Drawn to You (Lover to Stepbrother)(19)

“I can’t believe you still want to lose your virginity with that ass.”

“He has a very hot ass.” Her eyes go to him.

“I just think you can do better.”

“At least I could say I slept with a hot footballer.”

“It’s up to you. You can make your move at the party tonight.” She squeals.

“I can’t believe I forgot about the house party. I can get all sexed up, he isn’t going to know what hit him.”

“I was joking. You want to lose it at some house party? That’s not really special.”

“First times hurt, it's messy, it sucks. I think I’d rather say I lost it to a footballer than an awkward scene. It’s a memory I can hold on to when I’m old and gray.” I shake my head, nothing I say will change her mind. “What about you? Now that you’re in a relationship, with the star footballer, when are you going to give up your V-card?”

“I wouldn’t say I’m in a relationship.”

“What has he classified it as?”

“That I’m his and he’s mine.”

“That’s him saying you’re in a relationship. I swear, girl, you can be so smart and yet so stupid.”

I scoff. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” She smiles innocently at me and I nudge her arm.

We’re still watching practice when a few of the cheerleaders walk towards us. Seeing them in their tiny uniform, their glossy hair perfect, makes me cringe. Why do cheerleaders always look amazing? You see it in movies, in books, and in real life.

It’s just not fair.

“I heard you and Colin are a thing,” Nicole says, looking at me like I’m beneath her. I realize then that this is the girl I overheard talking about sleeping with Colin and my stomach starts to turn.

“What’s it to you?” Karen answers her.

“Just giving you some friendly advice. It won’t last. Colin is a player. I would hate if he broke your heart after he gets what he wants. He sees you as a challenge, something he can’t have. You should end it before you get in too deep.” She places a hand over her heart. I know she will say anything to break me and Colin up, but a part of me is thinking about what she said.

What if he is only with me because he sees me as a challenge? He may think it could be something when it’s really not. What if we sleep together and then realize the spark is gone?

“You need to get lost. Spew your poison somewhere else.” Karen stands up.

“Nicole didn’t have to come over here. She was actually doing a nice thing. You do know Colin fucked her just a few days ago?” Sissy, Nicole’s best friend, adds in.

Yeah, I do know.

“You mustn’t be that good if he went elsewhere.” Nicole glares at her.

“It’s up to you, but he’ll get what he wants and go to the next girl or get bored of waiting around and leave, or worse, cheat. We are only in high school, he isn’t going to want to settle down now, he’s going to the pros and where does that leave you?” I look to the ground and Karen stands in front of me, blocking me from the girls.

“Fuck off or I will break that perfect nose of yours,” Karen growls at them.

“Fine, we are going. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. If you were really her friend, you would know everything I am saying is true and change her mind.” They walk away and tears start to form.

“Don’t listen to those jealous bitches.” She hugs me.

“They are right though, aren’t they? What if he leaves me? I’m already falling for him and its only been a couple of days. What will it be like in a month?” A tear falls.

“We can’t live on what ifs. Remember what your dad said to you. Follow your heart. Your heart will always lead you in the right direction.” Karen was like a second daughter to my parents. She was always at my house growing up. She was just as devastated when he passed. “What is your heart telling you now?”

I close my eyes and take a deep breath and all I see is Colin smiling at me. I open my eyes again and look to Karen. “I really like him.” She nods.

“Then be with him. He is head over heels, any fool can see that. You watched all those chick flicks with me, bitchy girls will say and do anything to try and get the guy. But, the guy always goes for the good girl, the leading lady, and in this story, you are the leading lady.”

“This isn’t a story.” I laugh.

“You watched Never-ending Story, everything is a story.”

“You’re crazy.”

“I know. It’s what makes me special.” We both laugh.

We watch the rest of the game and when they are finished, just like yesterday, Colin jogs over to us. With him is Aaron and I see Karen standing up straighter; it’s almost funny.

“You guys played well,” Karen says sweetly.

“This guy would be shit without me.” Aaron claps Colin on the shoulder and he just rolls his eyes. He smiles at me and I smile back.

“You do look like you’re in control on the field.” We can’t see their faces from here, but Aaron seems to be eating up every word.

“Yeah, you have to. Don’t want our star to get hurt. I have to keep my eyes open and know my surrounding.” Aaron winks at her and she giggles. Oh, God.