Chapter 7: Her first crush

It's their fourth month of friendship and it is the year which will change everything between them.

Joan and Matthew were so close to each other now that if Joan had a problem at school or of something personal she would always seek advice from Matthew. She would sometimes sleep over at Matthew's place if her uncle travel to the main city to visit her parents. All started to change when Joan reached her 13th birthday, now Matthew was like an elder figure for her that he was involved in everything Joan was in, so by the time she reached 13, Matthew was also there at Peter's house to join a small gathering for her birthday.Then in Kiribati traditional it is a must that the elders would give advice or lessons to the person who is the reason for a feast. All gave Joan a word of advice until Matthew turn came. This is what he said to Joan on that day, "I know you are a good girl and I am very proud and eager to see you grow up into somebody and always remember that I will always be there to support you all the way my little sister." Joan was so touched by Matthew's word that she got up from her mat and gave Matthew a warm hug but what followed after was like a lightning struck her little 💓. She never would have thought that Matthew would kiss her ( well on a cheeck) but that also awoke something inside the little girl's heart which was so new yet strange to her. She quickly got back to her mat and sat there thinking about that recent affection she had receive from Matthew, while thinking she heard a dark voice from within her conscious "you fool, quit thinking and act grateful that you can get him as a brother or you can say goodbye to him as soon as possible!" Joan nod but then "he is not your blood and beside you never grow up with him so it's not wrong if you develop a feeling for him, who knows he may like you now as a sister but imagine when you are fully grown up and he started seeing you as a woman, so go for it girl." Joan then sneakily grin as if she had won a bet but unknown to her Matthew masked her every reactions.