sixteen

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by foreverelita

by foreverelita

"Thank you." I force out as Christi plops a mound of mashed potatoes into my plate. "Pass the butter?"

My foster-mother raises an eyebrow and me and poises her hand above the margarine container.

"Pass the butter, please." She corrects. I raise my eyebrows slightly and purse my lips,

"Please."

Kendall grins at me from across the table and holds back a laugh. I hate to admit it, but she's not as shallow as I thought she would be. I really like spending time with her, and I feel like she's a true sister.

For a few uncomfortable minutes, we eat in silence, the only sound the clanking of forks against ceramic plates.

Finally, mild-mannered Alex slams his glass down on the table.

"Is someone going to tell me what's going on?! No one's talking to each other and locked up in their rooms all day!"

I freeze, "Nothing." Alex could never know I opened up to someone. I've put up the walls as a security for him. What if he couldn't handle the change?

Christi sips her milk regally and I bite at some dead skin on my lip. It's as if this is a test, even though it's not. She's wondering if I'll tell the truth - if I'll be the bigger person - the big sister.
I sigh and place my head in my hands. After takin a few deep breaths, then turn to face Alex, and itch to lie is present, but I overpower it.

Well, kind of. "My friend Josh and I just have to go to the guidance counselor tomorrow. You don't need to worry, buddy." I mess up his short, caramel hair playfully.

Alex eyes me suspiciously,

"Okay..." he concludes after a few moments of consideration.

Christi wordlessly rises and carries her plate out to kitchen. I can hear the water running in the background. Kendall and I exchange yet anther glance of telepathic communication and she nods quickly; almost unnoticeably. I pat Alex's shoulder, "Why don't you head upstairs, okay?"

He obeys wordlessly and scurries up the carpeted steps, swinging around the banister like a normal little kid; as if he's been living here for his whole life long. I don't want to screw that up for him.

"Can I borrow your phone?" I ask Kendall tentatively.

She smiles at me, "Of course - more Josh Hyland drama?" she assumes.

I nod wordlessly, taking hold of the iPhone in its embellished case.

I send a quick text, saying

PLAY NICE AT THE MEETING -C.

He responds back stalkerishly fast,

ANYTHING 4 U. IF THEY ASK, IT WAS ALL ME.

I take a deep breath and lock Kendall's phone again.

"Thanks." I whisper, and slink up the stairs.