Chapter 1
“Don’t hunch your back.”
Evan ignored the voice, Can’t be him, he thought. Sirius slept in Dusey and hated coming here because the pollen would affect his allergies.
“Close your mouth.”
Evan swiveled in his chair and glanced at the balcony, sighing when he realized it was empty. He stood up to close the curtains which he had left tied for the noise. Just then, a voice called from across the balcony, "Morning!” It was his cousin, “I didn’t realize you were up so early,” not his cousin.
“Hi Regulus,” Evan said.
The two exchanged awkward smiles. Evan glanced at the other balcony door and tried to hide his disappointment. Regulus smiled looking back to his room, “I didn’t want to wake him up so I came here,” he said. Evan nodded, “That’s so nice.”
Regulus let out a soft sigh as he glanced over at his cousin. “I remember how you convinced Rupert to build a balcony for our rooms. Honestly, who could ever say no to you?" A warm smile spread across his face.
“Yeah and now we barely use it,” said Evan, “I regret asking him to do that.”
Regulus didn’t respond. “Don’t hunch your back.”
“You are not my brother, Evan,” Regulus said.
“I’m still supposed to care,” Evan said, he sighed, you were always the soft one, “I think Ana would love to switch rooms.”
The two went back into their rooms.
Regulus sighed, sitting back down in his chair. Barty was sprawled out on his bed, leaving no space.
Evan jumped on his bed in misery. “Why me?” he whispered to himself. He didn’t mean what he said to his cousin. To Regulus out of all people.
After Mr. Smith finished the balcony, he and Regulus would put a blanket outside and gaze at the stars with Sirius. They would hide here after stealing treats from the kitchens. They would write together and exchange notes.
Three knocks from outside his door… Ana. Her room is on the other side of the house. “Yes,” said Evan.
Pandora smiled from outside the door, “Good morning Evan, Peony is finally outside the kitchens if you want-” “I’m tired, Ana, and Peony isn’t outside the kitchens for longer than four minutes,” said Evan.
“Well, can I come inside?”
“No thank you,” Evan said, “I just think it’s so early today.”
Pandora nodded… not like he could see me. She thought facing the door.
“Ok,” Pandora said and walked away.
Evan sighed and got up from his bed and opened the door. Pandora turned around and the two shared the same smile. “It’s cold in there?” His sister asked. “Cons of being close to the water,” Evan explained. He zipped up his hoodie and closed the door again.