Standalone Stories featuring Belle

BROTHER'S PRESENCE IS A PRESENT

BROTHER'S PRESENCE IS A PRESENT

I didn't care that I was 30. No matter my age, messing with my older sister was something I'd never tire of. The pester provision was written into our sibling contract since day one, with no sunset clause! And today, with it being Thanksgiving, it meant Belle was back in town—the perfect time for me to strike.

Per usual, the extended family gathered early at our parents' house for the annual get-together. With mischief on my mind, I bunkered down in the privacy of my dad's den, joined by my cousins Chris and Danny, the unknowing accomplices for my delicious prank.

In my hand, I flaunted my sister's precious phone in front of them. I'd secretly swiped it off the kitchen counter. Why Belle had left it there at all was a mystery I could only ascribe to her muddled mom brain.

"What's with the phone, Johnny?" Danny asked me.

"It's Belle's," I said with a sly smile. "You two are gonna help me prank call her."

Chris crossed his arms. "As the eldest here, I'll just pose the question... Aren't we a little too old for this shit?"

"Dude, come on," I said, shaking his shoulder. "It'll be funny. Just like the good ol' days!"

"Why do you needherphone at all?" Chris asked.

"Because, dear cousin," I said, my hands demonstrably out to educate, "I'm gonna change my display name in her contacts to Sol, her agent's name. It guarantees she'll answer the call."

"Won't she recognize the voice difference?" Danny asked.

I snickered. "Cuz, you don't think I've already accounted for that?"

"How are you gonna get into her phone, smart guy?" Chris asked.

"Just because my sister's older than me doesn't make her wiser. Belle treats her passcode like a business card. Check this out." I tapped the six-digit code that I'd observed her use earlier, then proudly presented her unlocked home screen to them.

"Jesus, Johnny," Chris said. "So what do you even need us for?"

"Here's the plan: Chris, you'll keep Belle distracted in the backyard. Then Danny, you'll hand her phone back to her, with my incoming call already ringing. I'll take it from there."

"That's it?" Chris asked.

"Oh, and don't forget to record her facial reactions. I'll record the audio on my end. Then afterward, I'll line up the vid and audio in an edit. We'll rewatch it tonight, and laugh our asses off!"

"Wow..." Chris said, shaking his head in amusement. "Clearly, you've put a lot of thought into this. You good in the head, J?"

"Relax," I said. "Belle will get a kick out of it. C'mon, let's do this before the turkey's ready."

***

From behind the den's window, I giddily peeked through shutter blinds, ready to reap the sweet sugar high of gamesmanship. Belle was there in the yard, chatting to our cousin. She was dressed in frumpy mom clothes, looking so unlike the glamorous lingerie and swimwear model she was.

As Chris held her attention, I initiated the call on my phone, then watched as Danny sauntered into view, playing the courteous courier. He handed Belle her ringing phone, making sure to show off her agent's name. My sister excused herself and answered the call, just like I expected she would.

"Hey Sol! Happy Thanksgiving, my friend," she said, her voice coming through my phone.

"This isn't Sol, gorgeous," I said with the most gravelly voice I could muster. "My phone's broken, so I borrowed your agent's."

"Oh, okay?" she said, flustered.

"Sol's an old friend," I explained. "He's at my house, celebrating Turkey Day with me and mine. My name's Holden Sommers. I'm with Victoria's Secret's creative team..."

I let my intro stew as I continued spying my sister through the window, noting the way her face instantly lit up with intrigue.

"It's nice to meet you, Holden!" she said. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"We wantyou,Belle Adelson, to lead a lingerie campaign for us next year. How's that sound, off the bat?"

"Wait, seriously?! That sounds fantastic!" she said. "I've always wanted to do work for VS! Tell me more."

"We're calling the campaign:Motherhood Sucks So Good.We're debuting a stretchy fabric that'll appeal to the new mother demographic. As one yourself, we think you'd be the perfect figurehead."

"Interesting!" she said so jubilantly, and I almost wanted to erupt in laughter right then.

"Now here's where it gets spicy," I said. "For the photoshoot, we're gonna highlight the stretch fabric, and have you wear the bra, but with one of its cups pulled down."

"...I'm confused," she said. "There's nudity?"

"No, your nipple won't be shown... because it'll be sucked on by someone. You see, the visual fits the wholeSucks So Goodslogan. It's a bigger commentary on breastfeeding."

Belle looked even more lost. "And what commentary is that?"

"Our creative director can explain it better another time," I said, improvising. "Anyway, our research says sales for this line will shoot through the roof. We just need the perfect model with—to put it bluntly—the best breasts for the job."

"You think that's me?" she asked.

"Belle, are you kidding? You've got a beautiful body."

"That's very kind, thanks... but um, maybe it's best I be transparent... I haven't exactly returned to my ideal figure, not yet at least."

"Don't you worry about that. We'll take you as you are. I'm sure motherhood's only made you more gorgeous," I said, buttering her up with compliments.

I continued peeking through the window, noting my sister's exuberance, her soles swaying like a see-saw, her smile beaming from my flattery.

"Listen, Belle, I'm looking to ink this deal now, so I can finally enjoy some family time. I do have a list of other models that can be the face, but I came to you first... Are you in?"

"I'm very interested, but I'd like to talk to my agent first. Do you mind passing the phone to Sol really quick?" she asked.

"Um, he's currently out picking up a ham," I said, improvising once more. "If you have concerns, just know I told Sol that we'd triple your rate. We know the campaign's risqué, but we're willing to pay for your talent. We think you're the perfect choice. So, what do you say, Belle?"

I watched my sister draw a deep breath with closed eyes, fingertips excitedly tapping her neck. Then, after a measured exhale... "Yes, okay, let's ink it, Holden! This opportunity's a dream come true. So excited to partner with your brand! Thank you for considering me."

"Excellent!" I said, trying to keep my laughter from ruining the bit. "I'll send Sol the contract details. Great chatting with you. Happy Thanksgiving, gorgeous."

***

The entire family was seated at the long table. A roasted turkey sat in the middle, with an assortment of hearty sides surrounding it, all of it teasing my taste buds. I couldn't wait to stuff my belly, then get to editing my prank video afterward.

My dad stood up, arms out in his brown and orange flannel. "Okay all, as is tradition, we'll need someone to deliver the family speech before we eat. This year, I'm bestowing the honor on my son, Johnny. He's had a terrific year at his work, top insurance salesman for three straight quarters. Can you believe he's earned himself the rest of the year off? Lucky son-of-a-gun. I couldn't be any prouder!"

"Well done, Bro!" Belle said from across the table, kindly smiling at me.

I flashed my sister a thumbs-up. But as much as I appreciated her show of support, I wasn't going to renege on the prank video I still had up my sleeve...Hmm, on that note... Forget a video for later, I could pop the reveal right now!

"Johnny, floor's yours, Son," my dad said. "Kick us off."

I stood up from my seat. "As always, what a privilege to spend today with my awesome family. Everyone in one room makes Thanksgiving one of my favorite days of the year." I then glanced at Belle, grinning her way. "Special shoutout to my sister and brother-in-law, who've flown in to be here, bringing little Nathan, only the cutest toddler on the planet."

I paused for effect, unable to hold back my budding smirk. "And never mind my professional feats, I also wanna prop up my sister's too. We all know she's a successful model...but... Did you know she just signed a new deal with Victoria's Secret? To lead a big new lingerie campaign! Word on the street is it's gonna be prettytitillating!"

Our table of relatives started cheering and applauding! I glanced at Belle, and she looked perplexed, trying to figure out how I knew. About time I made it extra clear. "Happy Thanksgiving, gorgeous!" I said to her, reanimating the gravelly voice of one Holden Sommers.

Belle's eyes shot wide open, her mouth agape in shock. I expected her to laugh and call me an idiot, but she went an entirely different route. She stood up and masked her face, whimpers escaping, as she dashed from the dining room... An awkward moment of silence followed, before my sister's husband politely excused himself to follow her.

Um, what just happened here?Everyone was now looking at me for an explanation...

"Johnny, what'd you do?" my dad asked, suspicious.

"Uhhh," I said, drawling like a drunkard. "It was just meant to be a harmless prank..." I looked to Chris and Danny for help.

My Uncle Will turned to his silent sons. "You boys had a hand in this?"

My cousins remained quiet as a cemetery, their heads low. Then, as if things couldn't turn any more upside down, little Nathan, sitting in his booster seat, noticed his missing parents and started crying his eyes out. My mother picked him up and tried to calm him. Meanwhile, my dad's towering glare in my direction was sending a subzero shiver down my spine.

Shit...How'd I misplay this? Did I just ruin Thanksgiving?

***

Belle eventually did return to the table, with delicate redness in her eyes, not making a fuss of her departure. Naturally, everyone knew not to resurface the topic. What resulted was an uncharacteristically quieter meal all around. I tried looking Belle's way multiple times throughout, but she didn't engage.

After we all stuffed ourselves, family members dispersed and hung around the house, watching football in the den, or catching up with others in the yard. Some went for a walk. I stayed behind and traveled up to the second story, where I knew my sister was resting in her old bedroom.

I let out a big breath for courage, then softly knocked on her door.

"Come in," she said softly.

When I opened her door, I braced myself for a potential projectile to the face, but instead, was met with a solemn expression. Belle was lying on her bed, facing me.

"This a good time to chat?" I asked.

She patted the edge of her mattress to encourage me to sit.

"Hey Sis, so about that prank call... I'm sorry, Belle. I swear I didn't mean anything by it."

"I know you didn't," she said calmly. "It's okay."

"Um, are you doing alright?" I asked, trying to fish for an explanation.

"It's probably just the jet lag," she said.

"You sure?" I asked, offering my support, for whatever was on her mind.

She simply reached for my forearm and squeezed it.

"So you're really not mad at me?" I asked.

She shook her head no. "We're good, Johnny. Can I have some alone time, please? I think I need a nap." She shifted her body to get into a comfortable sleeping position.

"Yeah, of course," I said, standing up, not wanting to prod any further.

When I left my sister's room, I was at a loss for what to make of things. She wasn't angry at me, which was a relief. But her emotional reaction to my prank was still concerning. The Belle I knew would've laughed it off with a promise to get me back. I just hoped she wasn't dealing with anything more serious.

The last thing I wanted was to make things worse between us. Belle and I had grown closer in recent years, where, after some personal excavation, I was finally able to scrub away the sticky jealousy and insecurity whenever it came to my successful older sister. I stopped comparing my life to Belle's, stopped pocket-watching her riches, and made an effort from that point on to regularly communicate. The change did wonders for my mental health, and for our relationship as a whole.

***

As I made my way downstairs, I was surprised to find her husband, Artie, patiently standing at the bottom of the stairway, seemingly having waited for me. He had hands in his pockets when he gave me a lone head nod.

"Hey, J," he said. "How's she doing?"

"Tired, I think," I said. "Artie, about that prank call, like I told Belle, I didn't mean to—"

"Don't sweat it, man," he said, interrupting me. "I know how hard you've worked to get to a good place with her. You wouldn't risk that with something mean-spirited. To be frank with you, I think Belle's just in a weird place right now."

"Something up with her?"

"Wish I knew more," he said. "I've tried to be there for her, get her to talk about it, but nothing's worked. I've given her some space, hoping sooner or later, she'll break out of whatever funk she's in. I dunno, man... It just hurts knowing I can't always make things better."

I nodded my head in sympathy. My bro-in-law was like my sister's Prince Charming. If he couldn't wake her from slumber, then something really must've been afoot.

"Question for you," Artie said. "Is it true what your dad said earlier, that you have the rest of the year off?"

"Yep, basically."

"Any trips planned?" he asked.

"None at the moment."

"I have a proposal," he said. "Why don't you fly out and spend time at the house? I'm gonna be in Japan for work most of December, and I don't want your sister to be alone. You can keep Belle company. Get some uncle-nephew bonding time with Nathan too."

"Uhh, would Belle even want that? What's she think about this idea?"

"I haven't talked to her about it," he replied. "But I bet you a million bucks, that when you surprise her at our door, suitcase and all, she'll welcome you in with open arms. Probably the type of 'prank' she'd prefer."

I chuckled at the line, unsure if his suggestion was just friendly filler.

"Sleep on it, Johnny, I'm serious," he said, hand on my shoulder. "I'm hoping a brotherly presence is the magic fix."

24 DAYS TO CHRISTMAS

24 DAYS TO CHRISTMAS

"No freaking way!" Belle shouted, rushing forward to hug me. "What the heck are you doing here?! Is that a suitcase?"

I stood at her doorstep, fielding her tight embrace. "Sup Sis! Artie invited me to stay while he's away for work. Hope you don't mind, 'cause I'm kinda screwed on shelter otherwise."

"Of course I don't mind! Come in, dummy! Funny, Artie did say someone special was coming to visit."

Belle led me into her spacious house, and I quickly took note of all my nephew's toys scattered everywhere. My sister herself was dressed in an oversized t-shirt and pajama pants, her hair in a scrunchy, stray strands sticking up in a static mess.

"Sorry," she said, "I know my living room's in shambles. I could clean it, but Nathan would just tornado things again. I've learned to live with it."

"I could help you tidy up," I said.

"Oh shush, you're my little brother, not a housekeeper. Let me get you something to drink. Or eat. I'll cook you dinner."

"I'm good for now, Belle. Did I come at a bad time?"

"Not at all! I was just stuffing my face with Häagen-Dazs, watching Netflix. Nathan's napping right now, but he's gonna be so excited to see his Uncle Johnny."

"Ditto! But hey, um, can I ask you a question that you shouldn't take the wrong way?"

"...Sure?"

"When's the last time you took a shower?" I asked.

She giggled. "That's a little rude to say to the person who just agreed to host you." Then she dipped her nose below her collar to sniff herself. "Hm, okay, maybe it's been a day or two. Two-and-a-half, tops."

I unzipped my suitcase and pulled out a luxury bath bomb. "Here ya go. Why don't you treat yourself to a soak?"

She burst into a smile. "Oh my god, I love this brand! I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a bath. Thanks Bro!"

"You're welcome, dude. Enjoy."

***

Some time later, Belle returned to me in the living room, hair damp and sporting baggy homewear, looking refreshed. I took in her reaction as she surveyed her surroundings.

"Johnny, what's this? You cleaned up all the toys?"

"No more tripping hazards," I said, picking up my now-awake nephew to hold him. "Nathan helped me. We made a game of it."

She sniffed the air. "Wait, is that food I smell?"

"I ordered dinner delivery too," I said. "Falafels and kebabs. Hope you're hungry."

"I was gonna cook for you, silly," she said, looking flustered.

"You're good, Sis. Take it easy."

She strolled up to me, and I handed her Nathan.

"Mommy!" Nathan said. "Me and Uncle Johnny cleaned the toys and played."

"Yup, I can see that," Belle said in her bubbly mom voice. "Did you enjoy yourself, sweetie?"

"I like cleaning with Uncle Johnny!" he said, pointing his tiny finger at me. "I wanna clean toys again!"

"Okay sweetie, you can tomorrow," she replied. Belle shot me a surprised look, unable to hold back her smile. She mouthedthank youwithout sound, treating me like I was an angel sent from heaven.

We migrated to the dining table, where I parked myself across from my sister, with Nathan in his booster seat beside us. Belle wasted no time raiding the takeout containers, serving us food before she dug in herself.

"Mmm-mm-mm," she hummed, chewing on her skewered kebab. "Hits the spot!"

"Thought you'd like it," I said. "Dinner's the least I could do for you hosting me."

"Y'know, Johnny," she said, "you're welcome to stay through the holidays. Christmas will be at my house anyway. Saves you a flight."

"Yeah? You sure that's okay?"

"Absolutely! I think it'll be kinda fun," she said. "We haven't lived together since I moved out of Mom and Dad's."

"You don't think we'll get sick of each other? Based on our history of bickering, the smart bet would be on us tearing each other's hair out by Christmas."

"Well, good thing we're more mature now. Can you pass the hummus, buttface?" She winked at me.

I happily handed her the item, noting Belle's sunny disposition. It felt nice to see her in better spirits than at Thanksgiving. Maybe my brother-in-law was right, that my visit was the needed boost to lift my sister's mood.

"So how's work going, Sis? Any cool modeling gigs you've got lined up?"

Belle averted her eyes, and a deafening silence ensued. It felt like the room temperature dropped in seconds. The tip of her fork aimlessly picked at basmati rice on her plate.

"Um, did I say something wrong?" I asked delicately.

"No... It's just, I haven't really been booking anything, to answer your question..."

"Huh? Really?" I said, genuinely surprised. My sister's refusal to make eye contact let me know she wasn't joking.

"I dunno," she said defeatedly. "My agent's been doing his best, putting out feelers, reaching out to contacts. But there hasn't been any traction... To be honest, I haven't worked in a long time."

"I don't get it, Belle. Suddenly you're not bookable?"

Her shoulders drooped in despair, and the gravity of my prank call was starting to crystallize.

Belle took a moment to gather her words. "Obviously, I wouldn't trade having my son for anything in the world... But I can't help but feel things are different now, maybe with how I'm viewed. I know I'm on the other side of 30, and that my body's not the same since childbirth... Be honest with me, Johnny, you can tell I look different, right?"

I paused to glance at Belle's figure. She was wearing a baggy shirt, which made it hard to assess. The usual sharp lines along her jaw did look a little flabby, but a double chin on my sister was like a minor scratch on a Rolls-Royce. It shouldn't have been a death knell for her modeling career.