Chapter 51 He Started It
-Drew-
Annie shocked me with her apology after the events with Daniel.
She looked so worried, like what Daniel said would change how I’d look at her.
How do I get her to realize that isn’t possible?
That I’m all in with her, that she’s my whole world, that I love her.
I don’t think I can, at least right now, not with the mix of emotions in my blood.
I’m trying to fight the rage that is still under my skin.
So, I suggest the documentary because we need to cool down, I need to cool down.
Annie is lying on my chest as we watch the show.
I can’t seem to focus on what is being said or who is being interviewed.
My thoughts are swirling in a million directions, and my only real focus is on my hand drawing little shapes along her back.
I register that I’m not just drawing any shape, I’ve been drawing hearts over her back because even my unconscious mind knows this girl has my heart.
***
I walk her home a few minutes before curfew, and we don’t get the normal open-door thumbs up from her dad.
It’s going to suck without her over the next week.
When did seeing her feel like air, a requirement for my body to function?
“I’m going to miss you,” I tell her. She gives me a little smile, “I’m going to miss you, too.
” We both step closer before sharing a deep kiss.
“See you soon, Dimples—don’t forget me while I’m away,” she says quietly into the night before stepping out of my arms. “You’re too important to forget, Angel.
” I only move after I hear the bolt slide shut.
***
The next morning, I come downstairs, and Daniel is already with my parents having breakfast. “You have a good night, Drew?” Mom asks when I sit down.
Before I can answer, Daniel interjects, “I’m pretty sure he was satisfied.
” I kick him under the table. Mom does her little narrowing of the eyes that she does when she is trying to figure out what she missed.
I turn to Mom. “It was a good night. How about you all?” “It was nice to get out. Thanks for reminding us about that gift card.” Daniel laughs next to her.
“What’s so funny, Danny?” Mom asks. I mentally prepare for what could come out of his mouth.
“Sweet little Drew, right Mom?” he says, then adds, “It’s so sad you missed seeing him and Annie enjoying personal time in the living room. ”
Mom makes that little narrowing eye thing again, trying to figure out what she could have missed.
I can tell when she gets an idea of what could have been going on in the living room, and she half chokes on her coffee.
Before either of my parents can comment, I look at my brother and feel the anger in my tone.
“Daniel, I’m not sure how to get you to understand the words SHUT THE FUCK UP.
” Mom’s eyes, which had been narrowing, go wide.
We may get away with a lot, and my parents may be more than understanding about having people over, but cussing and arguing aren’t tolerated.
“What, Drew? It’s not like I said she’d missed out on your girlfriend’s little performance on her knees,” Daniel says with a smile on his face.
I see actual red, and I stand up so quickly from the table, I knock over the chair.
Had he just said that in front of our parents?
Dad breaks into the conversation. “Daniel, that is enough. I’m not sure what the hell is going on but it’s enough. ”
But it’s not enough for my brother, because he continues.
“Dad, come on, you have to know that Drew is getting my sloppy seconds with that girl next door.” I’m not sure when I round the table, but I’m there in what feels like a flash, and I punch him square in the jaw, knocking him to the floor.
Mom jumps up and is near the door. Dad is standing up, trying to step between us.
“Daniel, when I said shut the fuck up, I meant it.” I hear myself shouting.
Daniel makes to get up and return the punch, but Dad has finally made it between us and blocks his way.
Dad says to both of us, “That is enough,” then tacks on, “Drew, why don’t you head to your room, and we’ll discuss your actions after you cool down.
” Fine by me, I think, and I leave having burned out my anger with the blow I’ve landed on Daniel’s no longer smug face.
***
I’m responding to a message from Annie when I get a knock on my door almost an hour later.
“Come in,” I say and sit up on my bed. Dad makes his way into the room and sits on the desk chair.
“Care to explain what happened at breakfast?” he starts.
I give him a breakdown of what happened last night, trying to skim over the details of getting a blow job on the living room couch.
Dad is silent and lets me give my side of the situation.
He takes a second to respond when I’m finished.
“You can’t punch your brother over the breakfast table, Drew.
I can understand that he was pushing the limits and his comments about Annie are uncalled for, but you still can’t punch your brother.
I can understand why you did it, but if you tell your mother that I gave you sympathy, I’ll deny it with my last breath.
” I can’t help the laugh that escaped from Dad's comment about Mom. “Your mom has suggested taking your phone for a few days as punishment for the punch, and I’ve agreed.” I go to protest, but he holds up his hand.
“Your mom wanted you to apologize, but I let her know that I didn’t agree with making you do that.
I’ve explained to her I’d have done the same thing if your uncle had said something like that about her. ”
I appreciate Dad trying to lessen the fallout from my punch over breakfast. “Can I have like fifteen minutes to let my friends know? I’d been planning to meet a few of them at the cages this week.
” “Sure, bring it down to me when you’ve made your friends aware,” he says as he gets up from the chair and heads for the door.
“Son, if I can offer you some small advice?” I look up from my phone, giving him my attention, “Maybe don’t tell Annie exactly what your brother said to your Mom and me.
I’d hate for her to be uncomfortable the next time she’s over.
” It’s pretty good advice, and I thank him before he leaves the room.
He makes his way down the hall, and I think for Mom’s benefit he says loudly, “You have fifteen minutes and I better get that phone, Drew.” I open my phone, but I don’t text the guys. I text Annie.
Drew
So I’m going to be without my phone for a few days
Annie Campbell
Why, everything ok?
Drew
I may or may not have punched Daniel
Annie Campbell
Drew!!
What happened?
Are you ok?
Drew
I’m perfect and it had to be done but I’m getting grounded so my phone is going to be taken for a few days
Annie Campbell
I’m going to miss texting you
Drew
Still text, I can catch up when I get it back
Annie Campbell
Ok, no more punches
Drew
No more punches - promise
Annie Campbell
Text you later Dimples
Drew
I can’t wait to catch up in a few days but lets avoid sexy pictures just in case
Annie Campbell
Well that ruins all my plans but ok
I’ll save the pictures for later Dimples
Bye
Drew
Bye Angel
I do text a few of the guys, telling them my phone is being confiscated. I let them know when I’ll be at the batting cages, and if they can make it, great, if not, don’t worry about it. I hand over my phone and start to count the seconds until Thanksgiving break is over.