torn between two road ;; bellingham brothers

one ;; beat down

the first time you met the bellingham brothers, you were absolutely convinced they were the most annoying boys to ever exist.

it was one of those warm summer afternoons where every parent had basically kicked their kids outside because nobody wanted a child running around the house with muddy shoes. the street was full of bicycles lying on driveways, chalk drawings on the pavement, and the sound of kids yelling from every direction.

you had been sitting on your front porch eating an ice lolly when you spotted two boys a few houses down.

one was taller with curly hair, confidently dribbling a football around a pair of flower pots like he was playing in a champions league final instead of a quiet neighborhood street.

the other, much smaller, chased after him while trying his best to copy every move.

you narrowed your eyes.

a football?

without thinking twice, you hopped off the porch and jogged over.

"can i play?"

the older boy didn't even stop dribbling.

"no"

you blinked, thinking you misheard him.

"...no?"

"it's for boys" you frowned so hard your eyebrows almost disappeared into your hairline.

"what does that even mean?" he shrugged like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"girls don't play football."

you stared at him.

"...says who?"

"says me"

you scoffed dramatically "well, you're wrong"

the little boy peeked out from behind his brother, clutching the football under one arm. he looked between the two of you with the expression of someone who already knew this wasn't going to end well.

"i-i think..." he mumbled quietly, "...we should let her play"

the older brother immediately looked at him.

"no"

the younger instantly nodded.
"...okay."

"you don't even agree with him!" you pointed at him.

"i do"

"you literally just said-"

"i changed my mind"

"liar" his cheeks turned pink.

the older brother folded his arms proudly.

"anyway, football's for boys."

you crossed yours too.

"my dad lets me play"

"mine too"

"i can probably beat you"

"you?" he laughed

"yeah"

"no chance"

"oh really?"

"try taking it" he tossed the ball onto the ground and smirked.

bad idea. the second the ball touched the pavement, you lunged for it. however he pulled it away with a boyish smirk which irked you making you grab his sleeve.

with the sudden action, he shoved your shoulder making you also shoved him back

the younger brother gasped.
"jude!"