Glancing up at him, there was a sad look on her face, but only for an instant. “The only reason I don’t act like a kid anymore, is because I don’t have time for it.” That was perhaps one of the saddest things she had ever said, but it was the truth. But with that she smiled up at him, and then wrapped her arm around his waist, leaning her head on his shoulder.
"Stop that, you’re going to make me cry — " she was only teasing him, but part of her was incredibly serious. "I miss the days that were so much simpler Johnny, when we were all together all the time, when things were so much less.. " she grunted a bit and looked up at him "complicated. I want to be pig tails Alana again — and kick you in the shins for no reason again." she laughed.
There had been days Johnny had purposefully left one of Alana's toys out in the rain, or told her a ghost story right before bed, just to bring a sad look to her face. In their youth he had enjoyed bothering her just enough to actually deserve being kicked in the shins, but those days were long gone. There was real sadness in her now, and just as he had held her through thunderstorms, he wanted to protect her from this. The pain of knowing he couldn't cut deep. Inhaling sharply, Johnny tired to maintain his smile. "Well, we should make time." His arms went around her like she belonged there, and Johnny kept himself from hugging her too tight.
"Please don't cry wow that might be the first time I've said that." A laugh rattled in his chest, knowing somewhere his mom would probably die of happiness if she could see them. "You actually miss when I used to jump out from under your bed to scare you? Or when I would steal your lunch? Or put gum in your pigtails?" It was easy to list the mean things, but there were dozens more happier memories. Her first steps. Her learning to ride a bike. When they fell asleep on top of each other during long car rides. "I wish you could be pig tails Alana too." He added, a little softer.
