Splinters: Part One

Part One | 19

"I've gotten better since we last played," Andrew taunted. "Betcha you can't beat me in Split Screen."

Caleb mockingly laughed at him. "I'm the master at COD, Andrew. Nothing's changed."

"I challenge you," Andrew urged on.

Caleb glanced at us. After a moment of contemplation, he smirked, too. "You don't think I'm just gonna leave my sister and her little boyfriend alone in this room, do you?"

Andrew's smirk fell.

Collie rolled her eyes. "Get out, Caleb."

Caleb glared at her and stood up. "I'll be listening really closely. The game room isn't that far."

"Whatever," she sighed.

He stood, staring at Andrew, then he opened his arms. "Well? I gotta beat your ass now in Split Screen."

Andrew laughed nervously and followed him out of the room, winking at me as he left.

Collie waited for them to be upstairs before she grabbed my hand and leant her head on my shoulder. "So, why'd you really come?"

I played with her fingers. "Honestly, Andrew forced me."

She laughed lightly. "I knew it."

"But," I began, feeling a little anxious. "I did want to see you."

"Not like this, though," she added.

I sat up, looking down at her. "Why do you do that?"

"What?"

"You look fine. If you didn't look tired, I'd think you were feeling great."

Collie smiled. After a while, she spoke. "I really do love you, Brayden."

I gulped. I wanted to say it. I should say it. I do love her. I think I do. I don't really know. My feelings for Collie are strong. I know that. I'd do anything for her. I'd die for her. If I'd do that, then, yeah, I love her, don't I? I've never been with a girl. How do I know?

Just say it. Just say. Gosh, Brayden, just say the words.

"I-I love you, too, C-Collie."

I let out a breath, feeling a whole lot better as the words left my system. They were true, and I knew that.

She squeezed my hand. I could feel the smile in her face as she scooted closer. I wrapped my arms around her and breathed. Her hair smelt good. It's official. Her hair really is my favorite thing about her.

It was so quiet that I think Collie fell asleep, but she surprised me when she sat up.

"Sorry about my brother."

I smiled. "It's okay."

"He seemed to scare you pretty bad."

My smile fell and I nodded. She laughed and kissed my cheek. "You don't have to worry about him."

I rubbed my neck with my hand. "Collie, I-I think I do."

"No you don't. He's a bluffer."

"I can hear you, Colleen!" Caleb's voice shouted from what sounded like the upstairs.

How he really could hear her, I have no idea.

"I'm not whispering!" she returned.

"I can kick him out, you know!"

She smiled and pulled her blanket over her body again.

"Maybe I should go," I suggested, biting my lip, trying to suppress my smile. "I'll call you later."