Chapter 17

Was-Am~Daminch

Most afternoons, Qi-Calla and Fi-Rico had been studying together. At least that’s what they told their parents.

“No! I refuse to believe that you have never read a book by Am~Daminch. Do you not read?” Fi-Rico shouted, brandishing a pillow.

“I’m just not that big on reading. Don’t jump down my throat about it.” Qi-Calla grabbed one of Fi-Rico’s pillows, holding it in front of his body to act as a shield.

“Well, I’m sure I can change that.” He swung his pillow at Qi-Calla.

Qi-Calla fell back onto the bed, and Fi-Rico flung himself on top of him. Both were laughing hysterically.

Qi-Calla managed to stop his laughing long enough to gasp out, “How do you plan to change that?”

Fi-Rico straddled Qi-Calla and sat down heavily on his stomach. “Maybe I’ll just keep you here until you read a full book.”

Qi-Calla was gasping for air. “Get off me, and maybe I will read a book.”

“Maybe I’ll get off you if you promise to read a book.”

“Fine! Fine, I’ll read a book!”

Fi-Rico clambered off Qi-Calla and lay down next to him. They lay next to each other just looking at each other until Qi-Calla leapt from the bed. “So, what are you going to make me read?”

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Fi-Rico sat up looking slightly dishevelled, but he regained his composure and said, “Well, obviously one of Am~Daminch’s works. You’ll like her. Her books are really fast-paced. Maybe I’ll start you off with The Red Pyramid; that’s one of my favourites.”

“Sounds cool.”

They stared at each other again. Qi-Calla standing next to the bed and Fi-Rico sitting on the edge of his bed fiddling with the hem of his loose white shirt.

Qi-Calla came and sat down on the bed next to Fi-Rico. “What are you thinking about?” Fi-Rico said it, looking into Qi-Calla’s eyes.

Qi-Calla leaned in closer. He wrapped his arm around Fi-Rico’s waist, pulling him closer.

“What are you two doing? You’re being so noisy!” Fi~Calula had just burst into Fi-Rico’s room.

Fi-Rico and Qi-Callla flew off the bed so fast and haphazardly that Qi-Calla hit Fi-Rico in the face. Fi-Rico doubled over, holding his face.

Fi-Rico was livid. He began to yell at his younger sister. “Have you never heard of knocking! You are so annoying, Calula.”

Fi~Calula replied with perfect calmness, “If you don’t want people to walk in on you, then don’t be so loud, Ri Ri.” She said ‘Ri Ri’ with a smirk, knowing Fi-Rico would hate being called that in front of Qi-Calla.

Qi-Calla stifled a laugh and muttered, “Yeah, Ri Ri.”

Fi-Rico hit Qi-Calla on the back of his head to shut him up. “Calula, can you just get out of my room?”

“Maybe I will. Maybe I won’t.”

“No, you will get out.”

“No. I don’t think I will. Also, I didn’t know you like boys.” She moved further into the room and sat down on his bed. She was looking quizzically at Qi-Calla. Her words made Fi-Rico and Qi-Calla blush.

Fi-Rico stormed over and picked up his younger sister. He half carried, half dragged her out of the room. He deposited her in the corridor, then retreated into his room, slamming the door shut.

His mother then yelled from downstairs, “No slamming doors in this house.”

“Sorry mum!” He yelled back.

Fi-Rico slumped back down onto the bed. “Sorry about my sister. She is so annoying.”

“All good.” His face was flushed red, and he was looking distinctly uncomfortable. “I think I’ll head off now.”

Fi-Rico got to his feet. "No, don’t go. I’ll be lonely without you.” He said it with a childish whiny voice.

Qi-Calla laughed. “I’m sure you’ll live.”

“Before you leave, let me find that book for you. You can tell me how it’s going at school tomorrow.”

Fi-Rico pulled a small book bound in red and handed it to Qi-Calla.

“Thanks, Ri Ri.” Qi-Calla left the room.

Fi-Rico called after him, “Don’t call me that!”