5

Asher

I take a shower after finishing my workout, while Jason showers in the stall next to me.

"You're in a bad mood today. Maybe you should make up with Clara; it might improve your mood," I suggest.

"She's not what's bothering me."

I hate talking about feelings and all that crap, but since he's my friend, I try to be empathetic.

"What's wrong, then?" I ask.

He stays silent for a few seconds before saying,

"I think Cecilia has feelings for you."

I burst out laughing.

"What are you smoking, man?" I reply.

"I'm serious, Asher. Do you think I like thinking about this?"

Honestly, I don't know what to think personally. Until yesterday, I never thought of her as anything other than Jason's sister. But I know I'm not indifferent to her since she always stares at me when she thinks no one is watching. But I figured it was normal since she must have heard some stuff in the halls.

"I don't know what to tell you," I say.

"How do you feel about her?" he eventually asks.

Even though I've known him for only two years, I know it's his way of gauging my interest in Cecilia to keep me away from her.

"She's not bad, you know what I mean," I say, laughing just to tease him, even though deep down I know I'm being honest.

"Screw you, Asher. Don't even look at her. She's off-limits," he shouts.

"Don't worry about me; I'm not interested in her. She wants a boyfriend, and you know I'm not into that. So relax, nothing is going to happen between us. If what you're saying is true, I'm sure she'll get over it soon enough," I finish.

I hope so, anyway. I can't see her as anything but Jason's sister. She deserves someone better than me.

"If you want my advice, Jason, you should stop seeing her as your little sister. You're the same age, and unlike you, she's going to end up with someone sooner or later, and I bet you'll always think she deserves better. Maybe you'll be right, but you'll have to accept her choice."

"I know, but I'm afraid she'll do something she'll regret for the rest of her life."

I'm sure if I had a sister, I'd have the same worry and act just like him, so I can't judge.

We finish showering, and I head to my room. I got an A- on my last chemistry assignment, and I absolutely need to raise my grade. My dad wants my grades to be perfect; I have no choice but to do what he wants. I hate him so much. I know I'm privileged compared to others, but I can't help wishing sometimes that I was in a more loving family, even if it meant having less money.

My parents divorced three years ago. My mom remarried and moved in with her new husband, leaving me alone with my dad. I still resent her for doing that, especially since she knows how my dad treats me. She was selfish, only thinking about herself. To save her own skin, she sacrificed me in the process. I spend the rest of the day studying, even skipping lunch.

Once I finish studying, I call Ana, but she declines my call. I guess she's still mad at me for yesterday. I try calling one of her friends, but she doesn't pick up either. I decide to go to the cinema. It's the night when a literary adaptation is showing. I would've invited Jason, but he always mocks me and doesn't understand how I can be interested in romance movies, especially since I don't believe in love.

I go in and head to the back of the room to avoid being bothered by girls who always try to hit on me while I just want to spend a damn evening in peace. "Love and Prejudice" is playing, and even though I've watched it over ten times, I decide to stay. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Cecilia looking for a seat. I wave her over, and it takes her a few seconds to notice me and come over. She stands in front of me.

"Does Jason know you're here?"

"Are you going to ask me the same question every time?" she snaps.

She's right; I can be annoying sometimes.

"Sit down."

"No thanks, I don't want people thinking I'm part of your harem," she retorts, trying to hide her jealousy.

I pull her down next to me, and her scent intoxicates me.

"You should feel special, Ceci; you're the only one I invited to sit with me at the movies," I say with my best charming smile.

She blushes, and damn, I know I've made a mistake because I can't forget what I see in her eyes. She gets up from me and sits next to me, doing her best not to touch me.

"Sit comfortably; I'm not going to eat you," I say, offering her the blanket.

She stares at my outstretched hand for a few seconds as if deciding whether it's a good idea. Eventually, she settles in, pressing against me and sharing the blanket. She places her bowl of popcorn between us. I force myself to focus on the screen, trying not to analyze our position too much. I would've given anything to be a better person right now because for the first time, I feel good in the presence of a girl.

The following chapters are available on Radish Fiction: author name Yacin_Nd, book title Deep Tears.

My other books (Control, Regret, Flawed) are also available on Radish Fiction.

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