secrets between us

ASHTON

"Truth or dare?" my sister, Ashley, asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief as we sat together in the cozy living room. Our best friend, Aaron, was lounging beside us, looking just as curious.I hesitated for a moment, wanting to keep things cool. "Hmm... truth," I finally said. Aaron gave me a knowing look like he had expected me to make the safe choice. We had played this game many times before, and he always seemed to know what I'd pick.Ashley grinned and asked, "What's your favorite and most memorable day?" I paused, thinking about what to say. I considered making something up for a second, but I knew Aaron would call me out if I wasn't honest. After all, he knew me too well.Taking a deep breath, I finally answered, "My favorite and most memorable day is October 5th, 2010." As soon as the words left my mouth, Ashley's expression changed. "Wait, that was my birthday!" she said, her voice full of surprise.Before I could say anything, Aaron chimed in, "Yeah, it's his favorite day. I remember how happy he was when he found out he was getting a sister."Ashley turned to me, her eyes wide. "Really?" she asked, sounding touched. I nodded, a smile creeping onto my face as the memories came flooding back. "Yeah," I said softly, "I still remember that day so clearly."Ashley made her signature puppy-dog face, the one I could never resist. "Please tell me more?" she begged, her voice sweet. I sighed, knowing there was no way I could say no. "Alright, I'll tell you," I said, settling back into my seat."It was the first snowfall of the year," I began, my mind going back to that chilly, magical day. "Everyone was in such a good mood. Aaron and his family had come over to our house. Me, Dad, Aaron, and his dad were outside, building a snowman. Mom and Aaron's mom were inside, sipping hot chocolate in the dining room, laughing and chatting. It was perfect."I paused for a moment, recalling the sudden shift in the day's events. "Then, out of nowhere, Aaron's mom came running outside. She looked panicked and was shouting, 'Chad! Olivia's in pain! We need to get her to the hospital!' My dad rushed inside to check on Mom, and before I knew it, Aaron and I were being taken to his house while the grown-ups headed to the hospital. I was so confused. I didn't really understand what was going on."Aaron's mom had tried to explain things to me, but I was just a kid, and everything felt like a blur. "I asked her, 'Mrs. Williams, where did my parents go?' And she said, 'They went to the hospital because your mom is having the baby. You're about to become a big brother!'"A huge grin spread across my face as I remembered my reaction. "I was so excited! I started running around in circles, yelling, 'I'm gonna be a big brother!' Aaron and I even built another snowman in celebration. Two hours later, we were inside, cozy with mugs of hot chocolate, watching our favorite show, when I heard the sound of our car pulling up outside. I dropped my cup and rushed to the window, expecting to see my new baby sibling."I laughed softly. "But only Dad got out of the car. I remember feeling so disappointed. I had been imagining a tiny baby wrapped up in blankets, and there was no baby. Dad saw the look on my face and quickly said, 'Don't be sad. Your sister couldn't come home yet because of the risk of infection, but we can go visit her at the hospital. How does that sound?' I didn't even let him finish. I was already jumping up and down, yelling, 'Yes!'"Ashley's face softened as I continued. "So, we all piled into the car—me, Dad, Aaron, and his mom—and drove to the hospital. I could hardly wait to meet you. When we got there, I ran into the room, and Mom was sitting up in bed, smiling. She held out this tiny little bundle, and said, 'Congratulations, Aaron. You've got a little sister now. You're officially a big brother.' I looked at you, Ashley, and I swear, you were the cutest thing I'd ever seen. Right then and there, I promised myself that I'd always protect you, no matter what."I smiled at my sister. "That's why that day means so much to me. It was the day I became a big brother, and the day I knew I'd always love my little sister. Mom and Dad even let me pick your name! Though I have to admit, I didn't come up with 'Ashley' all by myself. Aaron helped. We spent nearly two weeks trying to come up with the perfect name."Ashley's eyes shimmered as she listened, and when I finished, she let out a soft, "Aww... I never knew you loved me that much." Then, without warning, she threw her arms around me in a tight hug.I rolled my eyes, but couldn't help smiling. "And this is exactly why I didn't want to tell the truth," I said with mock exasperation. "You always make everything so cringe!" Aaron chuckled from beside us and joined the hug. We were like siblings, the three of us, sharing everything, and knowing each other so well.But even though I could read Aaron like a book, I knew there were some things I didn't have to protect Ashley from. Aaron had feelings for her, and as her brother, I should've been more protective. But I trusted him. I knew Aaron was a good guy, and he would never hurt her. The only question that remained was whether Ashley saw him the same way. I guess there were still some secrets between us after all.