The Truth in a Dare

Chapter 9

"Here are three things you must, and I mean MUST, remember for my family. One, normal is a strange concept to them. Two, they are very energetic and country type of people. And three, do not show weakness around the little children. They will pester you to the end of time," I warn Evan as I open the door of my side of the car and I look up to see a giant country style mansion. People were scattered across the porch, the front lawn, and down by the pond. And as my family began to approach the massive house, more and more people came rushing over. 

I hear a familiar groan from somewhere I couldn't see and as I turn towards the sound, I spot my favorite person on this earth.

"Oh my God!" I screech as I run towards him and he opens his arms wide.

"God, I've missed you," Alec whispers into my hair and I squeeze him tighter. 

"Oh my God," I whisper again as I just continue to hug my favorite cousin. We sway back and forth as I breathe in the familiar scent of fresh pines. Tears prick at my eyes as I squeeze like I never want to let go of him. It had been a full year since I had gotten to hug him or even punch him for his teasing. I finally pull away and look over Alec's newly toned and muscular body. His deep brown eyes glimmered as he looked me over as well and I ruffled his auburn hair. 

"You look incredible," I hear another familiar voice blurt from behind me and I turn to find Alec's older brother Luke walking towards me. He wraps me in his incredibly muscular arms and that's when I hear Evan scoff.

"No way," Evan says incredulously and that's when I remember that Luke was a famous football player.

"Who are you?" Luke asks as him and Alec both step towards me protectively.

"Guys, this is Evan. My--um--boyfriend. Evan, this is Alec Kuechly and Luke Kuechly. My favorite cousins," I introduce them all and both Alec and Luke give Evan shady looks.

"Well, she's never brought one of you around these parts. Where's Kayden?" Alec whispers the question in my ear and I shrug.

"Hi," Evan shakes both of their hands and Alec continues to have his arm wrapped tightly around my shoulders.

"Hi there, Evan. Are you a football player?" Luke immediately takes over and Evan's eyes light up like the night sky as they begin to talk about football.

"Come on! Grandma's been waiting for you," Alec ushers me inside and I glance back at Evan, catching him looking at me as well. He gives me a terrified look causing me to chuckle.

You'll be fine,  I mouth the words and he rolls his eyes. As if he was going to die on his own. As I turn back around to go with Alec, more people come rushing over. I see the whole rest of the family and tears begin to fill my eyes.

"Awe! You really do love us!" Alec says as they all wrap me into a giant group hug of giggles and joy. I let myself relax inside the giant bubble of family members and I could barely hold back the tears. I hadn't seen these people in a year. And I was finally getting to see them all. And as I look over at Alec, seeing his brilliant smile, I knew it would be hard for me to hold in the secret. 

"Alright, alright. Enough hugging! The girls gonna suffocate in all these tears and hugs," Alec announces and everybody breaks apart from the hug with chuckling and smiles. 

"Okay, what are we doing first?" I ask as the noon sun makes us both scrunch our eyebrows and squint our eyes. 

"Oh, honey, I have so many plans for these next three days," He says as he grabs my arm and launches forwards toward the house. We burst inside and the fragrant smell of sweets wafts up to my nostrils. A smile curls across my lips as I recognize all the different smells.

"I smell Grandma's famous pumpkin pie!" I exclaim as we spill into the kitchen and I spot grandma cooking at the stove with the largest grin I've ever seen.

"Hi, hon! Come give me a kiss!" she ushers me over and I follow her orders as she giggles, "You brought a handsome new fellow with you. Is he your lover now?" 

"Grandma! No! We've only been dating a little while. Don't get ahead of yourself," I say as I kiss her on the cheek and watch the sauce simmer in all the pots she had splayed out in front of her.

"Well, sweetheart, with those good looks there's no way he's not your lover of sorts," she jokes and I cringe. My face slightly brightened and I tried to hide it. Still not knowing why I was reacting this way. I didn't like him that way. 

"Come on, Amara! They're starting volleyball out in the yard. And with your long legs, we're going to need you up in the front," Alec announces as he grabs me by the arms again and yanks me out of the kitchen and out across the patio.

The sun pours down on my skin as we race through the yard towards the volleyball court. And that's when I see Evan shirtless. With sweat beading down his forehead and his eyebrows scrunched. I let out a low whistle. I gotta admit, I was impressed. He was toned and muscular for a high schooler. 

"Come on Williams! Show me what you got!" He shouts at me as Alec lets go and I rub my hands together.

"Oh, I'll show you what I got," I whisper in response and hop onto the court. Ready to kick my families butt.