Soulmates and Exceptions #Wattys2016

Brotherly Advice

     Brea and Spencer felt for their partner in crime. They did their best to adapt to all of the new rules, with as few questions as possible – because it upset Jackson. There, of course, had been a few learning experiences, like when Brea curled up against Jackson while watching a movie. Jackson made no rush to move from her, figuring they were okay because he wore his gloves. Rose hadn't noticed until the ending credits and cleared her throat to get their attention. Jackson bolted upright in his seat, moving enough to the side for there to be an exaggerated gap between himself and his friend.

     Brea closed her journal, having just spent a half-hour pouring out her feelings for Spencer, everything she felt around him, and Jackson's new behavior. She decided that she needed a walk to clear her head. "Mom! I'm going for a walk!" she announced before slamming the door behind her. She headed down the walkway, spotting Jackson alone on his porch reading. "Jacks!" She smiled.

     "Hey Brea!" he closed his book, placing it beside him.

     "I'm going for a walk. Would you mind..." she looked around carefully, "joining me?"

     Jackson weighed the consequences carefully. "Spence's is at practice and Dad's working..."

     "Great! I wanted to talk to you." She batted her eyes at him. "Please?"

     Why'd she have to look at him like that? He was going to get into so much trouble later. He wanted to avoid being completely alone with her as much as he could - at least until they were a little older. "Fine." She linked her arm with his.

     Once she felt that they were far enough from their houses, she spoke. "Jacks? Can I ask you something?"

     "If it's about THAT, I already told you too much."

     "It's not about that...well, not exactly."

     "What then?"

     "What does it feel like when you start feeling drawn to someone? Like, does it hurt? Does it make you feel nervous?"

     He stared at the early evening sky. "It's more annoying."

     "You already feel it? It's only been a few months since your birthday! I thought it was supposed to take a few years to really feel it!"

     "I was told that you can put off searching for your soulmate – that you can ignore the feeling – until you finish school. Preferably finish school and learn a trade. Getting a job would be even better, but only if you can manage."

     "I get it, sort of..." she trailed off, deep in thought. The two friends rounded the corner, walking back towards their neighborhood. "Does it start at eighteen, or could it start sooner?"

     Jackson stopped, watching her closely as she bit her lip. He knew she only did that when she was really nervous. "Brea?"

     "I'm sorry Jacks! I shouldn't have asked. I just...I can't ask my parents – not that they would answer. I figured that you could help me." Her words leaving her in a rush.

     Jackson thought for a moment before responding to her. He took a deep breath. "Brea, do you feel like you're drawn to someone?"

     "Maybe. It might just be a crush. I don't know." She blushed.

     "Does it drive you crazy?" He probed further.

     "All of the time."

     "Is it a warm, kind of tingly feeling that gets stronger the closer you get?