Michael Stevens has only been out of college for a few months.
He enjoyed his education. But, an English Lit degree doesn't impress most employers.
That's not to say that he wallowed in depression after graduation.
Michael found employment at a temp agency in the city. Just random bar tending and waiter work.
It allows him to live independently.
The bachelor's lifestyle suits him. But, his brief respite from family is short lived.
Emily, Michael's raven hair little sister stands at his door, suitcases in tow.
"Hey," she smiles at her ruggedly good looking brother.
Michael scratches the back of his head.
"You're early."
Emily nods, "Mom and dad don't approve of me going to art school. It's gotten pretty annoying." She looks down from her brother's eyes. "Am I too early?"
Michael smiles his support, "Come on in."
There's only one bedroom in his apartment, one bed. But, he's a gracious host.
"You can set up in there."
Emily looks concerned, "Where will you sleep?"
Michael smiles ruefully, "I've got a sleeping bag. I'll be fine on the floor."
The older sibling is unconcerned. But, the beautiful Emily feels bad.
Ever since she was a kid, her brother's made sacrifices for her. She had thought that those days were over now that she's become an adult.
Despite her reservations, she accepts the bedroom.
While Emily arranges her things, Michael occupies himself with his computer. He's recently been working on a new "masterpiece." A tale of heaven and hell, adventure and intrigue.
He agonizes over every word, worrying that his product won't be perfect.
If the man has one flaw it's that he believes that he can write the perfect story. He can't. And, the terrible writing assignments of school left him with time for little else.
Still, he knows this piece will be the one.
He doesn't notice her until she's right in front of him.
An amused smile touches his sister's ruby red lips.
His eyes are drawn to her smile and he closes the laptop.
"Hey," he says awkwardly.
"Hey," she says plainly.
He recovers and looks at the time on his phone.
"We should celebrate. Let's go out."
"Where?" she asks curiously.
He stands up to get his keys and wallet.
"I've got a place in mind."
Emily follows faithfully to his car.
It's nothing remarkable. But, it's clean.
The ride has Emily looking at all the sights.
"This is a lot different from home."
Michael laughs, "Were you expecting otherwise?"
"It's not that," Emily says. "It's just that there is so much."
Her brother thinks on the first time he left home. Even the college campus he lived at was daunting in its grandness.
The ride is brief and they stop before a restaurant named something de Brazil.
The scent of roasted meat permeates the surroundings and the siblings feel their mouths' water.
The hostess smiles happily, "Two."
Michael nods and they find their table.
"What is this place?"
"It's a restaurant," Michael says placatingly.
Emily scowls, "You know what I meant."
Her brother is amused at her reaction.
"They bring roasted meat and fruit out on skewers. They'll carve off what you want."
As if sensing his cue, a man brings over a fragrant skewer of meat.
Emily is excited as the man offers the food.
Michael looks on his sister's pleased face and feels good.
The night carries on and they're offered a juice.
After drinking it Michael recognizes the alcohol content.
"Please," Emily begs, sipping at her beverage. "Let me drink it. They're not even carding me. So it's fine, right?"
Against his better judgment, Michael says, "You're done when I say you're done. Understand?"
The brilliant flash of his sister's pearly whites is hard for him to endure.
He turns his focus back to the meat and lets Emily drink the sweet cocktail up to the third one.
"But," she protests, obviously tipsy
Michael's decision is clear and they finish their meal comfortably.
Emily's never really had alcohol before and can't handle it well. Michael half carries his sister to his car.
"Dad would be so pissed," she laughs.
Michael thinks on the temper of the old man. He would never tolerate the only 18 Emily drinking.
"It's our secret," he insists.
"Oooh, as secret from mom and dad on the first night..."
Michael ignores her as they return to his apartment.
Inside, Michael helps Emily to the couch.
They both tumble onto it, much to the amusement of his sister.
They sit up, side by side, looking at one another.
Michael endures as the older brother while his porcelain skinned sister looks at him.
He grows self conscious under her scrutiny.
"What?"
"Michael," she says. "It's a secret."
As she says it, the inebriated Emily moves in to kiss her brother.
Surprised by the action, Michael does nothing to stop her tongue from entering his mouth. His eyes close as his own tongue massages hers.
But, this experience doesn't last long as he regains control and pushes her away.
Despite himself, Michael can't help but mourn for the loss.
When he looks at his sister, he sees a distinct redness to her fair cheeks.
"I-" she stammers. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that."
With some effort, Emily stands and walks to the bedroom.
The door closes before Michael has the chance to collect his thoughts.
He sits there, on the couch, for some time before he recovers.
What just happened?
He prepares for bed and rolls out his sleeping bag.
His eyes train on the bedroom door. He imagines she's already asleep.
Will she even remember it?
Michael feels torn. He wants to forget the incident. But...
He tries to put the thought out of mind finds sleep in his own time.
Dawn comes to the sound of the bathroom in use.
He resists the conscious world. But, it is an unforgiving phenomenon.
But, then his memory catches and his eyes snap open.
Emily comes out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel, with wet hair.
She freezes when she sees her brother, dumbly, looking at her.
Her expression is complicated. But, she recovers and goes into the bedroom.
She didn't forget, he thinks to himself.
With a sigh, he prepares for the day ahead. It's a work day for him.
His black hair matches the black pants and vest he dons. The white dress shirt creating contrast.
Emily hasn't come out since she was in the bathroom and Michael feels somewhat bitter as he leaves without seeing her.
