Too Many Secrets

Chapter 16

It's been a couple weeks since the parking lot incident. The boys have gotten even more protective which I didn't know was possible. They insist I sit with them everyday during lunch so I haven't had much of a social life. I have basketball practice three times a week so that has also been taking up a lot of my time. I'm still thankful that I'm allowed to go.

After the "incident" Zach tried to convince Jake to make me quit basketball. He said it was not safe because there was no one there to watch me. I am still mad at him. We haven't talked since. I don't understand why they are so scared. If that man wanted to hurt me, he could have. Ben and Cole were on my side and talked Jake out of it. In the end, to compromise, Jake decided that one brother had to be present at each practice. So far Ben has been at every single one. Sometimes I feel bad because he probably has better things to do than watch me play basketball. But today, everyone is coming because it's game day!

I am super nervous but Sienna, the captain of our team, says we will win, and I have full faith in her. She has been talking to Ben a lot after practice. I really hope something happens between them because she is really sweet and I think Ben might like her.

"Skylar, are you paying any attention?" my english teacher asks, knocking me out of my thoughts.

"Yeah, sorry."

She continues with her lesson and I start taking notes again. As I begin to highlight a line from the book we are reading my desk shakes and now my notes are ruined.

"Hey, you made me mess up," I say, turning around to the desk behind me. It's Liam. I feel my cheeks redden. He is very pretty.

"Sorry. I just wanted to ask you something."

"Ask away," I respond curiously.

He has only talked to me twice before and now he is acting like we are best friends. I never really see him in school except for the two classes I have together, English and Biology, how odd.

"So I hear you are on the basketball team," he says.

"That is not really a question," I mutter.

"Okay," he laughs. "Are you on the basketball team?"

"Yes I am."

"Cool. I'll make sure to keep an eye out for you during the game."

I am about to respond when my teacher calls my name again, making me turn my attention back to her. I go back to my notes once again when Zoey taps my arm and hands me a piece of paper.

It says, 'He was totally flirting with you,' on it. I look back at her, roll my eyes, and mouth back, 'no he wasn't'. Zoey just laughs and we both turn our head back to the front of the room.

The bell rings and everyone jumps out of their seats. Lunch time. I'm starving. I make my way out of the classroom and walk as slow as I can with Zoey, Summer, Xander, and Oliver. It really sucks that I can't sit with them. Brothers are stupid.

I find the table with Ben, Dylan, and their friends. Ben always saves me a seat next to him. He got me my lunch already so I just sit down and listen to some conversation. I start to tune out and my mind drifts to Liam. I wonder why he said he will look out for me. It's not like we are friends or anything. What if he likes me? As if that could actually happen. He is like the best looking guy in my grade. Someone like him would never be interested in a girl like me. Look at Summer, Vivian, and Zoey for example. They are perfect. Amazing grades, great friends, and they are all stunning.

"SKYLAR," Dylan yells into my ear.

"What?" I sass at him.

"There are five minutes left of lunch and you barely ate anything."

"Sorry, I'm just nervous about the game tonight," I respond.

His anger melts away and he just gives me a small pat on the back. "You will do great, don't worry."

I smile at him as the bell rings. I throw out three fourths of my lunch and make my way to my next class.

The next three classes fly. As I start walking to the gym to change for practice I run into Xander.

"Good luck tonight! I'll be cheering for you," he says sweetly.

"No way! You're coming tonight?" I ask.

"Of course. It's your first game."

I can't help but give him a big hug. He seems surprised but after a second he wraps his arms around me.

After five seconds I feel my waist being pulled away. I turn around and see Dylan. Oh no. This is not going to end well.

"What the hell do you think you are doing touching my sister," Dylan shouts.

"Woah, Dylan. It's ok," I try to calm him down, but he completely ignores me.

"Don't ever talk to her again," he says and then drags me away.

"What was that about? It's not like we were making out in the middle of the hallway. He just wanted to wish me good luck for tonight," I ask.

"We already told you. We don't want you to hang out with that guy. He is bad news."

"Why? He has only ever been nice to me."

"Because we said so."

"That is not an answer. Maybe if you gave me an actual reason," I say but Dylan cuts me off.

"You do not talk to me like that." I can see him getting angrier. I feel the need to back down, but he's wrong. I deserve to know. They are keeping secrets from me. I am not 2 years old.

"I'm not trying to be rude, I just want you to stop keeping secrets from me."

He stares at me starstruck. His blue eyes are so wide, as if he is trying to read my mind. He unclenches his fists and the wrinkles on his forehead go away. I think he is trying to figure out what to say.

"I can't tell you. It is not something you need to worry about."

"If it involves you it involves me. That's what family is. Or that's what I thought family is."

He takes a deep breath and sighs. "Can we talk about this later? You have a game you need to practice for."

"Okay fine. But this is not over."

"I know."