That morning in school while I was yanking a book from my locker, Shann tapped me on my shoulder.
“Hey!” I reached out to hug him, then stopped myself.
“Follow me.” He whispered. I followed him to a vacant classroom. I looked back to see if Kyle or anyone we knew was on sight. None.
After making sure that the coast was clear, he kissed me hungrily.
“Let’s skip track practice today.” He suggested.
“What’s my excuse? We’ll get in trouble with Coach.”
He laughed. “Tell him you have to take a very important date with a drop-dead gorgeous guy.” He teased.
“Oh good one that will work.” I said sarcastically.
“No? Okay, let’s just hang after practice.”
“Hey, guys? What are you doing here?” Kyle called out from the corridor.
I spun around to see him coming toward us. I panicked, what if he’d seen our intimate moment. I could feel the blood rushing to my feet and turning me into a statue. Shann who seemed to gain his composure, motioned Kyle to come over. I automatically stepped away from Shann , separating myself from any sign of intimacy with him.
“What’s up Ky?” Shann said.
“What’s up with you?!” he answered giving Shann one of those guy pseudohandshakes.
“Just lending Kendra my- “
“Calculus book.” I finished for him since I’m still holding the book in my hand. “I have to go, I’ll see you guys around.”
“Hey sis.” Kyle called out. “I’ll pick you up after track practice today, okay?”
“Whatever.” I replied, disappointed that I cannot make any plan with Shann now. I gave them one last look and left.
During lunch time I texted Shann.
‘I hate this lying to Kyle thing’
He replied. ‘I feel lousy about it too.’
‘Kyle has never lied to me.’ I texted back.
‘Me neither. He’s the best.’ He replied.
I sighed feeling worse.
‘So we have to be honest with him. The sooner, the better.’
Then my phone rang. Shann was calling me. I answered the call. “Hey.”
“Hey, I’m sorry for putting you in this situation.” Shann said. He sounded a little desperate. “I want to tell him, I really do. The first thing I thought of after you and I get together was, I can’t wait to tell Kyle about this awesome girl!”
I smiled.
“But then I remembered that the awesome girl is his sister, and she’s the one girl in school, I’m supposed to stay away from. Do you have any idea how lousy it made me feel?”
“Yeah, don’t you think I don’t want my brother to know about this wonderful guy I’m dating?”
“Ironic, huh?” Shann laughed sadly.
It was more than ironic. Lying to Kyle is becoming a real burden. And something was missing without Kyle in the picture, something important. I realized I felt more than guilt. I want my brother to be a part of everything significant in my life.