The Brother Who Hates Me

'I bet Boss was on a cloud nine right now.' He thought inwardly. Miss Raven was a stunning lady and no wonder his Boss was willing to wait that long. Lou can't help but stole glances at his rear view mirror.

Jordan coughed and spoke, "You look great."

"Thank you. You too, well, you always looked good." Raven said shyly and smiled at him. She meant that. Jordan was really handsome in all aspect. Even he was just in a simple shirt and short.

Jordan caught Lou's glances and he frowned at him gesturing that he focussed on driving instead. He scratched his head because the Boss caught him. He must make sure to repent on it later.

Lou dropped them off at a restaurant near the symphony hall. It was a sophisticated and modern New England-French cuisine, with an emphasis on artisanal and New England ingredients. They both had the Chef's tasting menu with multiple courses including caviar and truffles.

The food was good and the two decided to head out and walked at the symphony hall thirty minutes before the concert time. While walking, Jordan can feel Raven's back hand brushed at his from time to time. He was hesitating if he would just grab it or do nothing at all.

But his impulse told him to the first so he quickly held Raven's hand. Raven looked at him while they walk hand in hand. He can feel her questioning eyes although she did not complain or utter any words.

So he just smiled at her and said, "I will lead the way we are almost there." Raven just nodded in return but still looked baffled.

Attending the symphony was such an exciting experience for Raven. There was just something about the magnitude and majesty associated with the whole dynamic of being there and being surrounded by others who enjoy good music.

They both enjoyed the performances. Jordan was so happy watching Raven's mesmerized face from the moment they entered the hall and her attentiveness of the show.

"The orchestra's performance was really superb," commented by Raven while they walked at the park near her apartment.

"Glad you enjoyed it," Jordan replied while he followed Raven's slow walking at the grass barefooted with her shoes on her hand.

Raven insisted not to go home yet. She wanted to see the view of the night sky and stars from the park and asked Lou to get them things. So with Jordan's hand was a blanket and bag of snack and drinks which was quite heavy he thought.

He messaged Lou that he can already leave seeing the car was still near at the park. Lou was smiling hard with his own ideas of repentance. He had remembered when Raven got drunk at the bar last time his Boss was on a very good mood the next morning.

The beers he bought had high alcohol content. He was sure his Boss will now forgive him at the minor incident earlier.

Meanwhile, Raven stopped walking and seemed to find a good spot. She looked at Jordan and smiled, "let's stay here for a while."

Jordan nodded and quickly put down the blanket and they sat beside each other.

Jordan creased his forehead seeing what Lou had bought them. All drinks were beers in can and then snacks in partner.

He heard Raven laughed then she said, "Looks like Lou wanted to get you drunk."

Jordan shook his head and got one can opened and handed it to Raven. She raised an eyebrow and said, "I thought I'm no longer allowed to drink?"

Jordan laughed. 'Hmmm so obedient.' He thought inwardly and was pleased of it. He narrowed his eyes and looked directly to Raven.

"I will allow you for the last time. So its drink all you can for tonight." Then he winked at her. But Raven was still hesitating remembering how she can get out of hand whenever drunk.

"I think I will pass, who knows what might happen next. I might do something worst than vomiting at your shirt." She said then looked at the sky instead seeing much of a night sky on a clear night.

Jordan continued, "You are with me so you can trust me. I can handle you well enough." Then he gave her the beer. Raven no longer hesitated and took it.

"Your eighteenth birthday is coming." Jordan murmured while looking at the sky. Few stars were visible at that spot.

Raven smiled. She almost forgot her own birthday how come Jordan remembers. Will she receive another package this year? Her birthday was on the 25th of December and every year Santa Claus was sending her a package. Yes every package she received had the sender named as Santa Claus.

She suspected that it was one of her father's sweet pranks but he strongly denied it was him and besides she was also receiving a separate gift from her father every year. Then she looked at Jordan to ask but she paused seeing the side view of him staring at the sky.

'What a breath taking view,' she thought inwardly while she drank her beer.

"We will arrange a party for you." Jordan blurted out.

"No, I hate parties – I really don't want any celebration really. That's winter break so I will just come home then and spend my birthday with you guys. No need for a party." She replied.

"But, that happens once in a lifetime only. Every girl celebrates their eighteenth birthday even grandly." Jordan commented still looking at the sky.

He knew Raven was not fond of parties. But still he at least wanted to make it memorable for her. His father was even eager to organize it with or without Raven's permission.

"No parties and we are good." Raven insisted before opening another can of beer. Since this will be her last alcoholic drink she should seize the opportunity. The air at the park felt good. Raven stood up and swirled around unconsciously.