His Eyes by Renee Carter

helps.”
    Charlie followed me outside and climbed into the passenger side of my Camry. Wedging his duffle bag by his feet, he quickly buckled his seatbelt while I backed out of the driveway. He took a deep breath and tried to pretend that he didn’t actually think it was scary having his little sister driving. I could see his eyes darting to check my car’s mirrors. Clearing his throat as I hit the gas, he said, “Dad told me—I mean, I think I may have gotten a little out of line at dinner last night. I am proud that you’re graduating, Amy.”
    “Yeah?” I offered him a smile. “Thanks.”
    “I guess I just expected them to be mad that I was gone for so long; I almost wanted them to be mad. Seeing how well you guys get along...I guess it made me jealous.” He shrugged. “You remember all of the fights I used to get into with them?”
    “Of course I remember! You’d shake the house, yelling so loud.” Slowing down for a stop sign, I turned and looked at him. “You know, just because Mom and Dad weren’t mad, doesn’t mean they forgot about you. I wrote to you about the dinners and, did Mom show you the mural?”
    Charlie nodded. “She pointed it out to me this morning and we had a good talk. But, I still want you to know that I think it’s great what you’re doing: going to Evanston, breaking out of the caste system.”
    I sighed and continued driving. “Well, I’m not sure I’m going to Evanston. Dad’s right when he said it’d cost a lot. What I earn this summer will barely pay for my room, let alone the rest of the tuition. And there aren’t many scholarships for average, middleclass girls.”
    “You’re not average,” Charlie scoffed.
    “Uh, thanks?”
    “I mean, didn’t you say you want to write for the Rolling Stone ? And you’re helping a blind kid! Who does that?” he asked, his tone daring me to prove him wrong.
    “Okay. I’m not normal.” I held up one of my hands, surrendering. “So, when you find the scholarship for abnormal, aspiring journalists, make sure you nominate me.”
    Charlie grinned. “You got it, sis.”
    * * *
    Much like I’d expected, my graduation ceremony was about as exciting as listening to NPR in a sauna. While sweat pooled in the nape of my neck, I hunted for my family through a jungle of people pushing to escape the sweltering gym. I was so happy to find them that I thought my face was going to split from smiling. Dad beamed while Mom snapped pictures with an ancient instamatic camera.
    “Now, Amy, you and Charlie need to stand together,” she instructed.
    I sighed, eager to finish, and posed stiffly next to Charlie. He noticed my sour expression and, right before the flash went off, wrapped me in a bear hug. I screamed in surprise, having not been attacked by him for so long. Laughing, he said, “Congrats, Aim.”
    “Thanks.” I peered up into his face. “I’m glad you came. You better do it again sometime.”
    “I will.” He looked over at our parents. “Once Sandy has the baby, I promise. Ten years was too long...I shouldn’t have done that to you guys.”
    “We never stopped hoping you’d come back,” Dad said and Mom nodded her head, her eyes bright.
    Charlie held Dad’s gaze for a long moment. Then he coughed and checked his watch. “We should probably get going. My flight leaves in two hours.” He hit my shoulder gently. “I’ll be writing to you soon. You keep up those letters.”
    “You keep up that adulthood.”
    He frowned. “No need for the A-word! I’m still young!”
    “See you later, honey!” called Mom, as they headed outside.
    “Bye!”
    I sighed while I watched them go and then I slipped off my cap. I scanned the room for Ahna, which was hard considering that the room was packed with the family and friends of my three hundred classmates, many of whom were sweating and scowling their way through rounds of photographs. Luckily, Ahna’s red hair gave her away and I spotted her weaving through the crowd. I