The Grey in Between

Braden

She'd fucking hate me if she found out.

I slowly clean up, making sure to get every drop and to clean and bandage my arm before rolling up my sleeve and flushing and exiting my bathroom. I look down the hall where I heard my sister, Allie, earlier. She's no longer there. I shuffle to my room.

What would she say if she knew? I fucking can't lose her. No way. I'd go crazy.

But I already am.

I had noticed her before that day in fall, my sophomore year, when she saved my life. Her fire hair in that thick braid, her splash of freckles and her ivory skin. We had math together. I had a crush on her. The way her nose was always in a book or she was always doodling. She had always looked sad, and then when I knew why, I vowed to make sure she never ever had to hurt again. And she hasn't. That I know of. I feel guilty for not telling her. But I can't bear the thought of losing Julie.

I try to pick out an outfit for the date tonight. I need something with sleeves, I think guiltily. I pick a light blue button up, a pair of khaki shorts and Sperries. I spray some cologne on. I jump as my retriever, Molly, barges into my room. I must of forgotten to lock my door. I shoo her out and make sure to lock my door, if my sleeves had been rolled up and it had been my mom or sister, who knows what would happpen. I grab my keys off my dresser before scanning my room and leaving to go pick up Julie. No matter what happens, I will not let her find out.