Trouble in Paradise

Chapter 46

"So, are you going to tell me what happened with that Sami kid?"

I look over at my brother out of the corner of my eye. Hes not looking at me, instead hes looking out the windshield in front of him.

Its been a month since Sam and i broke up. Im not entirely over him yet, but im getting there i think.

We havent spoken since Sami had called me three weeks ago to comfront me about punching Sophia. Im getting over him, i think so anyway. The whole process of getting over somebody, ive realized, is slow and tedious.

My brother has helped me out a lot, until now atleast. Hes kept me out of my room, always finding things that him and I can do together. We've gone to the movies, to the annual carnival, we raced go-carts last weekend, and now Ryan is taking me somewhere thats to stay anonymous. We are headed out of town, i realize, as we pass a street sign.

I look out the window and pretend like I hadnt heard his question. This is the first time hes brought Sami up since the night i broke down in his arms. I dont know why he even brought it up.

"Where are we going?"

"Lex? Did you even hear me?" my brother glances over at me.

"I heard you just fine," I keep my gaze transfixed on the green blur outside my window as we co tinue to speed down the highway.

"Lexi, i think it would help alot to talk about it. You cant keep everything inside. Eventually it will all build up an-"

"Ryan, drop it!" i snap, cutting my brother off mid-sentence, "I dont want to talk about Sami with you."

"Well then talk to your friend, Jasmine."

I roll my eyes even though he cant see, "Its Jackie."

"Yeah. Why dont you talk to Jackie?"

"Because Jackie is best friends with Sami," i tell my brother slowly, as if he were stupid.

"So...what does that have to do with anything?"

I let out an annoyed sigh, "Because, Ryan, if i talk to Jackie about Sami, then she might go to Sami and tell him what i said about him. Thats why."

"Well, if she really is your friend, then she wouldnt tell him what you guys talk about."

"She was friends with Sami way before i was."

We sit in silence for a couple of miles before Ryan speaks up again.

"You can always talk to me."

"I know, Ryan. I know."

Twenty minutes later Ryan pulls the car into a parking lot. Above us, a giant sign reads Welcome to the Blank Park Zoo!

"You brought me to the zoo?"

"Yes," Ryan grins beside me, "I thought it would be fun."

"Thank you Ryan," I lean across the center console and wrap my arms around my big brother.

"I love you, Lexi," he mumbles into my hair.

                            *   *   *

Ryan and i get home late from our trip to the zoo. After walking through and looking at every animal exhibit, we stopped at a sno cone cart. Sno cones are probably the best way to eat shaved ice, like, ever.

We ate supper at a Wendy's on the way home. And now its just a little past seven thirty, and Ryan and i are pulling into the driveway.

Mom and dad arent home, i can tell that from looking at our empty driveway. Im guessing that they took advantage of a night all to themselves, and went out for supper.