Socially Stupid

Chapter 16

Nathan walked out to his car as the cold wind blew in his face. It felt nice after an intense practice with the team.

"See ya, Nate," Jake waved as he and Andrew got into a car.

"See ya," Nathan said as he continued walking. He pulled out his phone from his pocket and realized Sarah had texted him.

"Look, either you or me needs to tell Andrew the truth about this silly charade your sister is pulling."

Nathan shook his head. He didn't understand why Sarah had such interest in the situation. He decided to call her.

As it rang, he fumbled with his keys to get his car door unlocked.

"Hello?" Sarah answered.

"Hey, we need to talk," he said. "I got your text."

"Ok," Sarah said.

Nathan opened his door and got in his car, shutting the door behind him. "I'm going home right now to talk to Kayla about it," he said. "I told you to stay quiet."

"Sorry, Nate. But I thought about it and I think something needs to be said," Sarah said. "Your sister will just have to deal with her new reputation."

"Why do you think you need to be the one that speaks up?" Nathan said. He started his car and put on his seatbelt.

"Because I'm a cheerleader, and I owe the basketball team some honesty," Sarah said.

"What does that make me then? Chopped liver?" Nathan said. "In case you forgot, I'm also on the basketball team."

"I'm aware," Sarah snapped. She started to think of a lie to tell. "I'm trying to be a better person. Andrew deserves the truth."

Nathan rolled his eyes. "I agree. But Kayla is my sister, and I'll deal with it. I honestly don't think Andrew gives two flying shits that you know a secret."

"If it involves his love life, he might care," Sarah said. "If not, I'm sure he would care if you knew Kayla's secret."

"What the Hell. Are you being serious right now?" Nathan said.

"Tell me what your genius plan is then to get this secret put to rest," Sarah demanded.

"Well, like I said... I'm going home to talk to her right now," he said as he put his car in gear and started to drive away.

"What are you going to say though?" She asked, getting impatient.

"I'm gonna tell her she needs to tell him tomorrow or I'm going tell him myself," he said. "She'll freak out."

"You really think that's going to work, huh?" Sarah said.

"I know how to get my sister to do things, ok?" Nathan said. "It's gonna get done. I overheard Andrew and Jake talking about plans for the weekend with my 'cousin' and Kayla this weekend."

"Oh, tricky!" Sarah said.

Nathan shook his head. "I'll text you later, alright?" he said. "Keep your mouth shut. I know how to blackmail people too."

"Alrightie then," Sarah said, unconvinced Nate had anything on her. "Talk to you later."

"Bye," Nathan said. He disconnected the call and threw his phone on the seat next to him.

He tried to focus on the road now. He was feeling the stress of everything weigh on his shoulders. The tournament, schoolwork, college... Andrew, the truth...

He pounded the steering wheel with a free hand and rubbed his face. "Freaking hell."

On top of the stress for his future and his present, was his past. Without his father, Nathan felt like he was responsible for everything. If Mom wasn't taking her medicine, Nathan had to be the one to remind and pester her. If Kayla was misbehaving and making everyone's lives difficult, he had to be the one to lay down the law.