Dedicated to Jake and Craig…

Big Brother

 “WHAT THE HECK JUST HAPPENED?” He yelled as I felt tears well up in my eyes.

“N-nothing.” I stuttered, not wanting to worry him.

“Don’t give me that bull-” He growled, but I interrupted him before he could go further, “Don’t worry about it.”

 Looking me dead in the eye, he said, “Tell me.”

 I shook my head, “It’s not worth it.”

“[NAME] if you don’t tell me in the next thirty seconds, I will make it my personal obligation to hunt down whoever caused these tears.”

 Brotherly affection welled up in my chest, knowing that I had someone like him at my side. Tears began flowing down my face as I felt myself crumple.

 His angry gaze immediately changed into concern, and he didn’t hesitate to gather me in his embrace, “Do I need to go kick someone’s –”

 An unexpected laugh bubbled out of my mouth. The thought of him getting in a fight seemed comical in my mind.

 He pulled away slightly, looking down at me. Although his expression was serious, there was a glimmer in his eyes and a small tug of a smile.

“What? You don’t think I can do it?”

 I shook my head, “It’s not that.” I stepped away from his embrace and wiped at my eyes.

“Then what?”

“It’s a problem with me.” I mumbled.

“What?” His brows knit in confusion, “Is it a boy?”

“Kinda…” I trailed off my cheeks heating.

“Were those girls bullying you?”

“NO!” I blurted, but then quickly softened my voice at his skeptical expression, “No, they’re friends… honest.”

“Friends who make you cry?” His lifted brow told me he wasn’t buying it.

“No, they were just informing me about…” Was it hot in here? I pulled at the collar of my green knit sweater.

“About?” He pressed.

 I kicked at a rock with the edge of my boot, unsure of how to say it.

“Spit it out.”

 I stepped away from him, tightening my arms around myself, “No, it’s too embarrassing.” I mumbled.

“You can trust me.”

“But you’ll make fun of me!” I blurted on the edge of my nerves.

 When I didn’t hear him say a word, I looked up to find his eyes set with deep concern.

“[NAME], I won’t make fun of you. Especially if it will hurt you.”

 I swallowed; I could trust him. I knew it deep inside, but I was terrified of admitting my feelings out loud.

“About…” I mumbled the words incoherently.

“A little louder.” He pleaded.

“About [LOVE INTEREST’S NAME].”

 His brow furrowed in confusion, “What about him?”

 I felt a blush spread up my neck and onto my cheeks.

“Oh,” Realization dawned on him which was quickly replaced with a teasing smile, “ohhhhhh…”

“Stop saying it like that!” I gave him my fiercest glare.

 He was not fazed.

“I thought you weren’t going to make fun of me.” My voice cracked out of terror.

 He set his hands on my shoulders, “I’m not making fun of you. It’s….” He chuckled shrugging, “Cute seeing you so distraught over a guy.”

 I rolled my eyes, not believing my ears, “Cute?!”

“Yes, but what were the tears about?”

 I felt my face crumple, “He’s dating someone else.”

“Aww, I’m sorry.” And with that he pulled me into another hug.

 Tears pricked my eyes, but I no longer felt as alone knowing that he was here.

 When he finally pulled away, I wiped my eyes with the edge of my sleeve.

“You know what I think would make you feel better?”

 I shook my head, not trusting my voice.

“An iced coffee?”

 Shaking my head, I rummaged through my purse to find a tissue.

“What about a Frappuccino?”

“No.” I cleared my throat and wiped my nose.  

“With extra whipped cream?”

 I refused to meet his gaze as he bent his head to meet my eyes.

“I’m good.”

“You know you want to.” He pressed; a grin in his voice.

“What are you talking about?” A smile pulled at my lips.

“I’ll even buy you an extra coffee so you can bring back to campus.” He offered.

I refused to reply, the offer becoming more appealing.

“Is that a smile?”

 I shook my head turning away from him and pretending to be interested in the pebbled path that stretched into the college campus.

“You’re smiling!” He said triumphantly as he walked around so that he could see my face.

“Am not.” I protested, frowning.

 Darn it! How come he could make me smile even on my hardest day.

 He knew just how much I loved coffee.

“Come on, we’ll make it in time for your next class.”

 I hesitated.

“Come on!” His arms wrapped around me and swung me in a circle, “you know you want to!” He sang.

 Laughing, I said, “Stop! You’re embarrassing me!” I self-consciously avoided the eyes of the people who walked by. He was such a goofball.

 He finally let go, “It’ll keep you humble.” He chuckled, “Let’s go before you’re late for class.” Giving me a sharp look, he said, “And no more crying. You deserve better than that.”

 I nodded.

 As we walked to his car, I said, “Hey [NAME]?”

 He turned to look at me.

“Thank you.” I sincerely expressed.

 His genuine smile made me feel safe and protected – just like his hugs–, “Of course. I always got you.”

“I know.” I whispered under my breath as I climbed into his car.

 He would always be there for me.

 Of that, I was certain.