The Athlete & The Mathlete

5

Jackson Violet

I saw Jackson. I turned on my heels and started walking back towards the house. I then realized that Anthony went inside and ordered food for both of us to go. I waited for about 10 minutes then Anthony walked out with a bag. "I realized why you walked away but I knew what you wanted already and you seemed like you really wanted it soooo I went in and ordered to go. Wanna go to the park?" He looked at me. I nodded and we started walking. We got to our destination 10 minutes later. "Soooo I got yoou some chicken nuggets, a burger, French fries, tater tots, and onion rings with a chocolate milkshake with a cherry on top. And I got me a chicken salad and a soda." He paused for a second. I had a 'how are we related' look. "Wiiiith friench fries." I smiled and chuckled. "That's my brother." I laughed and he joined me. "He was on a date...." I frowned looking down. "He was on a date with Katrina...." I pulled out the ketchup and sweet and sour sauce. "I'm sorry you saw that Carls." He reached over the table and patted my shoulder. "You know what.....that's on her.....she deserves him.....I never did...........but it doesn't matter because she got suspended and I didn't." I smiled weakly. "Yea I heard, how did you get suspended and then unsuspended?" He asked. "Oh well so Katrina was bullying Stephanie and being a good friend I stood up for her. I told her I wasn't going to get physical unless she started it. I saw Coach Wilson observe the entire situation and well while I was going at it with Katrina, she smacked me across my face so I hit her back, I guess the hall monitor saw me hit her and sent me to the deans office. You guys walked with me there and then left. The dean called me back and automatically suspended me. I was on my way out of the school when one of the school police saw me leaving he picked me up and took me back to the school and I got told on but when we walked into the deans office, Coach Wilson was talking to the dean and so I'm guessing that Coach explained what happened. When I walked in the dean explained what happened to the school police and then unsuspended me and suspended Katrina instead since she started it. And so the dean sent me to first period math and I'm just happy I don't have to get notes from someone else." I gave him a genuine smile while I explained. He looked shocked. "I'm very proud of you for doing the right thing Carly. It means that while mom and dad are gone I did a really good job taking care of you." He had proud written across his face. "Well you won't be proud when I tell you something." He looked worried. "You're not pregnant are you?","Jesus no, I'm still a virgin thank god. No not even close. You know how I would always tell you I was going to the library?" I asked him and he nodded. "Well a couple of times I didn't go to library, I went to parties instead." I looked down disappointed in myself. "Carly I already knew that. Every time you went to the library I'd check if you were there. And I kind of knew you were at a party. Knowing that you were popular and such. And I knew you were good enough not to get drunk and you didn't, yes I knew you'd drink but you weren't drunk which made me happy." I felt relieved. "So you're not mad?" I was a little scared. "I was at first because you lied to me but I noticed that it was only like 3 or 4 times so I set it slide. I also didn't confront you about it because I knew you'd tell me eventually when you were ready." I love how wonderful my brother is. "Have I ever told you that I'm really happy I have you as a brother?" I asked him with a smile. I got up and sat next to him. "Because I'm really really happy that I have you as my brother." I smiled and hugged him. "Now that we have cleared everything up haha let's get down to business." I was so confused and he saw it so he started laughing. "A little too serious?" He laughed. I nodded my head and giggled. "Anyway, so how long have you liked Jason?" I blushed. "When I first saw him at the house." I answered truthfully. "What did he have you say in the school?" He had a huge smile on his face. "He had me say that he was hot, sexy, charming, and smart." I felt my cheeks catch fire. "And let me tell you something, when I said it...I accidently made it sound suductive." And that's what made Anthony crack. He bursted into laughter. "Just to let you know, this conversation we're having right now, is between you and me. I see that we both finished our food do you want to just sit here and talk or do you want to go home and hang out there?" He started picking up his trash as I did with mine. "Can we just stay here a little longer? I want to enjoy this. Oh hey I'm having a game this upcoming Friday do you want to come?" I asked. "I don't know much about flag football but sure I'll go to support my little sister. Can I bring Jason so I have someone to talk to?" He asked. "Yeah I don't see why not I asked Carla and she's going." He looked happy. "Carly what do you like in a guy? I'm just curious." He looked destined to find out. "I'm actually into geeks, good looking, smart, funny, nice, kind, not popular what so ever, shy, modest geeks. Most people on teams are into popular people. Not me no sirree. I'm different." I had a wide smile on my face, which made Anthony smile. He's always been happy when I'm happy. "Why are you always smiling and happy when I'm happy?" I watched his body language. We started walking home. "Well Carls, when I see that you're happy, its usually because you did well for yourself, because when you start talking about what makes you happy, you get a sparkle in your eye. And I see passion written all over you with pride and happiness. Because when you are happy I see that you're proud of yourself and that makes me a very happy brother." His small speech made brought tears in my eyes. I stepped in front of him and hugged him. He hugged me back, at that moment, I realized that I was the luckiest girl in the world to have Anthony as my brother. I gave him a wide smile and that made him smile. We got home to find the door unlocked and slightly cracked open. We both looked each other with fear. I barged in and slammed the door shut. I couldn't believe what I saw standing in front of me. Neither could Anthony.

"Dad?"