I will, in my own time," Kwame replied. His mother nodded and left.
Later that evening, as Kwame walked past Marvel's room, he overheard Marvel speaking with their father. Curious, he paused to listen.
"We don't talk like we used to," Marvel said. "It feels like we're growing apart."
"Long distance relationships are hard," Uncle Mike replied. "Try harder, or you might lose her.
School reopened and everyday was a busy day.
"Marvel, Tansy, you're running late for school again!" Aunt Kathy called from the living room.
"I'm coming, Mom. I need to look presentable," Marvel replied.
"No one cares, Marvel," Tansy shot back.
"How are you doing, Marvel? I didn't see you in science class," Beckham asked. Beckham is Marvel's closest friend, and the two shared nearly every secret.
"Detention," Marvel muttered.
"Again? This is the fourth time this week. What's going on with you?" Beckham pressed.
"I don't know, okay? I really don't know," Marvel snapped.
"I think I know what's happening," Beckham said. "Gigi broke your heart, and you decided to break your brother's too."
"That's nonsense! I didn't decide. It just happened," Marvel said, his voice rising.
"Alright, I was only joking. Come on, we have history class," Beckham replied calmly.
"I don't feel like learning right now," Marvel said quietly.
"Then you'll either go willingly, or I'll drag you there myself," Beckham said firmly. Marvel gave in and followed him to class.
After school, Tansy stopped by Marvel's classroom.
"Is Mom coming to pick us up?" she asked.
"I don't know. Stop coming to my class, I've told you I hate it," Marvel replied sharply.
"Fine, I heard you. Stop yelling at me," Tansy said, and walked away.
"What happened to your pretty face?" Diana asked. Diana was Marvel's class captain.
"Marvel happened," Tansy replied. "He has become so rude."
"I also noticed ," Diana said. "He has been getting into fights with teachers and students"
"If you're done gossiping about me, meet me at the entrance," Marvel said as he walked past and left.
"See you later, Tansy. My dad's waiting," Diana said before heading off.
"Alright, bye. Wait for me, Marvel!" Tansy called after her brother.
"What was Diana talking about? Are you fighting with teachers too?" Tansy asked once they got home.
"Mind your own business, little sister," Marvel said coldly.
"Oh, thank goodness you still remember I'm your sister," Tansy replied. "I thought you forgot."
"What's going on here again?" Aunt Kathy asked as she walked in.
"It's Marvel. He's been getting into fights with.. " Tansy couldn't land.
"Shut up, Tansy. Just shut up!" Marvel interrupted.
"Talk! Who has he been fighting with?" Aunt Kathy asked.
"With me, Mom. He's fighting with me again," Tansy lied.
"Be kind to your sister, Marvel," Aunt Kathy said. "By the way, Alchemy called."
"No one cares about her," Tansy muttered.
"Be nice, Tansy," Aunt Kathy said. "She mentioned you've been ignoring her calls and messages, Marvel. Is everything alright?"
"Ooh, trouble in paradise," Tansy teased.
"Shut up, Tansy," Marvel said quietly.
"Don't worry, Mom. I'll speak with her," Marvel said.
"Also, we'll be visiting your brother next weekend," Aunt Kathy added.
"Vacation starts soon, and he'll be home then. Why do we have to go there now?" Marvel asked, frustration clear in his voice.
"Someone feels guiltyy," Tansy teased.
"Can you ever be quiet?" Marvel snapped.
"Be kind to your sister, Marvel. And yes, we're all going," Aunt Kathy said firmly.
"Ouch, I'm so sorry," Tansy replied with a grin.
"Run Tansy, if I catch you, I'll spank you until the sun shines at night," Marvel threatened.
"I'm sorry! Mom, save me," Tansy called, darting away.
"Oh dear, don't break anything of mine, Marvel," Aunt Kathy said as she walked off.
"Does that include me too?" Tansy asked over her shoulder.
"No, dear," Aunt Kathy replied.
"Hah! You're done for, Tansy," Marvel said, chasing after her.