Aveena
I’ve spent my entire life thinking I was worthy of the “big sister” title. Believed being someone’s big sister made me a bigger person in general.
I was the wise one, the experienced one, the one in charge of protecting my younger sibling from harm.
Then I walked in on Ashley making out with a shirtless basketball player in Finn’s bathtub, and suddenly… I didn’t feel so big anymore. I felt pretty damn small, actually.
She ended up in that bathtub, straddling Easton’s ultimate player, moaning in his ear while his mouth bruised her neck because she’s hurting.
Because I betrayed her.
I’m in no position to blame her for trying to forget.
We all need an escape sometimes.
I just wish she hadn’t found it in Theodore Cox’s mouth.
“Theo? Really?” I wince after five minutes of driving in utter silence. Ash hasn’t said a word since I practically manhandled her out of the bathtub and into my passenger seat. She might not care if Mom calls the cops on Dia’s party, but I do.
Heaving a childish laugh, she says, “Is that what his name is?”
“What would you have done if I hadn’t showed up, huh? Slept with him?” I hound her, the images of Theo shoving his tongue down her throat too fresh to erase.
I sure hope this was a onetime thing. Theo wouldn’t be caught dead in a serious relationship, and Ashley doesn’t need another heartbreaker wreaking havoc in her life.
She shrugs. “Probably.”
“Ash, you’re better than this, the body shots, making out with some jock in a bathtub. I know you’re hurting, but this isn’t going to help.”
I could smack myself for lecturing her. I’m aware I sound like Mom right now, but I’m embarrassingly clueless as to what I should say. How do you talk to your sister knowing you lost your virginity to her ex-boyfriend?
How do you even look her in the eyes?
We go minutes without speaking. I tie my hair into a ponytail when we come across a red light. I can’t stand my hair getting in my eyes when I’m driving.
The moment the light turns green, Ashley blurts an indignant “Are you fucking kidding me?”
Caught off guard, I almost swerve off the road.
“What?” I yell, matching her tone.
“You’re going to lecture me about making out with some guy when you were doing the same fucking thing?”
My cheeks ignite with embarrassment.
If anyone finds my jaw, I’d like it back, thanks.
I swallow hard. “What are you talking about?”
“Do you think I’m blind? You have a hickey the size of my fucking fist, Vee.”
“I do?” I blurt, lifting a hand to my neck.
Damn it, Xavier.
“You’re unbelievable!” Ash huffs, propping her dirty heels on my dashboard, just to piss me off. She knows I hate when she does that. Flushed, I let my hair back down pronto.
“You’re avoiding the question,” I say, well aware that I’ve lost all credibility. “I know you, Ash. This isn’t you.”