My Best Friend's Brother

Chapter 2 Lily didn’t let go of Maya’s hand as they moved through the hallway. Every step felt like walking into an old photo album. Maya ran her fingers along the side table by the stairs. She could almost feel the scraps of paper she and Lily used to hide there — silly notes, tiny drawings, and even love letters they never had the courage to send. There was still a faint scratch from the time they tried to build a cardboard castle and failed miserably. When they reached the kitchen, Lily finally let go of her hand and threw open the pantry door with dramatic flair. “Guess what I still keep stocked just for you?” she announced, her eyes sparkling. She pulled out a bright red bag of kettle-cooked salt and vinegar chips. Maya’s jaw dropped. Then she let out a shaky laugh that turned into a sound halfway between a giggle and a sob. Her hand flew up to her chest as she felt tears sting her eyes. “Lily… you didn’t have to…” she whispered, her voice trembling. Lily stepped forward,

Chapter Four Maya stood in front of her window, staring at the quiet backyard. The sun was dipping low, painting the sky in soft pink and gold. But she hardly noticed the colors. All she could think about was Ethan. She hugged her sketchbook to her chest like a shield. She hadn’t dared to open it since she arrived. It felt too raw, too close to the girl she used to be. Why did he still make me feel like this? she wondered. Why can’t I just act normal around him? She let out a long sigh. Her room felt both familiar and foreign. The walls were the same pale blue, the desk still pushed under the window, but the air felt heavy now, charged with all the unspoken words between them. She heard footsteps in the hallway and froze. A moment later, Ethan appeared in the doorway. His hair was damp, small drops still clinging to the ends. He wore a plain gray T-shirt and dark sweatpants, and he was busy scrolling on his phone as he walked. When he looked up and noticed her, he stop

Chapter 6 The house felt even livelier when Ethan returned with Nathaniel in tow. Nathaniel burst through the door first, grinning from ear to ear like he owned the place. He dropped a big duffel bag on the hallway floor and immediately swept Lily into a huge hug that nearly lifted her off her feet. “Lily! You haven’t grown an inch!” he teased, ruffling her hair. “Oh, shut up,” Lily laughed, swatting at him. “Welcome back, Nathan!” Nathaniel finally turned toward her. “Maya! Wow, you’re actually here. The last time I saw you, you were what, sixteen?” She gave a shy smile, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Yeah… it’s been a while.” Everyone moved to the living room, falling into easy conversation. They sat around talking and drinking light beer that Nathaniel had brought. Maya drank slowly, but even the small amount made her feel warm and shaky. “So…” Nathaniel began, popping a handful of chips into his mouth, “Lucy is throwing her famous backyard party tomorro

Chapter 8 Ethan stood under the soft glow of the porch light for a long moment after Maya had gone inside. He ran a hand through his hair, letting out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. He had always been so careful — so deliberate in keeping his distance, building quiet walls around his feelings. But tonight had cracked something inside him. Could he really keep pretending? Could he keep his hands in his pockets, his heart safely locked away, when every glance from her made him feel like a seventeen-year-old kid again? He turned, finally forcing himself toward the house. By the time he pushed open the front door, the house was still and quiet. Lily wouldn’t be back tonight; her parents were already asleep. Ethan trudged up the stairs slowly, the echo of his own steps sounding too loud in the darkness. His mind replayed every glance, every almost-confession. He wondered if he could keep holding back — if he even wanted to anymore.When he reached his room, he pushed the doo

Chapter 10 Maya stood under the shower for what felt like forever. The water was warm, soothing against her skin, but her mind was anything but calm. Every drop seemed to echo with Ethan’s words from that morning. The way he looked at her, so careful and distant, it made her stomach twist. Did he feel anything at all? Or was she just another girl who happened to pass through his life? She sighed, leaning her forehead against the cool tile. After finally dressing in a light floral dress and tying her damp hair into a loose braid, she paused by the mirror, searching her own reflection as though it might offer answers. But all she saw was a young woman with eyes too heavy for her age. When she finally made her way downstairs, Mrs. Bennett was bustling around the kitchen, humming a soft tune as she arranged eggs and vegetables on the counter. “Maya! Good morning, darling.” Mrs. Bennett’s voice was warm. “Good morning,” Maya managed with a small smile. She glanced across the room