The Jerk Next Door

Chapter 25: It's Not A Big Deal!

Maksean

I wasn't sure how long everyone stared at me after my announcement, but it felt long enough to make me uncomfortable under their gazes.

"Good, glad that's out in the open." Adrian clapped her hands startling my father and siblings as she made her way to our small table. "Who wants pepperoni?"

I rushed to my usual spot at the table with Asher to my right. He seemed happy as a large grin was making its way to his lips. I released his hand so we could eat.

It didn't take long for my siblings to seat themselves at the table as well. Casual chattering filled the room along with the sounds of smacking lips. We only had three slices left when I noted my father was still at the counter with a shocked facial expression.

"Dad?" I said earning his gaze. "Is something wrong?" I watched as he looked at the boy to my right and back at me with a confused look.

"Oh, no." He finally pushed himself off the counter and made his way to the table. He sat right across from me at the head of the table. His stare sometimes still makes Asher the center of attention. "Everything's fine."

***********

"So, you and Asher?" Emma said she did her homework.

Asher had gotten called away by my dad to his office. I wasn't sure if I should be worried or not, but Emma grabbed me saying she needed help on math and history, but she just seemed to only wanted to hear my gossip.

My right hand collided with her blonde hair lightly smacking her across the head. "Did you want help on your homework, or did you just plan on being nosy?"

"Sasquatch!" Emma shouted, leaping forward to tackle me only for my hand to shove her back.

"Homework!" I stood up from her small desk, "then wrestle." I smiled mischievously at her getting one in return.

I walked out of my sister's room and made my way down the hall. I peeked in Trey's room to see if he needed any help, but he was on the phone talking with some friend, so I left him and closed the door. Even little boys need privacy at times. I was stopped however by the smaller child calling my name.

"Hey, Maksie?" Trey exclaimed causing me to turn back to face the inside of his room. "Did you really kiss Asher that night when I saw you two outside?"

The memory of Trey scaring me after I ran back out to give Asher a peck on the cheek flooded through my mind.

"I kissed his cheek, yeah. Why?" I moved to sit on his bed thinking my little brother had something to say that was important to him. But I was proven wrong when hands shoved my face away with a loud proclaim.

"Ew! You really did give him cooties! Don't come any closer!" Trey thrashed around like a maniac.

I rolled my eyes before jumping on him to tickle his sides. His high pitched giggles and whines could be heard throughout the house, but at the moment I only cared about messing with him.

"Yeah I kissed his cheek that night, but you know what?" I pinned him down and paused my assault. "I kissed his lips only a couple days ago! So even more cooties!" I leaned down continuing my attack on his ribs with my nimble fingers while I made kissy sounds. "And you're my next victim!"

He shouted for help and tried to kick his way out, but I held on. Well, I held on until I was pulled off by stronger arms.

I was silenced by the forearms around my torso, and it was only seconds before the forearms' body spoke. "Hurry Trey, now is your chance! Attack!"