Ten Years Ago
I watch as my little brother leaves me to go meet his friends, who are on the other side of the room. You are all laughing at something Miguel said, and I watch your face break into a smile. Ten years ago, you wouldn't have gone anywhere without me.
-----
"Raul, just go and play with them."
You shook your head and grabbed my hand fearfully, as if I would leave you when you went to go socialize.
"Nuh uh, I want to stay with you Juwia."
I sighed because of your stubbornness and because you couldn't say my name correctly.
"It's Julia, not Juwia."
You thought about it but didn't say anything.
"Can we go play over there," you asked me, pointing towards the play structure.
"Raul, I told you that I'm waiting for a friend, and when she's here I don't want to keep looking after you. So go make your own friends."
Your eyes filled with tears, but you still wouldn't go.
"Hi Julia!" someone called. We both turned to see my friend Mary run towards us.
"Hi!" I said. I shot a glare at my brother. "Raul, go find your own friends. When Mary leaves then I'll play with you."
You shook your head firmly, and I knew that I wouldn't be able to convince you to leave.
"I'm staying right here with you Juwia."
It turns out, you did stay with Mary and me for the rest of the time. And you wouldn't let go of my hand at all.
--------------------------
"Earth to Julia!"
I snap out of my trance-like state and look around to see who called me. Mathilda is frantically waving her hand in front of my face.
"Yeah?" I ask politely. She has an annoyed look on her face.
"You weren't listening when I was telling you about that jacket I saw in the mall!"
"Sorry," I say sheepishly. "I was just thinking about something."
Mathilda nods her head and goes back to telling me about her shopping trip, but my attention keeps wavering and I find myself watching you with your friends. Our eyes meet for a split second, and I can tell that you've noticed me looking at you. You smile at me and then turn around to your friends. Raul, when did you grow up?