12

"This could be the end of everything."

Josh

The hallways were alive with the symphony of hurried footsteps, and the air carried a sense of excitement, as it always does on a Friday. The cafeteria was just as lively, blended with the aroma of various foods.

I searched the crowded room for my friends, but my eyes fell on Sawyer's table. My heart quickened and my palms felt sweaty. It's something I've noticed happens whenever I'm near her or thinking of her.

I had it bad. I'd only known her for a month and I was already in deep, but I couldn't help but notice her eyes light up as she talked with her friend.

"What are you looking at?" Noah asked.

Just your sister.

"Our friends."

I looked in the opposite direction as Sawyer. Noah dragged me towards the table where Ava, Elsie, and Collin sat laughing at something Kellan said. He was sharing what we'd gotten up to during practice until he lost his footing on the ice and landed on his rear end.

"I asked Asher and his band to perform at my party tomorrow." Elsie said after Kellan's lengthy story.

"Great." Ava said with a cracking smile.

Everyone seemed excited, except for me. It was bad enough having to live with him, but I'd always had to run in the same social circle as him. I shared every aspect of my life with him.

"You okay, Josh?" Noah asked.

No.

"I'm great."

??

The pulsating music mingled with the lively chatter of teenagers. Alcohol and other substances infused the air. I spotted my friends huddled together, sharing laughter as their voices rose above the music. Ava spotted me first and waved me over.

"We were thinking you weren't coming." Elsie said.

I shrugged. There was an unmistakable hesitancy as I debated hugging her, but I extended my arms.

"Happy Birthday."

I greeted the rest of my friends, thanking Noah as he placed a drink in my hand.

"I could have given you a ride here."

"Thanks, but I wasn't home, anyway. Sawyer wasn't invited, and I didn't want my mom to force me to bring her." He explained.

I nodded my head, but couldn't help but feel disappointed. I hadn't seen her for days and I never had the chance to ask her to join me. Although, this wouldn't be the ideal environment to introduce her to my friends. Not Elsie's birthday.

"You have got to be kidding me."

He was glaring at someone over my shoulder. We all turned around to follow his line of vision. A subtle tension crept into the air as Sawyer entered the room with her friend. They both seemed apprehensive, but that wasn't what made my blood boil. Asher whispered in her ear and then pointed in a different direction. A pang of jealousy took place in my chest.

"Noah, why is your sister here?" Ava asked. "With Asher?"

"I have no idea." He said. "I'm going to find out."

Without speaking, I trailed behind him, following him to the kitchen. The atmosphere shifted as I stood in the doorway, watching as Asher handed them both a drink with his infamous charismatic grin. The one that fooled everyone into thinking he was an angel. A gift to women.

"Sawyer," Noah approached them. "What are you doing here?"

Her eyes cast downward as she avoided his gaze. She hesitated before speaking.

"Partying."

"I can see that." He said. "Why here?"

I was going to tell him not to be aggressive, but Asher beat me to it. Everyone's hero.

"I invited her." he said, straightening his posture. "Do you have a problem with that?"

Frustration marked their faces, neither willing to give in. The room was suffocating with intensity.

"I do," Noah said. "I don't like the idea of my little sister being exposed to this."

Asher snorted.

"She's sixteen, not six."

Asher stepped forward, but Sawyer blocked him. My eyes fell to her hands on his chest.

"Stop it, both of you."

A knot tightened in my stomach as I battled with the conflicting feelings. Her eyes locked with mine as if she'd only just noticed my presence, but her hands never separated from my brother. I looked away.

"Let's go, Noah."

I had to escape this scene and wash my eyes. The night hadn't even begun and I was already wishing it was over.

"Leaving so soon, baby bro?"

That dreaded nickname grated on my nerves. Even the way he said it. He spoke to me in the most patronizing tone he could muster. I pursed my lips and squared my shoulders before looking into his eyes.

"Your girlfriend is looking for you."

I nodded my head toward Ava, standing with Elsie. They were chatting just outside the doorway. I felt sick satisfaction as his body stiffened before turning to Sawyer.

"You can hang out with us when he ditches you." I muttered before stomping out of the room with Noah trailing. Take that, brother.

??