At my Lowest

Dakota

I'm not crazy, I know that Ethan was out of it back there.

But why?

Ethan just met Griffin.

I was standing in the hallway trying to clear my head.

I heard the gym door open and looked back to see just the person I wanted to right now.

Austin!

He always lights up my day and we joke and argue like siblings but when one of us is upset we're there.

I had red eyes and mascara on my face but he didn't care how stupid I looked.

He walked over and hugged me.

"I uhm, didn't know he could do that to somebody."

I started

"He's strong, dove. He's beaten the life out of plenty of people but he never wanted you to see that."

Austin calls me Dove because of my black hair.

He says that even though a dove is white and my hair is black my hair is what makes me look as innocent as a dove.

I don't get it, but oh well.

"What's up with him and Griff?"

"Well, they're half-siblings. I don't know much so you'll have to ask Ethan about it"

I gaped at him, the way he said that so casually.

I was still hugging him so I just buried my head in his chest and stood there silently.

He knew I need the silence.

It's a good thing Ethan has a football game today so he can blow off some steam he's been bottling up, I assume.

"Coco!"

I tried to peer over Austin's shoulder but he was too tall.

He let go of me and revealed me to Ethan.

Ethan nodded his thanks to Austin and he walked off.

"I don't know why I acted like that today, I was being possessive"

"Ethan, it's okay."

My dad walked out of his office and stepped into the gym for a moment.

Not long after he stepped out fuming and hurdling towards us.

"What is happening in there?!"

"There was a fight, I'm sorry. It was me, Coach"

"This can't get to the principal so keep your mouths shut, okay?! I'm calling Matt to get you, princess. Seems like you've had a rough day"

I exhaled and leaned into Ethan's chest.

"Do I get to meet your brother then?"

Oh no...

"I guess so"

Me and Ethan talked and he told me his story.

About Griffin and his parents.

By the time we'd moved on and focused on what I should wear to his game Matt had arrived.

"Hey, ready to go?"

"Yep!" I replied a little too quickly

I was nervous about my boyfriend meeting my brother

"Hold on, who's this?"

Matt pointed to Ethan and Ethan took a step forward.

"I'm the boyfriend"

He said it in a light-hearted warm way that made it sound sweet.