Mia
“I don’t understand. You’ve only been dating for weeks.” I said into the phone, pacing near the corner of the house. “Get to the point, Mia,” he snapped. I fiddled with the strap of my backpack. “My point is, she’s a whore.” The words tasted like ash in my mouth, but I meant every syllable. Every girl my brother dates is either stupid, sluttery, or both. “Shut up and don’t tell Mom.” He sounded annoyed, which suited me just fine. “I’ll do it if you lend me your PlayStation.” I reached for my keys. He took a deep breath. “Fine. Whatever. Get it from my room.” He finally relented. “Deal.” I heard his scoff through the receiver. “So what time is she coming over?” I twisted the knob and went inside, kicking off my shoes. Headed straight for his room. “I actually don’t know. I’ll text her now.” He was saying, his voice distant. I opened his door and stopped dead. A goddess. Naked in his bed. Oh, shit. “Mia?” He asked, confusion lacing his voice. “I dropped my phone.” The plastic clattered on the floor. My jaw followed.
“OH MY GOD,” she breathed, her voice a soft shockwave. I turned my back, trying to erase the image of her sprawled out in his bed. Was she blushing? I couldn’t tell. “I didn’t mean to walk in on you. I’m so… I’m…” Jesus. Where did the stutter come from? Wasn’t I a brilliant public speaker?
“No! I’m sorry. I thought you were James.” She fumbled for a sheet, covering herself. And suddenly she was in front of me, draped in fabric. A red blouse, a black mini-skirt. She wore it like she owned it. “He’s talked about you a lot.” She was buttoning her blouse, and I noticed the dimples. I wondered where else she had dimples. Stop. Say something. “Uhmmm…” Anything. Just something. “Yes! Mia. I am.” Nope. Should have kept my mouth shut. She laughed. A sound that echoed inside my skull. A strand of gold hair fell across her face, and I was mesmerized as she tucked it behind her ear. And as if she was on fire, I took two steps back. She probably wanted to get out of here more than I did. And I can’t leave because this is my address. “Nice to meet you. I’m Lauren.” She extended her hand. Lauren. The one I’d just called a ‘whore’ a minute ago. I took her hand. “Likewise.” We shook hands. For what felt like an eternity.
Lauren
“She saw you, what?” Andy asked, barely containing his laughter. I wanted to strangle him, but he was my favorite gay cousin in the world. “Naked! Okay? Are you happy now?” He was always the one I could vent to. “I would if I’d seen your face. I can only imagine.” He was enjoying this too much. “It was actually kind of funny.” More laughter. This time from both of us. “I see you’re enjoying your stay here, Andy.” My dad walked into the kitchen, grabbing a glass of water. “I do love staying here, Uncle. You know that.” Andy grinned. “Well, I’m glad. How are you, pumpkin?” He turned to me. “I’m doing great, Dad. Anything else you need?” I asked. He looked tired, but still managed a smile. “Nothing, sweet pea. Just need more time at the office. So you two…” He looked at me and Andy. “Keep it down. I’ll be working all night.” We promised. I gave him a peck on the cheek as I watched him descend the stairs.
“So you didn’t get some tonight?” Andy asked once he was out of earshot. “Of course not. I ran out of there like the house was going to eat me alive. How could I show my face in there after that?” I grabbed a glass, needing a drink. “Maybe you can show your…” I glared at him before he could finish the sentence. “Stop it!”
Mia
Tonight’s dinner was a silent blessing. I could actually enjoy my meal with some peace and quiet. Until the doorbell rang. “Who could that be?” Mom asked bluntly. James and I exchanged a look. “Will you go be a dear and get the door, honey?” She asked me, smiling sweetly. Fine. Who was ruining my quiet dinner? I went to open the door and found Stanley standing on the porch. Looking rather… well, Stanley. Crooked smile, red bowtie. Who even wears bows anymore? He does, I reminded myself. He lived three blocks away. His aunt and my mom went to the same pottery class. “Oh, Stanley!” Mom somehow materialized beside me. “Come have dinner with us. Come in!” I went back to the table, glaring at my brother. He just gave me a look that said ‘I have no idea, sis, but good luck.’
A silent dinner. That’s all I wanted. James got up to offer Stanley a seat. Mom had already pulled one up to the table, right next to me. He sat. “My aunt made banana cake and thought we should share it with you guys.” He placed the cake on the table. It smelled like heaven. “That’s so sweet of you, Stan. Isn’t that sweet of him, Robert?” Mom turned to Dad, who was probably thinking about basketball. “Yes. It is. Thank you, Stan.” He said, winking at me. He hated this as much as I did. “Go on, Mia. Taste Stan’s banana cake.” Somehow, that sentence made my stomach churn. And James almost choked on his water. But of course, being a good daughter, I grabbed a knife and cut myself a slice. I took a bite. It was actually not bad. I hated how easily I could be swayed by anything sweet.
Stan’s visit was cut short after his whole face turned red after Mom offered him a peanut. He said he knew he was allergic. But wanted to show me he was capable of anything. For the next five minutes, he managed to pull that off. Until Mom had to call his aunt to come pick him up because I don’t think he was breathing at all.
“Well, that went well.” James plopped down on the couch next to me. I wasn’t in the mood. “Come on, Mia.” Trying to cheer me up. “When is she going to stop?” I finally said. He didn’t answer. I knew deep down he wanted me to start a relationship. The only person in this house who wasn’t bothered by my single life was Dad. “Didn’t you think he was attractive, though?” He asked. In all seriousness. “The not breathing part was kind of cute.” That earned a laugh from him. Which I had to join because it was the best part of the evening. “Okay, okay. I get it.” He said as he finished gawking. “I wouldn’t want him for you anyway.” Thank you. “But whoever wins your heart is going to have to come to me first. I’m going to make sure this guy isn’t going to play on you, Mia.” A guy. That made me a little sad.
“Anyway, I have a favor to ask.” He sat up straight in front of me. “What now, James?” I said irritably, pulling my phone out of my pocket. “Well, you know girls aren’t allowed in my room.” He whispered. I knew that. Because guys weren’t allowed in my room. “So?” Fixated on my screen. “So I need HER to stay in your room.” He explained. “I don’t want your girlfriend in my room, James.” I’m really not in the mood. “Come on. Lauren can sleep with you.”