Theresa stared at the dead receiver for several silent moments. How had she, in few uncompleted sentences, managed to make such mess of herself? She wasn't permitted to hang around other boys, moreover she didn't want to make Christopher to live with hatred for her. She never to see him. That is a lie.
Carefully, Theresa replaced the receiver. I do want to talk to him and explain that nothing is going on between me and Matthew, she admitted, I've wanted to see him for days. It's just that I'm afraid to see him. Turning, she gazed blindly around the kitchen. The room was almost in complete darkness now. The table and chairs were dark shadows. She walked to the switch avoiding obstacles with the knowledge of years. The room flooded with brightness. That's better, she thought more secure in the artificial light.
"you've that unhappy look in your eyes. you've had, for more than a week." Her younger brother rubbed his palm under her shoulder startling her. "You know you don't hide things from me, Theresa. I know you too well."
She was silent a moment, wanting to choose her words. Carefully. "I wasn't trying to hide anything, Mike." Theresa shrugged turning to watch her brother, Michael get up from the chair. " it's just not important enough to talk about, that's all."
"Important enough to make you unhappy," he countered, ignoring her evasion. "that's plenty important to me. You haven't gotten old to talk to me about your problems now, have you?"
She turned dark apologetic eyes on him. "oh no, mike, I can always talk to you."
"well," he said simply, " I'm listening."
"I made a mistake, I think." She shook her head and walked closer to him.
"Theresa." Michael placed both hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes. As they were nearly the same height, their eyes were levelled. "I'm going to advice you straight, although I'm one year younger than you," he continued. "It's only temporary for now. Focus first and don't make the wrong choice."
"I'm not liking anyone if that's what you think," she denied quickly.
Michael raised an eyebrow. "I didn't have to explain further, you see?"
Theresa paused a moment. She had forgotten how shrewd her brother could be. He was always able to detect change of emotions in someone quickly. She sighed, knowing evasions and half-truths were useless when he was in this mood.
" All right. Yes, it doesn't matter."
"Not a very bright statement from a bright girl like you," he said with a gentle hint of disapproval. Theresa shrugged.
"well, it'd be good if you go to bed early, it's later. You don't want to be late for chemistry class." Theresa murmured.
"Good night, Tess."
***********
Christopher took a deep breath, hoping to make sure Theresa was okay after the incident that happened at the park.
"...coach Ekemini wants to replace Christopher with Matthew. Says Matthew's got better grades than Christopher." Christopher overheard from two students.
"...coach Ekemini wants to replace Christopher with Matthew. Says Matthew's got better grades than Christopher." Christopher overheard from two students.
"That clears things up," coach Ekemini agreed at the appearance of Christopher.
"How could you replace me with Matthew that just came a month ago." He dragged a hand through his hair.
"I don't want you to lose it, Chris. It's for your own good."
Turning, he darted away. The coach and others watched him streak out of sight, then hauled themselves. He had the devil's own temper when he cut loose, that boy.
Brushing his hands together, the coach grinned.
Theresa brought the bicycle to a halt at the front of Saint Dominic's catholic church. She took off her helmet and clipped it on the seat. It was, she knew, the only place Christopher would be when he's sad. She walked slowly inside.
The church was quiet, only the whisperings could be heard from the people present. Instinct told her that people were not many. Still, she walked passed the people praying. She genuflected, then located a seat right beside Christopher.
"Hello, Chris," she said lightly to avoid others from hearing. Her eyes on the blessed sacrament present on the altar.
"We're in church, let's not bring this here," he began. "But do t worry I'm okay."
"Chris," Theresa managed his name and shrugged to sit up. His eyes lingered on her form, then slid up slowly to brood on her face. For a moment their eyes met. "Did I hurt you?"
He shook his head in denial. "Go home then." He rose, giving her a last, brief glance. He turned and left her.
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