My Sister's Boyfriend

-Father! Where are you going?- I heard Eduardo's scream and Igor's footsteps fell silent. He had a new life, averse to my ideal. He was always going to be my nephew's father, and I was just going to be a sister-in-law, a former sister-in-law. That's how the world saw it and how it should be. It was the right thing to do.

Eduardo pointed to the window of a toy store, looking at the small gun to shoot a kind of dart. I looked at Cecilia who gave Eduardo a look at Eduardo, "no way." "Oh my... Please!

I had accepted Cecilia's invitation to help her buy some clothes and shoes for Eduardo. I had nothing to do and it was better than going bowling with an absurdly excited Edith and Pablo to make jokes about fiancés, boyfriends, ex-brothers-in- law and the like.

-No way, boy. You and such a thing would destroy the house. I laughed softly at mother and son measuring glances, then Eduardo shrugged his shoulders, huffing.

"I'll ask my father."

"And I won't let him buy it for you."

"I'm sure Aunt Malu doesn't see the harm in this toy.

- Don't meddle in this, Eduardo. I stretched out my hands in surrender.

- Look there, Eduardo! Ceci tried to distract him. "You've been in need of socks, come on."

- No, Mom! We've been to about thirty thousand stores! - Oh, the childish exaggeration... I let out a laugh from his stern and even comical expression. "I already have socks.

- Leaky, old and grimy ones.

"I don't want to. Can we see the toys, please?

-No!

"Because we're not going to eat something, take a little time." And then see the socks and toys, who knows? -Suggested.

- Okay. The two agreed. Eduardo held my hand and Cecilia's as he walked. He seemed happy and satisfied, even after so many complaints about clothes. Eduardo loved to make guesses about what he would like to wear and even had good taste, but the clothes Cecilia chose did not please him at all. It was funny to see them arguing and Ceci eventually giving in, often with a tired smile of someone who is already used to it.

We were arriving at the food court when we saw a tall figure standing in front of a sports store with his hands in the pocket of his jean hunt. Eduardo was the first to notice him, Cecilia later. -Father! -Eeyore!

While the first one said excitedly, letting go of our hands, Cecilia practically grumbled. Igor looked at us scared, from me to Cecilia and taking Eduardo in his arms and walked over to us. I hadn't talked to Igor after our conversation and neither of us had tried. We saw each other at the Planetarium and everything else in the last few days, but Igor was very busy, barely having time to greet his colleagues, let alone me. Pablo was the one who had been helping me and Edith. "What are you doing here?"

"I was going to buy a pair of sneakers. He pointed to the store with his gaze. "They're shopping too, apparently...

"yes, we're..." Cecilia said, crossing her arms. - I can't believe you did that, Igor!

"That's what?"

"The mall was just me, Malu and Eduardo. She hissed.

- I know, dear Cecilia, I know. But have you ever heard of coincidence? I didn't know they were going to be here.

"Oh, yes. I'm going to pretend to believe it. "Cecilia seemed a little aggressive and that scared me a little.

"Your mother wants me to swear." - he said, looking at Eduardo who smiled guiltily. "Have you ever seen anyone more suspicious?"

"It was you, wasn't it, Dudu?" Who told your father...

"No, I didn't. He blushed and I almost smiled at the image.

"So who was it?"

"It's okay, Ceci. I broke up the discussion and Eduardo smiled at me.

-Exact!

- Dad could have a snack with us! Eduardo suggested, almost jumping out of Igor's arms. "And then help me choose socks."

- I love choosing socks. It's fun! He laughed wryly and Eduardo rolled his eyes.

"You hate shopping, Igor. Cecilia accused.

"I hate buying socks. It's different...

"But he could go with me anyway, couldn't he?"

"Your father has other things to do.

"I don't know why you've been so skittish with me lately. Perhaps Alexander's trip has left you very lonely, and neediness provokes anger.

- Cala a bottle, Igor!

"Right..." Igor chuckled, putting Eduardo on the ground. "Your mother doesn't want me around here. Then we'll see you.

- Ah, pai! Mãe, por favor!

- Ask Malu, she may be uncomfortable. She's not obligated to put up with the two of you, especially together. "Everyone looked at me and I squeezed my bag, Eduardo looked at me imploringly, with his hands joined. -I am fine... Don't worry, why. You seem to be used to doing that. I don't see the harm in Igor helping Eduardo. And I also have to leave soon...

"It's not going away anytime soon. I won't let you. Cecilia smiled.

"Shall we eat soon?" Eduardo whimpered, but looking happier.

"Let's go at once. Cecilia sighed defeated, Eduardo grabbed Ceci's hand and with the other he held Igor's. It felt like a happy family. Ceci's phone rang and she awkwardly answered. "It's Alexandre.

Igor smiled at Eduardo, who rolled his eyes. They started walking again, and I was forced to walk beside Igor, my hand hanging alone at the side of my body.

- Dad, take Malu's hand, so she won't be alone like this. Cecilia didn't hear what Eduardo was saying, distracted by the phone. I was amazed at his observation.

Igor stretched out his hand smiling mischievously when he noticed me alone and reflexively pushed mine away to meet his. I only moved it a few centimeters or millimeters, my mistake. I tried to fix the mistake, but he had already caught it. Fingers snapping into mine for a few seconds, we held a sigh together. Igor's fingers were ridiculously bigger than mine, his hand was kind of cold and his fingertips in contact with my skin gave me goosebumps, I startled him with wide-eyed eyes and him mirroring my expression. We had forgotten what it was like... The feeling of hands joined. I remembered when I met him, the first few weeks of holding hands, the conversations, the wonderful and intense feeling. To be complete... The memories like a flash. The fright and the moment were short-lived... Of course. I let go of my hand in embarrassment. Feeling my heart race and I blush a little.