The Two Of Us

Attie (Chapter 4)

"You took my dress?" Allie said.

I was standing in the living room, awkwardly holding her pair of heels and the rose Griffin got for me.

Holden was standing off to the side, arms crossed. I am sure I'll get scolded by him after Allie.

"It was a spur-of-the-moment thing. I can give you money for me using it."

Allie seemed to relax at that offer. She would do anything for money, just like my mother.

"Fine, 50 bucks. I'd like it by tomorrow evening," she said before walking back to our room.

I'd be crazy if I ever charged her for borrowing my clothes.

"So, do you want to tell me why you didn't tell me you were going out?" Holden asked.

I didn't mean to pity Holden, but in a way, I did. He was forced to mature fast for his age, taking on the father figure role. As a result, he looked just like our dad.

"I'm sorry, I just wasn't thinking."

He shook his head, letting out a sigh. "Listen, Attie. I know you're not a kid anymore. I understand that, but you live with me. I promised myself I would look after you three. And after all the shit that went down with mom and dad, I want to ensure you're safe."

"I'm sorry," I said.

Holden paced the room before sitting on the couch, "Tate called me 'dad' today."

"Wait, what?" I asked.

"He didn't realize he said it, and I didn't bring any attention to it. I mean, he's been living with me since he was four and a half. It was bound to happen. It's just that I'm his brother. I always wanted a brother, and when I finally got one, I couldn't even have a normal relationship with him."

"I'm sorry, Holden; if it makes you feel better, at least he has you to look to as a father figure instead of our actual father."

Holden laughed, "Thank you, Attie."

"I should go pay Allie $50 now."

Holden smiled as he watched me slip into my room.

One week later ---

Allie let me borrow her red dress again. She had a new one for this dance, so she didn't care about the red one. She charged me $25 this time. How considerate. I haven't seen Griffin since the dance last Saturday, but I did DM on Instagram to ask him if he was still okay with going, and he said yes.

This time he was holding two roses instead of one. I smiled as I took them from him.

"You look nice," he said.

I smiled, "You look nice as well."

He was wearing a similar suit that he was wearing to the last dance, except this time, it was a dark grey.

Allie asked me if it was okay if she and Bradley rode with us. Of course, I didn't care until I realized that Bradley and I would be in the same car together.

Griffin opened the door for me and winked. "So, Bradley is the crush?"

I swatted him on the arm, "Shh, I don't know where they are. Allie would kill me if she heard you."

Griffin laughed, "Sorry."

I waved Allie and Bradley over. Bradley looked outstanding. He was wearing a light grey suit, his hair was different shades of blonde, and he looked taller than I had seen him last.

"Hi, Attie," he said.

I looked into his eyes, and all my feelings for this boy came back in three seconds.

"Hey, Bradley."

Allie was oblivious to our conversation; she was already getting in the car.

"You look stunning," Bradley said.

His eyes scanned over my body. Again, his gaze was different than Griffin's. This time I felt tenser.

"You don't look so bad yourself," I replied.

Griffin tapped on the hood of the car. I forgot he just watched the whole encounter.

"Are you guys ready?" He asked.

I nodded, "Yeah, sorry."

We just listened to Allie talk about her life the whole drive to school. Who knew twins could be so different?

Griffin parked the car and took in a sharp breath.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

He was staring straight ahead. He looked nervous.

I placed my hand on top of his, which caused him to look over at me.

"Yeah, I'm fine. It's just. Now I know how you felt."

I smiled, "Come on, let's go."

Walking in with Griffin, I have never felt more confident. Yet, I couldn't help but blush whenever someone looked our way.

We danced to a couple of songs, and I introduced him to some friends. He did well under social pressure. He must be used to it.

"Hey, I was wondering if I could steal a dance from you?" Bradley asked.

I glanced over at Griffin, "Yeah, Griffin, are you okay with that?"

"Yeah, of course. I don't mind."

I took Bradley's hand, "Not going so well with my sister?"

"I came into the coffee shop looking for you," Bradley said.

I looked at him. I was confused. Why did he start talking with Allie if he was looking for me? Then it hit me. He probably thought Allie was me.

"Did you think Allie was me?" I asked.

He nodded. I could tell he was embarrassed. I'm not sure if I should feel offended or if I should be relieved.

"Well, why?" I asked.

"I wanted to ask you to the dance, and I thought I did, but I asked Allie."

"We haven't talked in years," I said.

Bradley frowned, "Yeah, I know. That is why I wanted to ask you; I couldn't get you off my mind."

By the time the song was over, I felt sick. I was so confused with what and how to feel.

"I'll be right back," I said to Bradley.

I found my way outside. It was cold, but I didn't care. I felt like I couldn't breathe inside.

"Are you okay?"

Griffin was leaning against the building, hands in his pockets.

I felt a sense of comfort seeing him out here.

"Thank you," I said.

He raised an eyebrow, "For what?"

"For coming with me. It was a crazy idea, and I'm happy you agreed."

He laughed, taking off his jacket and placing it around my shoulders. "I think you seem to forget, Attie, that I asked you for the same favor."

I leaned my head on his shoulder as we stood in comfortable silence.