Ramblings of a Sim Addict

“He told me I had to grow up,” Derek said, running his hands along the table, “and I just stormed out of the house. I couldn’t take the yelling or the put downs anymore, so I left and ended up here.”

“Sounds like quite the fight,” Sophie said, staring deeply into Derek’s eyes. “He hurt you. You want him to be proud of you.”

“Yeah I do and I can’t figure out why it matters so much to me. We’ve never been that close. Maybe I hoped that would change once I moved in with him, but all we’ve done is fight.”

“Sounds like both of you were in the wrong tonight. You need to apologize to him, he is just looking out for you.”

Derek felt the anger rising in his system, “why should I apologize, he’s the one that attacked me. All I did was defend myself.”

“Your brother loves you and wants what is best for, you need to stop making him the enemy,” Sophie said, calmly sipping at her cappuccino. “You need to tell him what you need and want from him.”

“I don’t understand how I am the bad guy in all of this. I’m just trying to live my life the way I want to.”

“I never said you were the bad guy and you need to stop thinking everyone in the world is out to get you. Your not that important.”

“Ouch, that’s a blow to the ego.”

“Maybe that’s what you need, to have your ego taken down a few notches. Just tell your brother what you’ve told me, that you love him, but you need him to be a friend and not a parent. He’ll understand.”

“You know,” Derek said standing up from the table, “you’re right. I’m going to go home and clear this whole mess up. Thanks for listening and for the advice.”

“No problem, I’m glad I could help.”

“Maybe I could talk to you again some time, as a friend.”

“I’d like that, call me anytime you need a friend. I’ll always be there.”

“Night.”

“Night, Derek.”
——————————————————————————————–
The lights were still burning in the living room, as Derek walked up the front stairs. He took a deep breathe, turned the door knob and pushed his way into the kitchen. “Your up late,” he said to Tony. “Were you waiting for me?”

“Yeah, I was, but I don’t want to fight anymore.”

“I don’t either.”

“Good. I was wrong, Derek, I was wrong to force you into a mold that doesn’t fit. You obviously have your own dreams and you need to be given the chance to achieve them. I want to stand by you as a brother and a friend.”

Derek stared at Tony, stunned by what he had just said, “I….I don’t know what to say, but thank you. I was wrong too. I shouldn’t have gotten so angry when you were just looking out for me. I want to make everyone proud, I really do. I just need to do it my way.”

“Apology not needed, little bro, but I appreciate it. What do you say we start over?”

“I’d like that, but do we have to hug now that we’ve made up.”

“How about a friendly handshake and some pancakes,” Tony said with a smile. “You can sit at the table and tell me all about that girl you were with this afternoon.”

“Oh Tuulia,” Derek said, pulling out a kitchen chair, “well…”