Everyone must weigh the pros and cons before acting. Even Derrick, the family patriarch, wasn't exempt; he still had to consider the opinions of other family members. Arianna, assuming all families functioned similarly, was surprised to learn otherwise.
She'd heard that Alexander, in contrast, seemed to act without constraint, his desires unchallenged. This resonated with Arianna; was such freedom truly possible? She was lost in thought.
"Arianna? Arianna?" Brittany called several times before Arianna returned to the present. "What were you thinking about?" Brittany asked.
"Oh, nothing," Arianna replied, then asked, "You're saying you can't be with him unless he wants to?"
"Yeah! Otherwise, why would I be so bothered?" Brittany exclaimed, exasperated, pouting and fidgeting.
Arianna, unable to offer immediate solutions, could only offer comfort. "Then tell me, what have you gotten from all this?" she asked.
"Lots of things—bags, clothes, jewelry. But they're all souvenirs or birthday gifts. Even the expensive things, I don't really use them. I—"
"That's not what I'm asking! Why would I care about that?" Arianna interrupted.
"I—"
"I'm asking how many times you've kissed and hugged him. Have you two you know done anything?" Arianna whispered, covering her face.
Brittany's eyes widened, her face flushing crimson. She smacked Arianna's arms twice. "What are you talking about?! How could you say such a thing?!"
Arianna, usually soft-spoken and reserved, had surprised Brittany.
"I'm just brainstorming! How dare you hit me!" Arianna retorted. "Don't tell me you two haven't even held hands!"
Brittany's reaction answered Arianna's question, but she was also surprised. Aren't they childhood sweethearts? After all this time, he hasn't made a move on Brittany? She's beautiful, and practically throwing herself at him! Do men like that still exist?
Brittany blushed. "O-Of course I've held his hand," she stammered. "Years ago, crossing the street. I grabbed his hand from behind."
Perhaps Alexander, focused on crossing safely, hadn't dared to remove her hand. He held it until they reached the other side. Brittany had been on cloud nine for days.