We Can Only Pretend for so Long

Always do Pelter

"You were in jail!? What the hell did you do now?"

"Lay off Ryan. Jesus."

"Stay the fuck out of this Pelter, this has nothing to do with you."

"It does actually." He growled, stepping closer.

"You want a rematch from last year? Fine by me."

"You guys, knock it off! What the hell is your problem."

"Get in the fucking house Kyle. I'll deal with you later."

"Listen asshole-"

"Jacob please. Just go home, let's just drop this. I don't want to see officer Redmond twice in one day."

Jacob glanced between myself and Ry.

My eyes scanned the whole yard.

Jacob and Ryan too close, both fuming.

Bri standing in the background with her arms crossed.

Jay off to the side, helpless like myself.

What a fucked up day.

"I said get in the house Kyle."

"You know what, Kyle, you're coming with me. Let's go."

Jacob's hand wrapped around my wrist.

"Like hell she is. You've gotten her into enough trouble already."

Decisions. Decisions.

Stay here and get lectured by my brother and his girlfriend, or go to Jacob's and try to calm him down.

Turning I allowed Jacob to lead me to the car.

"Kyle!"

I heard Bri's steps get closer, but Ryan's voice stopped her, and almost me, right in her tracks. "Fuck it, let her leave. Who cares."

After that comment, leaving seemed ten times harder.

If there was anything I've learned these past few months, it'd be how to hide my feelings.

"Are you sure Ky?"

"Just drive Jay." My mind wouldn't stop racing. It couldn't. I had to do something to calm down. "Your dad's not home is he?"

"No, he's not."

"So, I can take a shower when we get there?"

The car was silent for a moment, almost with a state of panic.

"Uh, yeah. That's uh, that's cool."

Stepping out of the car both guys avoided my gaze.

"What the hell is wrong with you guys?"

"Nothing. I'll get you some clothes, but uh, nope, never mind. I'll be right back."

"And I'll, be in my room."

Quickly they left, leaving me in the hallway alone.

What was that about?

They act like I've never showered here before.

Of course, I was eight.

"Here are some clothes, you know where the bathroom is. I'll be in my room."

It didn't hit me until I was in the bathroom undressing as to why they were freaking out.

The only bra I had, was soaking wet.