Stick Together

Shane

"Are you going to the game?" Callie asks me when I plop down next to her on the couch. 

I look over at her and nod my head. She smiles, "Can you take me and Kansas with you?" 

"Only if y'all pay." I tell her with a smirk.

"You know, good brothers would offer to pay for his little sisters." 

"Well, I guess I'm not a good brother then." 

She slaps me on the back of the head and I chuckle, "Go get ready for the game, turd." 

She leaves the room and I pull out my phone, texting Jes. 

Do you need a lift to the game? 

My phone buzzes a few minutes later, No, I'm hitching one with Brook and Blake. 

I frown, ever since Monday night, we've barely talked, if we have it was just a casual hi in the hallway. She avoids being alone with me, and it eats me alive. Truth is, I miss her, a lot. 

"We're ready to go." Callie says coming back into the living room with Kansas behind her. 

I nod my head, grab the keys, and walk out to my truck. 

Callie slides in beside me with Kansas beside her, "Are you okay?" 

I look over at Callie, "Yeah." 

"Are you sure? I haven't seen Jes around lately." 

"It's not about her." I snap and pull out of our driveway. 

"I didn't ask if it was her." Callie snaps back. 

I stay silent for a minute, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." 

She sighs, "It's alright. We're here if you need us." 

I smile at them, "I know." 

They smile in return and we ride in silence to the school. 

When we pull up at the school, Kansas and Callie get out, and head towards their friend June who happens to be Jes' cousin. 

I walk across the parking lot, to the ticket booth and purchase my ticket.

Once I have my ticket, I slip through the gate and look around for Blake.

I notice him standing against the gate with Brook by his side but Jes isn't there.

"Hey, y'all. Where's Jes?" I ask once I reach them.

Brook turns around and smiles at me, "Over there."

I look over at where she's pointing and see Jes with my sisters and June.

"Oh, I'll be right back."

They nod and turn around back to the game due to the fact that we were the first to score.

"Can I talk to you Jes?" I ask once I reach them.

They all look up at me and walk away leaving me and Jes standing there in a awkward silence.

"Um, how have you been?" I start off not looking directly in her eyes.

She's silent for a minute, "I've been alright, how have you been?"

I stay silent debating in my head whether I should lie to her or tell her how I really feel.

"Honestly, Jes. I'm not doing good. I miss you." I tell her honestly.

She looks down at the ground not saying anything so I continue, "I'm sorry that I didn't tell who I liked but honestly, I can't. And I want to tell you but I just can't right now and I'm sorry Jes."