Jem made the little Scottish noise again, and Brianna looked sideways at him.Are you doing that on purpose?He looked up at her, surprised. Doing what?Never mind. When you are fifteen, I'm locking you in the cellar.What? Why? he demanded indignantly.Because that's when your father and grandfather started getting into real trouble, and evidently you're going to be just like them.
In a light-hearted exchange, Jem makes a quirky Scottish noise, prompting Brianna to question if he's being intentional. His surprise indicates he didn’t realize he was doing it, and their playful banter establishes a familiar camaraderie between them. This interaction showcases their sibling-like relationship, filled with teasing and playful warnings.
Brianna warns Jem that once he turns fifteen, she plans to lock him in the cellar. This dramatic statement reflects her concern for him, as both his father and grandfather had gotten into serious trouble at that age. It underscores a theme of familial patterns and the protective nature Brianna feels over her brother, suggesting a blend of humor and worry about Jem's future choices.