i can't stay mad at you

thirteen

Miles

"Since we're telling secrets...." I begin to fidget, losing eye contact. I don't think I've said this out loud. It's just been something I knew, and kept to myself.

"Oooh, please do spill," Ethan keeps a wide smile on his face. It hasn't left since my reaction to his coming out.

"I think I have a crush on Olivia. Well I know I do, that's why I reacted so weird when you were gonna date her." Saying this takes about 300 bricks off my shoulders, but also adds about 10 more.

"You're lying!" Ethan is so delighted by this news, he begins to laugh and clap like a damn seal. "This is so amazing."

"Why is this so amazing?"

"Because, you guys would be so cute together, and I'm also positive she likes you too."

"First of all, I never said I liked her, its a crush, and second, even if she did like me, I wouldn't go after her. You know I cant."

"Um first of all, no, there's no difference between the two, and second, why the hell not?"

I look at him like he's stupid, "Maybe because I have severe anger issues and mild depression, not sure that and a relationship is a good pair. We saw how that worked out before." I roll my eyes at just the thought of Kelsi. Really dodged a bullet with that one.

"Okay but Kelsi was an actual bitch, that relationship wouldn't have worked even without your problems. Olivia is the sweetest girl, she would be so good for you." He gushes. Since when was the world rooting for me to get in a relationship.

"Whatever Ethan. You're delusional." I end the conversation before getting aggravated. But Ethen doesn't seem to care.

"Please please please go for her bro. Don't you think she's nice?" He pleads.

"Actually no, not really. She's always starting shit with me." Now that I think about it, all we do is argue.

"Okay and you love that, admit it."

"Whatever man."I roll my eyes once more before I get up and head for the door. He can handle the bill this time.

---

Olivia

When we are all gathered around for dinner, I know something is up. Usually, when my mom makes dinner, we each grab a plate, and go our separate ways. But tonight she was adamant about us all sitting at the dining room table.

"So what's this about?" I bluntly ask. If I wont, no one will. James and Alanya look at me like I'm crazy. Josh keeps scarfing down food and the twins talk quietly together without a care in the world.

"Well, baby, there's something I wanted to tell you all." My ever so polite mother picks up her pristine napkin and dabs at her mouth. She looks each of her children in the eye separately before continuing. "So, your father.."

"Oh Ma please no. Not again." Alanya slumps down rolling her eyes in the process. Whenever our dad is mentioned, it's never good news.

"Listen. I know he is not you guys' favorite person but...well we've been in touch lately."

"What?"
"What do you mean in touch?"
"Mom why are you talking to him again," Me Josh and Alanya begin to talk all at once. I'm so confused. This man that decided we weren't what he wanted years ago, is just coming around again? What's even stranger is the woman that never takes shit from anyone-the woman I call my mother- is allowing it.

"We believe it would be beneficial for him to start coming by to see you guys." For the first time my mother doesn't seem like the head of the house. She doesn't sit there with a brooding stance but instead she looks small and almost fearful of our reactions. It's silent for a while before anyone decides to comment.