Splinters: Part One

Part One | 29

"You gotta be in some, too, Liss," Greg told her, attempting to take the camera from her.

"Greg, you always take the worst pictures of me."

He kissed her cheek, taking it from her hands. "The kids can photoshop. They're smart these days."

She rolled her eyes. "That's not what you're supposed to say."

"My bad. You never look bad, Liss."

She huffed before coming and standing behind my sister and I and putting her hands on our shoulders. It was perfect timing when we heard a knock on the door. I knew it'd be Collie when Ursanne went to get the door, but to my surprise, it wasn't. It was Grady.

"Hey," Ursa smiled, hugging him once he came inside.

I could tell it was just a friendship between them when he hugged her back. Grady knew that, too. It was like they were brother and sister.

"Hey, Grady," I said when he passed me.

He only gave me a glance and slightly waved, a chain of keys in his hand. "Hi."

"Wait, Grady, you've gotten your license?"

He nodded solemnly. "Yeah. You wouldn't know."

I frowned when he walked away. I guess I really screwed up our friendship. I didn't have that much time to think about it, though, because the doorbell rang again. This time, I was positive it was my girlfriend, and I was right. Opening the door, I breathed a short sigh once I caught sight of what she wore.

She wore a dark navy blue dress that fell down to mid-thigh. She had flats on and her hair was neatly curled. I suddenly realized that she was way less dressed than Ursanne. I hoped this was an occassion where you don't have to be fancy, but you can be fancy.

"Hey," I smirked.

"Hi," she smiled, stepping up and coming inside.

I kissed her before grasping her hand and walking her into the living room.

"Oh, Collie! It's so nice to see you!" Melissa smiled.

"Hi," she replied shyly.

"Hello, Collie," Greg greeted.

She waved to him.

"Hi, Collie!" Net jumped toward her.

My girlfriend laughed before bending down and telling her hi. Ursanne and Grady barely acknowledged me and Collie, and it made me feel really uncomfortable. I also realized that Grady had a much harder heart than he did last time I talked to him. I wondered what it was that had gotten him to dislike me so much. I understand that I haven't talked to him lately, but was it something else?

"Pictures! Hurry!" Melissa ordered, pushing Collie and I against the wall.

Melissa was acting like a photographer, commanding us to make certain poses. On the last one, she made me smile down at Collie and Collie look like she's laughing up at me. But when I looked at her, I realized that she had the best smile in the world. Her smile was my favorite smile, and no matter what, I'd do anything to see that smile. Everything she did made me feel so good. I was so in love with her. Andrew would call me whipped. He does a lot, actually.

"Alright, Liss, I'm sure they want to go eat now."

"Oh! Right! Brayden-" She reached for her pocket, probably to give me money, but Greg stopped her. He'd given me some earlier today.

Besides, it'd be weird if she gave me money in front of Collie. I don't know why. Collie knows I don't have a job, but the idea of her seeing Melissa give me money... Maybe it's a guy thing, because Greg knew to secretly tell her no.