"So, Ike, what did you get Zoe for me?"
"You'll really like it."
"Okay. What is it?"
"It's really cute."
"Fine. What is it?"
"Becca thinks it's really cute. She helped me pick it out. And I found out what to get her besides."
"Ike! What is it?!?"
"Well, I picked it up at the Baby Gap."
Baby Gap. Hmm...
"It's a cute, plaid skirt..."
"How much?"
"...with a solid sweater vest and a white blouse to go underneath..."
"How much?"
"...and white tights, too..."
"HOW MUCH!?!"
"Um..." Ike took a deep breath. "Onehundredandtwentydollars."
"Hehehehe..." I burst out laughing. "You'll have to excuse me. Heehee... I thought... I thought you said one hundred and twenty dollars... hahaha..."
"I did."
I stopped laughing. "You... you did? What are you? Insane?"
"No, I'm not insane. I have a perfectly clear head. Next time, do your own shopping. Oh, and you owe me for Becca's gift, too."
"Yeah, clear head my ass." I sighed. "So, what did you get Becca?"
"Ten days off and a plane ticket to California."
"She's coming back, right?"
"Of course. At least, I hope she will."
"And why wouldn't she?" I asked. Ike and I abandoned decorating the living room for Zoe's birthday party tonight, and sat on the couch. "Did something happen between you two again?"
"Yes. No. I think so." My brother sighed. "I... I just came to the realization that I want her in my life, one way or another."
"Why the ticket to L.A. then?"
"You had to see her the other day at the mall. She had this empty, far away look behind her eyes. She misses home. And can you blame her? At least when we were away from home for our birthdays, we had each other. Becca's here in Tulsa by herself."
"She's not by herself. She has us."
"I know that and you know that, but I don't think she does."
I shrugged. "So tell her."
"It's not that easy."
"The hell it's not. Ike, we've known her for so long. She's always been there for us. It should be MORE than obvious that we're there for her, as well."
"I think it's obvious. I don't know what's keeping her from seeing it." Ike wore a perplexed expression.
"Sometimes these things just take time."
Ike snorted. "Or, in my case, years." My older brother cracked a smile. "Thanks, Zac. You know, every now and then, something profound escapes your lips that gives you the illusion of being wise beyond your years." Ike's smile was now full-fledged.
"Yup. That's me, Sage Zac. Usually, I charge a pretty penny for my services and sound advice. But since you're family, Ike, I'll call it even with Becca and Zoe's gift."
Ike shook his head. "No such luck, Bud."
"Aww... man. Come on, Ike. My money's in a trust. I can't touch it until I'm twenty-one, so I'm on an allowance here," I whined.
"Well, you can pay me in installments then." My brother smiled. "And since you're family, Zac, I won't charge you interest."
I rolled my eyes. "Thanks, Ike. You're all heart."