Chapter 2(Adrian P.O.V)

I splashed some water on my face. The night was warm, and it had already gotten dark.

“We should be there soon,” Jack said.

“How much longer?” I asked with a groan.

“Just a few more minutes,” he replied.

“I’m starving,” Jack complained.

“Great,” I muttered, rolling my eyes.

We finally reached the house, and Jack knocked.

“Who is it?” a woman called from inside.

“Dr. Starks sent us to deliver your package,” I answered.

“One moment,” she replied, then opened the door. She looked to be in her forties, smiling as she took the package. Jack explained the medication to her, and she thanked us before closing the door.

We returned to the car and fixed the flat tire.

“I have to go home,” I told Jack. “Nina will be worried by now.”

Nina, my younger sister, had been my responsibility ever since Mum died, Dad had hit her with a glass bottle “by accident,” or so he claimed. She died instantly, and he ended up in jail. Since then, I’ve been juggling part-time jobs to take care of both myself and Nina. She has asthma, so I have to make sure she always has her inhaler and stays comfortable. I’m still a medical intern with two years left. Mum saved what she could for my school fees, but it wasn’t enough. I had to take a student loan and have been paying it back through extra jobs, but I still have a long way to go.

After changing the tire, Jack drove off. When we got to my place half an hour later, I saw Nina standing outside with worry written all over her face.

“You were right,” Jack said, nodding toward her.

“Yeah. See you tomorrow,” I replied and stepped out of the car.

“Adrian, you’re home late,” Nina said as she hurried to me.

“I’m sorry, sis,” I said, pulling her into a tight hug. “We had errands to run for Dr. Starks.”

“I’m just glad you’re home,” she said with a smile. “I made dinner.”

Inside, I collapsed onto the couch.

“How was school?” I asked.

“It was fun, kind of dramatic,” she said, plating the food. “Mr. Woods got angry at Alex for disrespecting him and sent him to the principal. Alex walked up to him and kissed him on the cheek. Mr. Woods turned completely red!” she giggled.

“Alex is gay?” I asked, amused.

“Nope, he only did it to make Mr. Woods mad,” she said, laughing harder.

“Teenagers these days,” I muttered.

“I bought a new perfume, Ad,” Nina said, snapping me out of my thoughts. “Victoria’s Secret.” She dashed to her room and returned with the bottle. “I haven’t tried it yet,” she said, trying to open it.

I quickly took it from her.

“What are you doing, Adrian?” she frowned.

“Do I have to remind you of your condition?” I asked. “You’re asthmatic, you can’t be around stuff like this.”

“Fine,” she muttered.

“I’m sorry, Nina,” I said gently. “But you’re delicate. I just want to protect you.” I pulled her into a hug.

“I guess I just got carried away,” she whispered.

“It’s okay to be excited, just remember to be careful,” I said, kissing her forehead.

“Let’s eat before the food gets cold,” she murmured.

“Sure,” I said.

We ate quietly.

“You’re working tomorrow?” Nina asked with a smile.

“Yeah, early in the morning, same time you leave for school.”

“That’s cool,” she said.

“Nina… are you mad at me?” I asked.

“No, of course not,” she said softly. “You always put me first. I’m proud of you, Ad.”

“I love you, sis,” I whispered, kissing her cheek.