Secrets are Lies, Sister

Meet Cute?

Marcus Brown always stood out in a crowd. His beautiful green eyes could hypnotize you. His husky voice is mesmerizing.  His confidence can be immersive.

Well, to most girls.

Notre Dame-St. John is the top private school in our area; originally founded separately as the all-girls Notre Dame Academy and the all-boys counterpart, the all-boys St. John Preparatory School. Within the last few years, they merged their curriculums into one system and ultimately created one large school.

Matt had started at St. John Preparatory School for Boys as a freshman, and Avery and I joined him the year after.

Our first day of freshman year, we walked into the new school and made our way to homeroom. We met a group of girls huddled together at the desks, talking and giggling.

Avery spoke first. "Uh, hi."

The girls turned to looked at us, but turned back to their conversation.

"Okay, then." Avery and I glanced at each other confused.

"Don't mind them. Word just got out that Marcus Brown broke up with his girlfriend over the summer." We turned to the right to see a girl with dark hair and glasses. She motioned for us to sit down by her. "I'm Chloe by the way. Chloe Hogan."

I looked at Avery for reassurance before we sat down. "Hi. I'm Avery. And this is my sister, Brynn."

"Do you know those girls over there?" I asked, referring to the ones who brushed off Avery.

"Yeah. We went to the Junior High together at Easton. They can be nice when they want to, but they're pretty cliquey. Don't take it personally."

"Alright. So who's this Marcus guy?" I asked.

"He's a sophomore - was the only one to make the varsity hockey team as a freshman last year."

I didn't find that interesting, but Avery seemed to. She's always been more boy-crazy.

It didn't take long for us to actually meet Marcus. It's a pretty small school. I had seen him in the hall a few times, but I never talked to him.

We were at one of Matt's soccer games and I went to the concession stand to buy waters. He was behind me in line.

"Hey, Cooper! What's up?" He knows me?

"Um, hi."

"Come on. Don't get all shy on me." He puts his hand on my shoulder.

"What?"

"Brynn!" Avery ran up to me. "What's taking so long?" She turned and saw Marcus. "Oh, hey Marcus!"

He did a double take seeing us both together. I should be used to it by now, but it's still funny when people realize we're identical.

"I see you've met my sister, Brynn."

I smiled awkwardly.

"Ohhh. I'm sorry, I thought you were Avery."

"Story of my life." I really didn't mean to say that out loud, but he and Avery both laughed.

"I can't believe I forgot you told me you had a twin. I must look so dumb."

"No, not at all!"

"Yeah, it's no big deal, " I said while trying to forget the interaction.

I was next in line and asked for two bottles of water. "Let me get that for you," Marcus offered.

"Oh, it's okay."

"No, seriously." He was already grabbing his wallet from his pocket.

"Thanks." He handed the bottles to us.

"Well, my boys are waiting for me. We've got hockey practice soon. I'll see you girls around?"

"Yeah, for sure!" Avery said, cheerfully. She was grinning ear to ear.

"Nice to meet you, Brynn."

"You too, Marcus."

We watched him walk away before we turned back to the bleachers to finish watching the game.

"So, when did you start talking to Marcus?"

"What?"

"You heard me," I said, nudging her elbow.

She shrugged. "We've just chatted a few times. We have Study Hall together with Mr. Clark. I was sitting alone and he came over and we just kind of became friends I guess."

"How come you didn't tell me?"

"I don't know." She was blushing. "I just didn't think it was a big deal."

"Alright then." I rolled my eyes.

"Come on. It's not like that." She swatted me on the arm.

"I didn't say anything!"

We both laughed.

"It's seriously nothing, though. He's just nice."

"And cute," I added.

"Shut up."

"I saw how you looked at him in line, Aves. You can't deny it." I switched to a sing-song voice. "You like Marcus." I loved an opportunity to tease her. 

"Oh, stop it."