Aileen
"Why? It's not normal for you?" I asked. It's such a normal thing, so why does he make it sound so surprising?
He leaned against the couch, relaxingly heaving a sigh, "No, it's not for me. I never sleep after coming home from work, no matter how exhausted I am. It has become like this ever since Becky has received bullying and is cooped up in the home all the time."
"But, why?"
"The situation around the house has become too tense for me to relax. I have to take care of Becky for as long as I'm home. I sometimes also do office work. But, she's more important than everything. She's just not herself sometimes, sobbing herself to sleep. One day I go to her room, and she's sitting on the floor with broken things all around her. The other day, I saw her sitting down covered in paint, with paint around her and the broken canvas and painting brushes."
"So, yeah, having no one around. I can't relax and go to sleep even if I want to. Or rather, I don't feel sleepy and am always on guard unless there's anyone to watch over her."
What? This is horrible. He's been living like this all this while? How did he not lose his sanity by now?
"Marshall, you–"
"But, somehow unexpectedly I felt relaxed and fell asleep today," he remarks, glancing at me, "Maybe it's because of you."
"Because of me? How? I didn't even do anything…."
"There's no need for you to do anything. Just having you around made me comfortable, I could let down my guard and forget about all my problems for a minute." He said with a peaceful smile. "Thanks for being around, Aileen."
His words stirred something in my heart. And that smile looked so divine. He never looked so much happier before. But…. still, there's something saddening about that smile. It's lacking true happiness.
And for that, I need to help him solve his problems. Which can only be achieved if he can help Becky to start a normal life again.
"I'm glad to be of help to you," I replied, patting his back, "But, just being around isn't gonna solve anything. You know it, right?"
His gaze lowered on his hands. He nodded in agreement, "Yeah, I know that."
"Then, do you want to work together to solve your problems? I think I can do something about it." I suggested.
"You have a plan? What did she say to you when you went to talk to her?" he asked.
"Well…. she didn't agree to see me, then I convinced her to open the door and take the food. She's not that easy to convince."
"She took the food?" he sounded surprised, "I totally thought she would deny immediately."
"Yeah, I thought that as well. But, you know my power. I won't back down so easily!" I said with confidence. "She had to yield to me either way."
"You are really something," he laughed, "So, what's your plan?"
"Well…. I'd like to discuss this with you. Listen to me closely," I replied, then explained everything.
After listening to everything he looked at me stunned, "Are you sure this is going to work? It takes a lot of effort from your end. Why do you want to go that far for her?"
"Isn't it obvious?" I replied, "She's your sister, and also a member of our pack. It's a normal thing to help out family, right?"
"Family…"
"Yeah, like Mom, Dave, and you and Becky, all of you are family to me. So, just shut up and let me help you, alright?"
He shook his head, "I don't think I can win against you. So, I'll listen to you. You want me to do everything according to the plan, right?"
"Yeah."
"Okay, consider it done. I'll do as you say."
"Thank god you are so understanding," I replied, patting him on his shoulder. "Anyway, I've spent too much time here. I need to go back, it's getting late. Everyone will be worried for me."
"Oh yeah, I'll drop you at home. Let me do it."
He got up on his feet ready to go.
But, I stopped him, "You know what? You don't have to do this for me."
He seemed confused by my gesture, "But, why? It's late. I can't leave you alone when you came here just for me, can I?"
"Um, I understand your feelings. But, Becky is upset at you, and you are tired as well. You stay back eat dinner and go to bed. You can drop me some other day, but not today. I'm begging you."
"But, this doesn't seem alright."
I held him by his shoulders, "Trust me, this is the best outcome of this situation. You've been neglecting yourself for too long. You should start focusing on yourself now. It'll make me more happy than anything."
His eyes lit up suddenly, "It will?"
"Yeah, 'cause I want all my loved ones to be happy. And not let a single one suffer."