Chapter 5 - The Next Day

                                    

                                          
To his surprise, the house was quiet when Adrian woke up. He checked his phone to see that it was only 7:30 a.m. A bit later than he would normally have to wake up for college, but still pretty early to be waking up on his day off.
Keeping up with his fitness regimes, Adrian did some push-ups, sit ups, burpees, and pull ups on the rod that was attached to his door frame. 
He decided to hop in the shower as he knew he had plenty of time before Cathy wakes up. He was in no rush, so he stood there as the water hit his face - refreshing him, and making him feel more awake. 
After getting dressed, he went downstairs to the kitchen and poured himself a bowl of cereals. Taking it through to the living room, and setting it on the coffee table as he sat on the couch. He smiled to himself as he realized that it was his old routine, when he was still in High School.
It was now just before 9 a.m. so he decided to text Maddie that he's awake. He wanted to get his routine done before messaging her, just in case she woke up minutes later and he wouldn't be able to do his exercises - he needed to keep his form up for college. 
There was a replay of the soccer game that Adrian listened to. He was really pleased to see how it played out. 
Jack and Gail went to the kitchen for their morning coffee and Gail started making pancakes for breakfast. 
"No. Way!"
"Oh, hey there, Cathy! Want to watch the game with me?" He quickly looked at her before going back to the TV. 
Luckily for Adrian, the game has managed to finish before Cathy came downstairs for her morning Disney Channel session. However, he wanted to tease her a little bit so he changed to the channel were the match was still playing. 
"When did you came back? When did he come back?" The second question was directed at her parents who were standing in the kitchen doorway. 
"Oh, just today, came to watch the match in HD." Adrian replied, still pretending to be glued to the screen. 
"Great. Just great." Exasperated, Cathy sank down on the sofa next to him. 
"Oh cheer up Cathy!" He nudged her. "Here you go." Adrian passed her the remote. 
"No. It's fine. Watch the stupid game." 
Gail and Jack exchanged amused looks. 
"You have missed me!" Adrian started tickling her. 
"No. Stop. Stop!" Cathy said through the laughs. 
"It's okay. That's the replay of the replay. Which I've already seen. Just wanted to tease you." He smiled, shuffling her hair. 
"You know what? I have not missed you! You're cruel!" She stuck her tongue out at him. 
"You love me really..." he dragged out the 'really' as he went in to tickle her again. 
"Okay. I do. Just. Stop. The. Tickling!" 
Gail and Jack felt good to have them both together again. Adrian was very playful with Cathy. There was a big age difference between them, but that just meant that Adrian was more mature and patient with his little sister. Her tantrums didn't faze him much. 
~~~ 
Maddie was happy that she had a shower last night. She woke up to Adrian's message so she gave him a call. 
"Hey! You're awake!" He exclaimed. 
"Yes I am!" She chuckled. "I slept so well. Can't remember the last time I slept this long. And this good!"