by Julie Solano
I am speechless, breathless, and my mind has been invaded by an army of hormones. I’ve never felt ANY-THING like that in my life. “So, can you remind me how to breathe, cuz I can’t seem to do it right now?” I gasp in a whisper.
“I would . . . but you just left me speechless,” he gasps. Breathing heavily, he sets his head back on my forehead, and pulls his hands back around me. “Did that really just happen?”
“I think so,” I giggle.
Brody leans into my ear and whispers, “Pip, you have no idea how long I’ve been holding that one in . . . I’ve thought about it; imagined it since we were in junior high, but never, in my wildest dreams, did I ever think it could feel that incredible to kiss my best friend.”
I’m stunned at his admission, and sit quietly on Brody’s lap, while we work to calm the aftershock of our first kiss. Our breathing is still labored and we maintain our tight hold on one another. Again, he leans into me, gently resting his forehead on mine.
Comforting silence surrounds us, when suddenly, the pressure of a set of praying hands comes down between us, dividing our heads like a music conductor cutting off an orchestra. We look up to see Caden standing over us. He holds our heads apart, shooting us a searing glare. Silence continues to fill the room, but it’s not so comforting anymore.
“SO THE RUMORS ABOUT THE two of you turning the photo booth into a love shack are true?” he spits out. “It’s time to come clean guys. Holding hands in the dark corner, putting on a show worthy of Dancing with the Stars, and now I walk in to find my sister, our best friend, sitting on your lap? Look at you two! Your heads are glued together like a damn peanut butter and jelly sandwich! What is going on between you two? Do not play games with me. I want the whole story.”
“It’s not what it looks like, Cade. Kaitlyn’s had a super rough night, and I’m just here helping her through it.”
I watch the anger building inside of Caden when he shouts, “Ya, I’ve seen you ‘helping girls through things,’ Brody. My sister doesn’t need your kind of help.”
Brody looks a little insulted, when he replies, “Just listen for a second, Caden. Kaitlyn is not just some girl. She’s my best friend, and your sister. Dude . . . she’s our Stinkerbell, remember? We’re her Lost Boys. I’d do anything to protect her, and she needs me right now . . . No, she needs us!”
Confusion shrouds Caden’s face. “Dude, you’re losing it . . . That was a game we played when we were like eight . . . What are you talking about?” Caden shakes his head and rubs the side of his face.
“Well for starters,” Brody holds up the half-decapitated bear. “Pistol got mad at Kaitlyn at the dance, snuck in her room tonight, and left her this nice surprise. We found it when we got home. Its neck was slit, and the stuffing was all over the floor. He also tore their picture in half, and left it pinned to her mirror like a sweet little love note. She was pretty shaken up Dude. He got in here while your parents were sleeping upstairs. That guy has some serious balls.”
Caden scans the room, shaking his head. “Well what did you do?”
“I called him and threatened to castrate him . . . He does not need to be carrying around balls that big. You know I’ll do it too . . . and if you saw the way he was treating your sister tonight, I’m sure you’d bring the knife and help me.”
“So, he broke into our house?” Caden asks incredulously. “That seems pretty serious, Bro. Why did you clean up the mess? Now there’s no evidence to show the police when we call.”
“That’s the problem. We decided not to call.”
“You are kidding me. My sister is in danger and you decide not to call the police?” Caden shakes his head in disbelief. “I’m really starting to question your judgement here.”
“Well, we can’t prove it was him. A lot went on tonight, and since I threatened him, we think I can get in trouble.”
“Seriously?” Caden grimaces, and releases a deep breath.
“It will mess up everything for our football season, Caden. Plus, Kaitlyn doesn’t want to take time away from swimming tied up with legal issues. She has a really good shot at qualifying for Masters this fall, and it would distract from everything she’s been working so hard for.”
“Ya,” I chime in. “If I know Pistol, it will just stoke the fire. He’ll be furious. I mean, I don’t even know for sure if it’s him. Caden, if we let it go, he’ll probably just stay away, and this could be a one-time temper tantrum. He’s probably just mad and jealous. He’ll get over it. He always does.”
“Well, who’s gonna protect you if he doesn’t get over it, T? Or, if it’s someone else, then what? Have you really thought this through?” Caden stares at me with a look of concern.
Brody sets his hand on Caden’s shoulder. “I think we can handle this, man. We just need to stay with Kait and make sure she’s protected until this jackass calms down. He doesn’t even go to school with us. He’s not around that often. It shouldn’t take long if we just leave it alone.”
“Ya, besides, I think he’s into CJ anyway. He’s probably already over me. If it was him, he was just getting revenge for bruising his ego at the dance.”
Caden pauses in contemplation, and then shakes his head in resignation. “Okay, guys. I’ll trust you on this. But it better not come back to haunt us. And Brody . . . sorry I lost it when I saw you and T together. I should’ve know you wouldn’t cross that line with my sister . . . especially after our talk the other night.”
Brody sends a quick glance my way and takes an audible breath. I can tell he’s not ready to talk to my brother about “us” yet. He turns his head toward Caden and gives him a slight nod. “Well, now that you’re here to take care of our girl, I’m gonna head home. My parents are going to start wondering where I am.” He gives me a hug, “Night, Pip . . . stay safe, huh?” He lifts me off his lap and sets me down beside him. I feel the bed rise and a part of me empty, as he stands up, gives my hand a tight squeeze, and moves toward my bedroom door. He looks back at my brother, “Take care of her Dude.” He gives Caden a fist bump and retreats down the hallway. His footsteps become faint as he nears the front door. I hear it creak open and then close.
I sit in silence looking at my brother, who is glancing around my room shaking his head in disbelief. I am full of mixed emotions. An odd combination of fear, anxiety, and butterflies swirl inside my stomach. Caden turns toward me, “Are you gonna be okay T?”
“Ya, I’m fine.”
“Are you sure, Sis? It seems like you’ve been through a lot tonight. Is there anything you still need to talk about? The dance? Pistol? Damages to your room? I’m all ears you know.”
“I’m okay Cade Monster . . . We can talk in the morning. I’m sure you have just as much to tell me as I have to tell you. Besides, you look tired. You should probably get to bed.”
“Well, if you’re sure . . . everything looks clear in here. I’ll check the doors and make sure they’re locked. Let me know if you need me, Sis. I’m just down the hall.”
“Ok, we’ll catch up in the morning. I want to know all about your night with Peyton.” I smile, raising my eyebrows up and down.
He gets his goofy little grin, and I know he is smitten. “What happens at the Homecoming dance, stays at the Homecoming dance!” he winks, taps the door jam, and heads off to his bedroom.
Alone for the first time tonight, uneasiness begins to crawl inside my mind. With my parents asleep, Caden off in his room, and Brody gone, dead silence seeps through the house, finding its way into my bedroom and into my head. I try to take my mind off of the eerie feeling by busying myself with the task of getting ready for bed. I slip into my bathroom to brush my teeth and change into my pajamas, when I hear the floor creaking just outside the door. I freeze and hold my breath, listening for any more movement. The creaking stops, and I whip around when I hear the clanking of the blinds against the window. My heart is racing, and I begin to panic. I sense movement outside of my door. I grab my phone and run into the shower, pulling the cu
rtain shut. Slumping down into a ball, I work to stifle my panicked breathing. Oh my goodness. What was I thinking getting in the shower? Now I’m stuck here with no escape. I hope I’m just imagining this. . . but, I hear footsteps.
My phone chimes. Crap! That was loud. I fumble to turn it to vibrate, when I see the text that comes through.
Brody:
Pip? Are you there?
I’m sweating and shaking so badly my fingers slip when I try to text back. I freeze again at the sound of more footsteps. I grab my shaving cream to use as a weapon, and bury my head in my arms. I’m huddled in a ball shaking when I hear the shower curtain pull back. My automatic reaction is to raise the can and shoot right into the face of. . .
“Howy cwap Plip, you got it in my mouf!” Brody, flails his arms trying to stop the projecting stream of shaving cream. I’m so terrified, and flustered at him for scaring me, that I hold my finger down until I’ve emptied the entire can into his face. He finally turns around, gagging, spitting, and hacking into the toilet. I watch in stunned silence as he moves toward the sink to rinse his mouth and wash his face. A nervous laugh escapes me when he turns around after several minutes of suffering. “Well at least I’ll have fresh, citrussy breath tonight, kaahhkkk,” he chokes.
Even after the bit of comic relief, my nervous system is still shot. Trembling, I try to push myself to my feet. My legs and hands are shaking so badly, I drop the empty can of shaving cream to the floor. Brody reaches under my arms and helps pull me up. Once I’ve gotten my footing, I smack him on the arm. “You scared the crap out of me Brody!” My high squeaking voice, squeals, “What are you doing here?”
“I didn’t feel right about leaving you alone tonight . . . and judging from your appearance, I was right. You look terrified, and,” he says grinning, “Obviously, I need to come protect you since shaving cream is the best weapon in your arsenal.”
“What was I supposed to do? I was stuck in the bathroom when I heard my floor creaking and the blinds rattling.”
My heart is still racing with fear from the second break-in of the evening. This night has completely shredded my composure, and I feel myself start to break. Overwhelming anxiety, sends a nervous tremor through my core, extending into my limbs. Dizziness, faintness, and nausea, overtake my body. Stinging tears pound at the backs of my eyes. Tears stream down the sides of my face, and I find it hard to breathe.
As I gasp for air, Brody takes my shaking body in his arms and holds me tightly. He bends down, scoops me off my trembling feet, and carries me across the room. He sits down on the edge of the bed, pulling me close onto his lap. As I sit there whimpering, he pulls my face into his chest. He kisses the top of my head, whispering, “It’s okay Pip. I couldn’t let you be alone. I know how scared you are. I didn’t mean to make it worse. I should’ve texted you before I snuck in. Shhhhh . . .” He rubs his hand up and down my back. “You’re okay, I’ve got you now,” he whispers, “You aren’t alone. I’m gonna stay with you as long as you need me. Shhhhh.”
He cuddles me into him, rocking me gently until he feels my body calm. When I finally relax, he stands me up with him. “Let’s get you tucked in my little pumpkin,” he chuckles, tugging at the cute Jack O’ Lantern embroidered on my pajama top. He pulls back the covers and helps me into bed. “I’ll be right down here next to you,” he says as he slides down to the floor, resting his back against my bed.
I lie in silence for a few minutes. I still feel uneasy being so close to the window. And, I can’t help but feel like someone will come jumping out of my closet any minute. I stare at the dark corners of my room, and know I won’t be falling asleep any time soon. I know this would be so much worse if he hadn’t come back, but Brody’s mere presence in the room is not helping my anxiety. He is too far away to make me feel safe. After a few minutes of unrest, I can’t help but reach out to him, “Brody?”
“Ya?”
“I’m scared.”
“I know, Pip. I’m right here.”
“Brody?”
“Ya?”
“I can’t see you . . . I need to be able to see you,” my voice is still trembling.
I hear the rustling of his clothes as he stands up and looks down at me. “I’m here, Pip.” He holds out his hand, and I reach out for him. As he curls his warm fingers around mine, electricity shoots through my hand and straight to my belly. I can’t be positive, but I’m pretty sure he feels it too, when he gives my hand a quick, tight squeeze. Then he loosens his hold and begins tracing his thumb around the palm of my hand.
“What’re you writing Bro?”
“It’s a secret message. You have to figure it out,” he softly whispers down to me.
“Okay, do it again.” He begins to trace. The soft tickle of his touch is soothing and calms my nerves. I like his little game. It’s taking my mind off my fear. I concentrate on the movement of his thumb and I almost swear he’s writing words, not drawing pictures. I concentrate really hard as he repeats the pattern . . .
D
R
E
A
M
O
F
M
E
Wow . . . he wants me to dream of him. A new spark of electricity pops inside of me as I contemplate what to do. Should I? After a few seconds, I lift the covers, then I give his hand a little tug, pulling him down onto the bed.
“Get in here,” I whisper as I pat the mattress next to me.
“Are you sure, Pip?”
“I cannot have my best friend just standing around while I dream of him.”
“Well, I will do anything to keep you safe and make you feel better . . . even if it means getting my ass kicked by Caden.”
“I’ll lock my door, and we’ll make sure to get you out before he gets up in the morning. I just won’t be able to sleep tonight if you’re not right beside me.”
I wonder if he can feel me trembling lying next to him.
“I’ve got you, Pip. You can stop shaking now.”
I can’t believe he feels it. The thing is, I no longer think I’m shaking because of my fear of the break-in. I’m shaking because the most handsome, protective, best friend a girl could ever hope for, is lying right beside me in my bed. Brody pulls me into him, slipping his arm beneath my neck, and tucking me into his side. He combs his fingers through my hair, holding onto me tightly, and whispers, “Everything’s gonna be alright. I’ve got you my little Pumpkin.”
We lie there for a moment, when I hear his whisper, “Pip?”
“Ya?”
“Follow your dreams . . . wherever they lead, you know I’ll be there waiting for you.”
A smile spreads across my face. We lie there listening to our soft rhythmic breathing breaking the silence of the night. A sense of calm comes over me and I drift off to sleep in his arms.
MY EYES FLUTTER OPEN AS the brisk, fall breeze drifts in through my window. When I turn my head toward my nightstand, I catch a glimpse of the bright red numbers blaring from my alarm clock. I rub the blurriness from my eyes, and take a second look. “Holy crap Brody,” I whisper, jostling him back and forth, “It’s 9:00 and my door isn’t locked! Brody. . . Brody . . .” I rock him back and forth, until a low grumble comes bellowing from deep in his throat.
“Pip? What did you just say? I couldn’t really hear you,” he whispers back.
“I said, it’s 9:00! You’re still in my bed! I fell asleep before I locked the door . . . We’ve gotta get you out of here!”
Brody’s eyes pop open and he jumps up startled with the realization that we could be seen by my parents, or even worse, Caden. In his panic to jump out of bed, Brody knocks the lamp off my nightstand. It falls to the floor with a thud. Within seconds, I hear footsteps coming down the hall. “Quick . . . hide!” I whisper frantically.
Twisted up in the sheets from my bed, Brody clumsily scurries toward the closet. He dives to the back, out of view from my bedroom door, just as it creaks open. My mom peeks her head
into my room, glancing around, “Everything okay in here? I heard a thud.”
I can feel the color drain from my face. Quick think . . .” Ya, I just went to hit my alarm and knocked over my lamp instead. Sorry about being so loud.”
“You needed your alarm? Geez, it’s 9:00 on the Saturday morning after Homecoming. Your brother’s still sleeping. It’s okay to sleep in every once in a while Kait. Life’s not a race you know.”
“I know. I just want to go for a morning run.”
“You’re not going to wear yourself down now, are you? Didn’t you have a late night?”
Trying to catch my breath, I gasp, “Mom. I’m fine. I’ve got to cross train. Masters are coming up. And. . . no, not really. I came home just after midnight.” Mulling over last night’s events, I try to play it cool and hide the disappointment in my voice.
“Well, how was the dance? Did you have a good time with Pistol?” my mom asks, smiling inquisitively.
“It was okay, nothing worth talking about. We went, we danced, and Brody gave me a ride home.”
“Really? Our Brody?” she asks surprised.
“Ya . . . It just turned out that Pistol needed to leave early and Brody was coming this way. Since I didn’t have my car with me, he gave me a ride.”
“Oh, okay . . . I love that boy. We are lucky to have him you know . . . He’s just like a second brother to you.”
“Uh huhhhhh,” is all I can say in response to the “brother” comment. Lord knows that is not what I’m thinking about that gorgeous closet monster, who has my heart skipping a few beats right now.