I pull out my phone and start heading back toward the lockers as I type out a text to him.
Have you been talking about me?
I realize it sounds like girl-drama, but I don't give myself a second more to overthink it. I lock my screen and join the crowd. I’m not sure why I’m letting this get to me so bad. Maybe because I didn't know that my brother was essentially controlling my dating life for the last four years, if what Zach told me was true. Maybe because he gets to jump around from girl to girl and hypocritically demand that everyone avoid me?
Maybe this is why Zach was so adamant in the beginning, telling me that Zach would get mad and that we have to keep it a secret. That makes me even more frustrated.
My phone vibrates in my hand and I unlock the screen.
hello to u too, sister dearest
I don’t even breathe as I type out a response to Bray, walking toward an empty cove in the hallway as I focus on what I want to say.
Have you been telling your little football guys to not talk to me or to not ask me out?
no. I’ve been telling the football guysandevery guy in school
I feel my chest start to tighten.
What? Why?
because ur my little sister
And?
and . . . I don’t want to have to break someone’s nose for hurting u
Don’t you think that’s a little excessive?
well . . . no. not really.
What if I want to date? You know you’re ruining that for me?
I hardly think so Cade. If anything I’m saving u. I’m not gonna sit back and watch any of these idiots treat u like shit just because they think u look good
What if he really likes me? What if I want to go to homecoming with him?
wait, who asked u to homecoming
Drake.
that fucking asshole
do u want to go with Drake to the dance
No.
okay then. So what’s the big deal
What if I want to go with someone else? And you're just out here making sure that I don't stand a chance.
who do u want to go with
Shit.I didn't think that far.
I type out Zach’s name. I stare at it for a minute and then delete it. There’s no way that’s the right way to come clean about his best friend. But maybe now is my chance. I know Zach and I have talked about it briefly. But with the way things are going, I’m thinking that coming forward and being honest sooner rather than later might be the best move.
Besides, my feelings for him just grow every day and I can’t imagine I’ll be able to hide that from anyone much longer.
