My stepbrother loves me in a Platonic way, but not romantically, and a word from me might make me lose a brother’s love and a lover’s caress.
I found out years ago that what I felt for my stepbrother is more than the love siblings share, it’s much more than that.
My stepbrother was the one who raised me, although we were kids, and he was only a year older than me.
My parents are always busy travelling around the world, from one business trip to another.
Before mother got married to his father, it has only been the two of us.
However, things changed after they got married, and my stepfather got promoted at work.
Now, they travel the world, leaving their children to their devices.
After all, my mother believes we are old enough to take care of ourselves. And we were only 10 and 9, respectively!
It was my stepbrother that made sure I was fed, he made sure to bathe me and help me with my assignments when necessary.
He’s my rock in sinking sand, my solid foundation and my all in all.
“Don't worry, baby boy,
Even if you don't get your stepbrother as you've always wanted, you will undoubtedly find another person.
A person who will treat you the way you deserved to be treated.
A person who doesn’t see and regard you as a kid stepbrother. Your brother is a dumb fool if he doesn’t see what he’s missing."
She turned into my street, “you’re too precious to waste your time pinning over him, you’ve got to live a little. Go on dates and have fun as a high school student should.
Who knows, you might find your Mr right that way," she winked at me as she drove us up to our driveway.
“Your brother’s car is in the driveway, that means he’s back, I think." She knowingly smiled at me.
At the mention of my brother, the butterflies in my stomach took flight all of a sudden and my heart plunged into my stomach.
“That might be the case." I nodded in agreement as I tried to mask how excited I truly am.
My brother left for a two-week seminar, and these two weeks without him have been absolute torture.
My heart couldn’t be more eager to see the person who makes it beat.
Should it be possible, I will hang on to him, and refuse to go down even if I was asked to do so.
“Baby boy, cool down, let’s not be too ecstatic, who knows if he brought her home,” Jenny said as she looked towards our larger-than-life house. “He has been away from her for two weeks, don't you think she will be eager to see her boyfriend.”
At the mention of the bitch who thinks she can take my brother from me, my happiness drastically abated.
Three weeks ago, I would have countered her words.
Three weeks ago, I thought I knew who my brother is, turns out he’s not who I thought him to be.
“I guess,” I tightly clutched my clothes. “There is no reason to be excited. Gun might not miss me as much as I missed him.”
After all, I'm the one with the forbidden feeling towards him.
“Cheer up," Jenny playfully nudged. “I just said those words in passing, I don't mean anything about it.” She unlocked the door and stepped out.
I followed her.
We walked into the house and I did everything in my power not to show what I'm feeling inside.
Jealousy was twisting my organs to an extent it felt so damn uncomfortable.
Brother was leaning on the island when Jenny and I entered the kitchen.
He was dressed in sea green trousers, which he paired off with his favourite tank top.
Seeing him casually lean on the island, as if he were a god, took my breath away.
I looked to check if he brought that bitch home, but I didn't see her.
“And here’s my favourite boy in the whole world!” I heard my brother exclaimed.
My heart lunged into my throat at his regard.
“Brother!" I ran towards him. My initial anger dissipated when I saw he brought no one home.
He caught me on the waist and threw me up, “baby boy, I missed you.” He gently pats my head.
I giggled at how playful he is.
“ Let me go!" I pretended to frown, and that caused him to bring me down on my feet, much to my anger.
“It's…”
He gave me a killer hug, “two weeks away from you is absolute torture. If I can help it, I won’t travel anywhere without you.” he kept me back on my feet.
“How can I be certain you missed me and that you aren’t exaggerating like you normally do?” I feigned seriousness.
“Come on, your lack of trust makes me want to cry. How can you accuse me of not missing my only ray of sunshine, huu?” he took me by the hand and led me towards his room.
“Guys, I can see you two are lost in your world and I would rather not intrude on your privacy.
I will just leave you two to whatever it is you’re up to”, she walked out without waiting for my reply.
She knows I wouldn’t let her leave if it were up to me, but my brother doesn’t like her guts. He complains whenever I do something out of the ordinary, blaming her for whatever it is I did wrong.
“Good riddance," he muttered, “let’s go. I have a surprise for you,” he smiled, his dimples showing how genuine his smile is.