89 Brownie Points (1/2)
”So? Why are you here and where is big sis?”
”Well, it's complicated, so I will tell you on the way.” Linri turned around and started to walk away from the orphanage.
”On the way? Where are we going?” Brie was confused, but she followed him all the same.
”To meet someone.”
”Are you being cryptic on purpose?” Linri was walking fast so Brie was having trouble keeping up with his speed on her comparably shorter legs.
”Come on! Everybody loves a little mystery. Also, honestly, I don't know how to explain it.”
”Who loves a mystery? How about you start simple: where is big sis? Did something happen to her?”
”Of course not!”
”Are you sure? You are not lying to me, right?”
”Yes, I am sure. You can even check up on her if you want. Just don't tell her I am here with you.” When Linri put it like that Brie did not have any choice but to believe him. However, that gave way to another question.
”Then why is she not together with you?”
”You sound like she always has to follow me wherever I go.”
”I mean, aren't you two dating? I thought you two would always be together.” Linri almost tripped upon hearing this question.
”Dating? We aren't dating, what even gave you the impression that we are dating?”
”Weren't you the one who told the guy at the pool you were a thing? You were a jerk afterwards, but wasn't that just a joke? After all, I have seen the way she looked at you.” Brie sounded genuinely confused.
”That was just to get her out of that sticky situation.”
”It still doesn't explain the way she looked at you though. Don't tell me, is she not good enough for you?” Linri found it weird that, even though Brie seemed like she didn't like him, she was trying to get him and Jaime together. Just how did her brain work?
”Look, it's complicated, alright?”
”Come on, it's never complicated. It's always you guys making it complicated. Just tell her you like her and get together already. You are handsome, she is beautiful, both of you are smart and you two seem to share some kind of connection. Honestly, I don't think I have ever seen big sis rely on a guy so much.”
”It's never that simple. There are things that you don't know about. To be fair, I am surprised that she hasn't killed me yet.”
”Like what then?”
”For one, I already have a girlfriend, but she is far away now, so I can't see her for a long time.” Brie stopped talking for a second, but that didn't stop her for long.
”Isn't it perfect then? Just leave her and date big sis. She is already gone so it's not like she can have a say in it. Don't tell me she is more beautiful than big sis? Is that why you are waiting for her?” Linri's face soured a little.
”No, she is not. But I love her and that's all it matters, isn't it? I mean, what kind of a man I would be if I left my girlfriend just because I found someone more attractive? I would be shallow and if I was shallow who is to say I wouldn't leave your big sis the moment I found someone better looking than her?”
”That is still not an excuse! I could see your hesitation there. You are lying so tell me your next excuse then.”
”You really wanna know? Okay, at most I can live for another 6 months! I am dying, alright!” Linri stopped and faced Brie.
”You... are not joking. Are you?” She was observing Linri's face to find any indication that he was lying, but in the end, she didn't find one.
”Does she know?” Brie couldn't help but ask.
”Yes, she does.”