weston “wes” mcdaniel || paul wesley

thirty-six years old. owner of spins. tupelo native.

When the man pointed toward the stuffed animal that sat on the dashboard of Dakota’s truck and explained the relevance he couldn’t help find it kind of… amazing? While Dakota had been overseas he had received a care package from one of those programs that allowed for families to send things to those who were serving. One letter he had received had been from a child who had also sent along a small stuffed animal that they claimed kept them safe from monsters. Naturally, that meant that Dakota had that little stuffed friend kept tucked away in his pocket while he went out on patrol. When he turned home he continued to keep it and kept it displayed on his dashboard. “Oh, wow,” Dakota began with a grin. The world was truly a lot smaller than people realized. “What are the chances of that?” He opened the door of the truck, setting down the bag from the hardware store on the passenger seat and plucked the animal off of the dashboard. “I have to say,” he said and looked down at it. “He definitely kept me safe,” Dakota said with a smile, “I think he should retire with you, though.” 

He rested his hand on his son’s shoulder, happiness radiating through his own body at how happy and proud his son was for seeing the stuffed animal on the dashboard. Justin had been over the moon to send this care package, not wanting to his father to help him at all while he wrote the letter. Just to send the package for him. He watched as the man reached into the truck, grabbing the stuffed animal. From just having his hand on the shoulder of Justin, he knew the young boy was lighting up like the Fourth of July. 

“He really kept you safe?” Justin was seconds from hopping up and down, pressing his shoulder up against Weston’s hand. Justin was reaching his hands out for the stuffed animal and if Weston hadn’t learned how to hold back tears nine years ago, he would have been in a load of trouble. Though he did let a single one fall down his cheek. He quickly wiped at it, hoping no one saw it. 

“Thanks for that,” he spoke to the man, “I swear sendin’ this and the letter was one of his favorite things to that year. It was all he could talk about.” Weston explained with a smile. 

Dakota would have been able to break down and reassemble an engine in a shorter amount of time than it took for him to get in and out of Morris Hardware. Each time he even thought about going into the store he knew that he’d have to account for the five hour long conversation he’d end up having with Bobby Morris. Today was no different than usual when he went in. Time slipped away without hesitation as Dakota spent a good chunk of time shooting the shit with Bobby and some of the other chatty, iconic locals who were in the hardware store that day. 

As Dakota exited the store he turned toward his truck and paused, noting the man and child who seemed to have some kind of interest in the vehicle. Sucking in a breath, he slowly approached and offered a friendly wave. “Hey,” he offered with a short nod as he approached the truck. He paused before opening the door, taking a step back and peeking at the pavement beneath the vehicle to see if there was something going wrong that had attracted the attention of these people. 

Standing out in front of Morris Hardware and gawking at a vehicle was not exactly the plan Weston had for his son, but the ten year old had a mind of his own and was more than thrilled about seeing this long lost stuffed animal nearly three years later. “Hey,” Weston commented in return, southern politeness plaguing him even when he didn’t realize that he was speaking to the owner of the truck. It wasn’t until he saw him looking under it that Weston put two and two together, “Oh sorry,” he shook his head, placing his hand on Justin’s shoulder, “That there stuffed animal you have,” Justin immediately pointed to the dashboard of the truck through the windshield, “Well, couple years ago, my son wrote up a letter and sent a care package over to some marines and well,” he chuckled lowly, still not believing that the world was as small as it seemed right now, “apparently that one right there is the one he sent.” 

davis did like hadley but who know where this would go? maybe she would be the one to decide she wasn’t really into him. everyone seemed to think he’d break her heart but who was to say she wouldn’t do it to him? he didn’t really expect her to though. “a week or two. it hasn’t been too long but it’s been fun.” 

Weston nodded his head. He hadn’t thought Hadley was seeing Davis all that long, but as a big brother, he was a bit more nosey than he really needed to be overall. “That’s good,” though he wasn’t exactly thrilled that the man had said it was fun. What defined fun? He knew his sister was tough but he didn’t want to see her being taken advantage of. “I’ll, uh, get out of your hair and won’t keep you from Hads too long.” He nodded his head, knowing he would be asking Hadley a hell of a lot more questions after the dance.

rhett just wanted someone to be happy for them, someone other than just rhett and arielle. the two of them loved each other and he knew this was a lot to take in, especially since the two of them had been hiding it for around six months. that was a long time not to come clean about a potential relationship. to be fair, rhett never expected it to come this far. he never really thought hooking up with her would happen more than once. he nodded slowly, “you don’t seem like you completely hate the idea…?” he could tell that much, he thought but then again, he really couldn’t tell how his brother felt in this moment. “i hope not because i really care about them both and i really don’t want to have to choose between the girl i’m in love with and my little sister.” to him, family came first though and if hadley wasn’t okay with it, then he knew he’d have to end things. he inhaled his breath, “yeah, you’re right. i’ll just…be honest and hope for the best.”

Weston shook his head, “I can’t hate the idea that you are happy. And I don’t even hate that it is Arielle, he explained to his brother, “I s’pose it just caught me off guard that it’s one of Hadley’s friends.” He was close with Sabrina but had never imagined that he would end up in a relationship with her and he knew Rhett probably hadn’t gone out seeking a relationship with her., but it was still something so surprising to take in. “You shouldn’t have to chose between the two of them,” Weston shook his head. “And I don’t think Hads will make you choose. She loves you and she loves Arielle.” He didn’t see a reason that his sister would be upset - but at the same time, he did. He could get it but he wasn’t convinced knowing his own sister that Hadley would be that upset. “You know she appreciates when we are honest with her above all else. No beatin’ around the bush.”

Justin and Weston often walked around downtown on the weekends after he did a few hours down at Spins. His son loved looking at all the records, knowing that it was his mother’s favorite thing as well. He was certain his son could spend hours doing that but when it was time to go, the boy was just as eager to make their trip around downtown, often resulting in them getting lunch together. As they walked the streets, Justin was lost in his own world and Weston focused on the biggest part of his world.. Justin. Even before losing Juliette, his son was his entire world. And per usual, an excited cry from his son pulled him from his thoughts. “

Dad! Dad! Dad - look!” Justin was tugging on his hand, pointing at a truck parked on the side of the street. “Do - do you remember the stuffed animal I sent to the - to the soldiers?” His son was barely getting the words out as he bubbled with excitement. “That’s the one! That’s the one I sent!” 

Weston looked at the truck, his brows raising. His son was right. It was the stuffed animal. He remembered Justin being so damn adamant about sending it. “Well look at that,” he was actually in disbelief, “you’re right, that is the same one.” Weston couldn’t even look away. He never thought he would see that stuffed animal again. Let alone in Tupelo.

Eloise stood there and smiled for a moment and nodded, “Well that makes sense and that is what makes you a good father.” She smiled, it was definitely good to be around him, he was a great guy and a great person. She was very much happy to see him out having fun. She laughed a little looking over at him for a brief moment, “Well you’re not that old but you know you are to him. I’m kidding.” She laughed a little nudging him for a moment, noticing his gaze at her for a moment, “Well thank you Wes. You look great yourself.” She smiled a little looking over at him and nodding, “That is for sure and it would probably be the best place to get photos if I am honest.” She smiled looking over at him for a moment. 

Weston lowered his chin with her compliment. He struggled with being a single father at first, but that was nine years ago. The man had come a long way with the help of his family and friends that aided in the recovery process of losing Juliette. “A compliment followed by an insult,” he lifted his hand to his heart as he pretended to be hurt by such a combination of words. “You really know how to give a me a run for my money,” he teased her in response as his hand fell back to his side. “Yeah?” His brow raised and he nodded his head, “You been getting any good ones? Documenting all the good gossip that’s bound to run ‘round town after tonight?” He chuckled, shaking his head once more at the thought. 

Vick looked over at the guy for a moment ad laughed a little looking over at him, “We are ditching this place now. I need something good to drink.” She laughed a little looking over at him. She was glad to have a friend like him in her life. “Well I knew there was a reason I hung out with you.” She laughed a little looking over at him as they approached the bar, “But cheers for that. And oh food, I could do with some food.” She smiled looking over at him for a moment. 

Weston was happy to hear her agreement of getting out of their group meeting. It was over, but some people stuck around longer to talk. Normally, Weston wouldn’t be so opposed to it but the man was ready as he could be to get out. He had long grieved Juliette, only wanting to continue to support the others in Tupelo with their losses. And he had to admit, it helped him with his. His lips slid into an easy smile around Vick, nodding his head, “Food and drinks, you got it.” He held out his arm for her, “Let’s get a move on then, cause now you’ve made me hungry.”

Sabrina sank against the countertop with all the grace of a wilting flower. The weight of her inner rancor seeming to physically press down on her being. Her countenance dissolved into one of blatant trepidation. After experiencing one too many arduous disappointments – from men and women alike – romance was something Sabrina helped simmering on a forgotten back burner. She’d long since convinced herself she didn’t need companionship, that she was perfectly content as she was. Being courted just didn’t fit into her attentively established state of mind; relationships meant sacrificing attention she could use to further her career or invest in the connections she already had. Sentiment was messy, unpredictable, and Sabrina didn’t dabble in such uncertainties. At least, not until now. “He’s not giving me a hard time, not unless you consider making me feel like a silly school girl with a crush give me a hard time” she groaned, wishing it was that simple. Not that she’d feel comfortable sending Wes to handle any romantic daubacles, as protective as he was. Sabrina was more than capable of fending off unwanted advances. But that was the issue, it wasn’t unwanted. 

Sabrina’s curly mane shuddered as she dropped her chin in her open palms. “He took me on a picnic Wes, a picnic. Like we were characters in some romance novel. You know, those ones that lonely middle aged women read with the covers of bare chested men on horseback” Sabrina didn’t seem to notice how offensive her statement could be interpreted. “I refuse to be some sappy trope okay” this bit was mostly muttered to herself just before she sprang up and began to pace a measured stride before him. Three steps forward and three steps back. “I let him kiss me. Well I didn’t let him, I…participated and you know my hard set rules about intimacy. I don’t even let men hold my hand until date number five at least”. Like a tapped spile she revealed the details of her outing with Travis. Sabrina drifted in a cloud of hazy adoration for approximately twenty four hours after the date before panic set in. Thus the reason she was ambushing Weston for love advice mid shift. “So in conclusion, I’ve lost my damn mind. Kindly commit me” 

“No, I s’pose I wouldn’t consider that a hard time.” Not when he knew exactly how that felt. It was a feeling that he hadn’t thought about in what felt like eons. Since Juliette, Weston and love really hadn’t fell hand in hand again. There were dates, quite a few if he was being honest, but no one that had really stuck out with him. At times he simply wasn’t ready to be dating and well now, it had been nearly nine years and he wondered if he would be a single father for the rest of Justin’s life. It’s not that he didn’t want to find a new love, but he wasn’t sure where to even start. “That’s a good feelin’ to have,” even when a person least expected it. Juliette had taken him by surprise all those years ago. He was young, dumb and twenty-one years old when she stole his heart. 

maybe it was who he was or maybe it was just that weston wasn’t a party type of guy. who knew for sure? davis was a little nervous all of her brothers were bound to hate him and then what? was hadley going to stick around regardless of how her siblings felt about him or was she going to make up how she felt on her own? “yeah, i need a little bit of alcohol too when it comes to making my way on the dance floor.” he admitted. “but maybe not always. sometimes the right company helps.”

Weston nodded his head. He had seen Davis out on the dance floor with his sister and while he had to admit they looked happy, he was still wary of the man standing before him. “That will help too,” he laughed softly, “How long you been seein’ Hadley?” He really hadn’t talked to her much about Davis, clearly. But there was no time like the present to start getting to know his sister’s date. 

rhett didn’t know who else to come to with this. he didn’t even know what to say but he knew he had to get this off of his chest. he wasn’t even sure how his brother was going to react but he hoped that he’d understand. really, it’s not like he meant to catch feelings for hadley’s friend or even put himself in a situation that might upset his little sister but there wasn’t any going back. what’s done was done and honestly, he wouldn’t go back even if he had the chance. he pursed his lips for a moment as his brother finally responded to the news and nodded slowly, “yeah.” he breathed out, trailing off for a moment. he nodded in agreement. he didn’t really see it coming either, especially in the beginning but clearly, toward the end, he knew what was happening between the two of them. “i can’t tell if you’re giving me a good reaction or not.” he admitted, chuckling in an awkward manner. “you know me, though. you know i don’t just…fall in love. this is a lot for me but if hadley’s going to hate me for it, i won’t continue. what do you think i should do? i really need some advice.” he was worried things wouldn’t go as he hoped they would. “i hope it’s the second option. i…don’t want to lose arielle.”

Weston was finding the words and way to be happy for his older brother. Yet, the thought of it being Hadley’s friend was blocking the way to this realization. “I - “ he chuckled softly and shook his head, “I’m not sure either, if I’m bein’ honest.” He didn’t want to lie to Rhett about the situation at hand, but he really wasn’t sure how he was supposed to be feeling. “I know you don’t,” and he wasn’t lying about that. Rhett merely didn’t fall in love. He had seen how the man was with Aubree and he knew that had long ended, but the two of them were friends still. “I don’t think you’re goin’ to have to lose either of them, Rhett.” Weston was perking up some over the idea, but not entirely sold, “I mean you know Hads, she looks out for us as much as we look out for her,” or at least she could try. Having a few older brothers left her outnumbered, “Just talk to her and I know she’s goin’ to be fine, just don’t wait too long, you don’t want her to go thinkin’ you were hidin’ it for that long.”

Eloise glanced over at the guy for a moment before she ran a hand through her hair for a brief moment before looking at Weston again, slightly concerned but nothing to major. “Are you sure? Weston, you seem like you have been forced to come out tonight.” She looked over at him for a moment, “Oh I think he will do it more often, don’t be surprised if he does, I mean you’re his old man and he probably looks up to you.” She laughed a little looking over at him and smiled tilting her head for a moment, “Well I tried my hardest, needed to look like a sexy vampire though as that is the idea for Halloween.” She laughed a little, “But thank you.”

Weston let out a quick laugh, shaking his head, “I’m sure,” he nodded his head for some reassurance, “You know me, unless it comes to Justin, I don’t do much I don’t want to do.” Weston was a man with a son that had him wrapped around his finger. Since it had just been the two of them for ten years, Weston went well out of his way to do what he could to make sure his son had the best life possible. “His old man,” he let out another chuckle, “hey now,” he teased, his lips falling into a familiar smile around Eloise. “I’m not that old,” though he was nearing forty in a couple of years now. “It’s a great look,” he complimented, though his gaze might have lingered a moment longer than needed, “A lot of great costumes here tonight. It’s always amazin’ to see what people can do.”

@westonxmcdaniel​

CLOSED

Polly muttered words too low to comprehend to anyone not standing near, vinyl covers sliding as they were being rearranged the only discernible sound. It was a soothing rhythm and tempos were essential to her being. Music could never be something superfluous to her, it was the only medicine she needed delivered in the most divine way. It was the rhythm of her soul. It flowed through her bloodstream and swirled in her head. It made her fingers drum and feet tap. It transcended the everyday monotony to make each fresh morning a new journey of sounds. And Polly lived for sounds; tantalizing reverberations especially composed in a song.  It was her external heartbeat and the lyrics were her soul in sweet vibrations An ode to the universal love and one another, to nature and creation. Polly had yet to pinpoint what it was exactly about Tupelo that was giving her such a blatant sense of permanence but she had a feeling she’d be sticking around longer than usual. She’d come to admire the famous mural of the king of rock and roll, number 57 on her Ultimate Ultra Cool Bucket List, but here she was two weeks later still milling about the town that had proved to be both quaint and bustling. Tupelo had a pulse and Polly was only just tapping into the vein. 

Polly could have chosen any of Tupelo’s fine establishments to seek employment at. She’d slung her fair share of burgers in diners across the states and she’d become a whiz at slathering just the right amount of synthetic margarine over hot popcorn for viewing pleasures. However, once Polly discovered the local record store applying there was a no brainer. Every day since arriving in Tupelo she’d visited the store, praising the atmosphere and authenticity not to mention having a near out of body experience every single time she perused the collection. Presently she was schedule for an interview with the owner of the shop, Weston Mcdaniel, but she’d gotten sidetracked shuffling albums. When she felt a presence approaching her head whipped around briefly to flash a affable grin in their direction before refocusing on the task at hand. 

“Sorry to tamper your lyrical preferences and I know everyone’s entitled to their musical opinions but Aerosmith really shouldn’t be grouped with Guns N Roses, they sing about completely different things and their vibes aren’t compatible at all. Aerosmith is all about those huge, drawn-out choruses and it’s a beautiful thing. But Guns N Roses don’t tend to be as tender in their delivery.” Polly was fully aware the man before her was who she was meant to be meeting and probably should have refrained from criticizing – albeit delicately – his organization skills but she just couldn’t help it. “Polly Foxx, with two ‘x’s’. Weston?” 

When an application came through, he couldn’t turn it down. Spins didn’t exactly need the help but based on the woman’s application alone, he was curious to meet her and so he set up an interview with the woman. The store was empty for the time of day, only the soft sounds of the current record playing through the store. He had been in the back when the bell above the door chimed. A glance at his watch told him it was most likely the woman he was going to be interviewing. Weston was hardly in a hurry, wanting to give her time to mull about the store. It had been quite a while since he had interviewed anyone and if they were going to add another addition to the team, he needed to make sure that they were the right fit. 

Five or so minutes passed before Weston emerged from the back room, spotting a brunette perusing the records with intent. He approached quietly, only looking down at the records she was standing in front of when he did so. Her immediate words were to criticize the organization of the music in front of him, though it brought a slow smile to his face. Anyone that knew music would have easily spotted such a mistake. “Pleasure to meet you, Polly,” he nodded his head once, “You know,” he looked down at the records, “Not many people would have even thought to question that,” but he had purposefully gone to each section of the store to mix up some of the records. If she noticed, he would be impressed. If she hadn’t, well, it was awfully subtle. “I mean honestly, I could hire you on that alone.”

“there’s something i need to talk to you about that…well, i haven’t really told anyone.” which, was true. he wasn’t sure who he could trust but if he could trust anyone, he’d hope it’d be his brother. “i’ve been seeing someone,” he couldn’t believe he was really about to admit this but god, he had to get it off of his chest. “i mean, i’ve been seein’ arielle…” he trailed off for a moment. he didn’t like getting too into his feelings but he figured he could confide in weston. “and we thought it was just one time, you know. we hooked up after aubree broke up with me because she was there for me and we were drunk but then it kept happening and weston,” he pursed his lips, finally looking the man in the eye, “i think i’m in love with her. and now, sabrina knows. she saw us at the halloween party and i have no idea how to tell hadley.”

@westonxmcdaniel​

Heart to heart talks with Rhett felt few and far between over the years, but they were brothers and that family was the most important thing to him, even when they didn’t always see eye to eye. Weston raised a brow at Rhett’s words. His lips parted to interject about who he was seeing. It was obvious to Weston that Rhett had been a little more distracted and that usually meant someone was distracting him. As Arielle’s name fell from Rhett’s lips, Weston blinked a few times to make sure that the man wasn’t dreaming. He was seeing one of Hadley’s friends? The girls they grew up having around the house giggling up a storm? Sure, he was close with Sabrina, having talked her down from a dozen fits a week at times, but dating one of them? Weston couldn’t believe what he just heard. He listened as Rhett went on, thinking that he was in love with Arielle. His tongue slid across his lips as he searched for the words to comfort Rhett in this moment. “Holy shit,” he muttered, knowing those were not the words that he was looking for but they were the only ones that would fall from his lips first and foremost. “I don’t think I could have ever seen this one comin’,” he shook his head at the idea of Rhett dating Arielle. He couldn’t wrap his head around it, “I mean, I don’t know, Hads loves you and wants to see you happy,” Weston offered, “Either she is goin’ to be real pissed that you’re dating one of her friends,” he paused, “or she is goin’ to be over the moon one of her best friends has the potential to be her sister-in-law.” 

davis didn’t really know any of hadley’s brothers that well but he had been warned not to hurt hadley because of them. he was sure that her brothers knew all about him and he wouldn’t be surprised if they weren’t all that nice to him. he noticed the way he looked him and held back any smart comment that threatened to spill from his lips. “you’re hadley’s brother, right? i’m davis.” he introduced himself, trying his best to be nice, which wasn’t too hard but he knew he could be a smart ass. “i’m sure you’ll be able to find someone to dance with.”

Weston nodded his head as Davis confirmed exactly who he was. “Weston,” he introduced himself in response. It’s not that the didn’t like Davis. He didn’t even really know the man standing before him, but what he knew was that he was seeing his sister and that was enough for Weston to be a little on edge about the whole thing. “Yeah,” he paused, nodding his head slowly again, “maybe one of these songs and a few more of these,” he managed a small smile, lifting his nearly empty glass of whiskey. 

location: halloween party

with: @westonxmcdaniel​

Eloise was dressed as a vampire for Halloween and she was intending to have a good night, catching photos on her phone for the night. She took a break as she took a sip of her drink as she noticed Weston standing at the edge and she decided to walk over to her ex, they luckily ended up on good terms and she did care for him. As she took a sip of her drink she walked over to him and smiled for a moment, “Not enjoying it here or something?” She smiled for a moment, “Looking pretty great though. Happy Halloween!”

Weston’s eyes wandered around the party. While all the faces were familiar to him, he was feeling as if he should have gone home an hour or so ago. He quietly sipped on a drink, watching the party from the side of the room. Something about the night didn’t exactly have him in the party mood. A voice caught his attention, drawing it from the group of dancing people. “Hm?” His brow raised and he shook his head at Eloise, “No, I’m having a good time.” Though he realized how clear it was that he wasn’t. “Thanks,” he looked down, chuckling softly, “Might be the last year Justin is young enough to match costumes with his old man.” He joked lightly. “You look great, too,” he gestured to her with a smile, “Can’t go wrong with a classic vampire look.”

@westonxmcdaniel​​

CLOSED

“There you are! Sneaky little thing”. As soon as Billie’s fingers made contact with the knitted fabric of her striped scarf she yanked it from beneath the stool it was caught beneath. When the essential piece of her au pair ensemble made its escape was unknown, she simply looked down whilst getting a refill for her soda and found it missing. She then proceeded to spend the next few minutes weaving in and out of the crowd, searching every possible crevice it could have scurried off to. After a rather compromising trek under a pool table where most of the party attendees witnessed her scurrying across the bar floor, she’d almost given up hope. Surely it was forever lost in the hoard of costumed denizens. Yet, just as she ventured off in search of Bennett she caught sight of the misplaced material across the room. Thrilled her outfit wouldn’t be compromised after all, she skipped along the edge of the dance floor towards it. Unfortunately, upon retrieving it, she thrust the stool in the path of someone passing by. All she heard was a clatter and the splash of liquid hitting the ground. 

“Oh Fiddlesticks! I’m so sorry! Here let me help” in her haste to assist the poor patron whose costume she’d just inadvertently soaked in what smelled like strong alcohol, she didn’t process whom she was addressing. Billie balled the very scarf that caused the incident and patted frantically at the man’s chest. “I don’t think it’ll stain if we add a little wa-” finally her eyes lifted to discover she was face to face with Weston McDaniel. Slack jawed, her apologies turned into stutters. “I…oh, um…”. High school was quite a long time ago but that didn’t mean she wasn’t automatically transported to her younger self shrinking away from the presence of someone who made it clear she was disliked. “I’m just going to…” with a squeak of distress she turned on her heel only to find her exit blocked by a group of drunken dancers. “Shoot” 

Weston had been unable to tear his eyes away from his sister, his baby sister with Davis Smith. To say that he was protective of her was an understatement and no matter how hard the man tried, he couldn’t seem to get it through his thick skull that she was a grown ass adult. Nevertheless, it was distracting enough for him to basically be a blind man in a crowd of people. It wasn’t until liquid soaked his Mr. Incredibles costume that he found himself coming back to the reality that there were other people in the room beside himself, Davis and his sister, Hadley. 

He had yet to catch the glimpse of the woman’s face, still stunned by the sequence of events. Her scarf patting over his chest brought his gaze down as he realized just whom he was interacting with. Weston swallowed hard at the sight of Billie Dawson. The way that he treated her, well, it was truly unfair. To say that he was a little shit growing up was also an understatement. Weston had never been all that kind to Billie in high school and now they were face to face after she had run into his drink and soaked his costume. The lingering smell of alcohol would never be washed away and he would only have to hope his son wouldn’t want to repeat this year’s costume. His lips parted to stop her, but before he could, a group of dancers did just that. “Billie,” he breathed her name, sorrow coating the words as he ran a hand through his hair. He never really got the chance to formally apologize for how he treated her, “hey,” he fought the urge to gently reach out and touch her arm to get her attention, “it’s alright, I - uh,” he shook his head, “I was the one that wasn’t payin’ attention to where I was goin’. You see, Hadley is off with some guy and even at thirty-seven years old I still feel the need to protect my baby sister.”