Love Is Complicated

Crush

Sam quickly made his way out of the house and across the street to Andys house. He heard something as soon as he got to the steps, though. it sounded like something hitting the door. He wasn't sure if he wanted to knock, fearing he was interrupting something, but maybe it was something that needed interrupting. So, he steeled himself and raised his hand to knock, but he stopped when he heard something else.

He leaned forward and out his ear to the door, trying to hear what was going on. but before he could, the door opened suddenly and he almost fell into the house, thankfully regaining his balance.

He was hoping to be greeted by Andy, but that wasn't who opened the door.

"Yes?" Said the woman who'd opened the door. She was a bit on the taller side, probably about 5'10", and a little on the bigger side, not fat, but muscle. she had long dark hair that was very clearly a wig, and she didn't look pleased to be answering the door.

"Um, hi." Sam started, being as friendly as he could. "Is...is Andy here?"

The woman's brow furrowed the tiniest bit at Andys name. "Who's asking?" she asked as she crossed her arms.

"Oh, right. I'm Sam. Stephanie's big brother? I don't think we've met." He stuck out his hand to shake, but she didn't make a move to return it, so he dropped it, continuing with why he came here in the first place. "I was just wondering if Andy was able to come hang out with us for a few hours?"

"Us?" She raised a questioning eyebrow.

"Yeah, uh, m-me, Steph, and  M-Marcus." Sam mentally kicked himself for stuttering. He grew up with it, but he got rid of it for the most part, but it showed up whenever he got nervous. Even the teensiest bit flustered and he couldn't get out three consecutive words without fumbling over it.

The Woman looked him up and down, giving hi a once-over, only it was more than once. Actually, it was enough to make him a little uncomfortable. So much so, that he really didn't want her looking at him anymore.

"Soooo.........." he said, scratching the back of his neck.

"I guess." She said, though she sounded rather irritated about it. "Andrew!" she called back into the house.

Over the next several seconds, Sam heard a number of things, scrambling, a thud, a profane shout, followed by a sting of thuds as Andy ran down the stairs, almost like he couldn't get there fast enough. He looked at apprehensive as could be until he laid eyes on Sam.  He relaxed a little, but still tried to keep as much distance between him and the woman, but not enough to be considered disrespectful or fearful.

Now, he knew who this woman was.

Celeste.

Sam looked and Andy and smiled. "Wanna hang out?"

"Uh..." Andy looked at Celeste before saying anything else.

Sam watched what looked like a silent conversation between the two. It felt like forever before Celeste turned to Sam and spoke. "Stephanie is fine, but Marcus can't be around."

"WHAT?!" Andy yelled.

"Why?!" Sam barked at the same time.

"No Marcus or Andy stays here." She looked at the teen with a glare. "Your choice."

With that, she walked away.

Sam looked at Andy, who was fully facing him which allowed him to see the bright red mark that covered half his face. He felt anger rush through him at the sight of the mark and his body move before he even knew he was. Andy pushed him back out the doorway, stopping him, his hands holding Sams biceps tightly, pleading.