Betrayal

Saturday mornings always made me feel safe. The morning cartoons, the breakfast cereal and the whole family being at home just made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I sat on the bar stool near the living room and watched the tv while drinking hot cocoa. My mom always made a beautiful hot cocoa bar every winter. She always filled it with my favorites the week of my birthday. Baylen would be 17 in a month so I’m sure his faves would be in there next. But for now I will enjoy my candy canes, marshmallows and vanilla syrup. Bay and I have never thought it was odd to be Irish twins, but others always make such a big deal about it. We are only the same age together for about 25 days and I think it’s so much fun. Bay and I always did something special the last night we were “twins,” and this time around would be no different. Bay asked me to invite Casey and Jeff to the arcade with us for batting cages, glow bowling and lunch. My mind flashed back every so often to Keegan and his soft lips and strong arms. It gave me chills to think about it, but I had to shake the thought out of my head. I’m with Jeff and he treats me so incredibly well. He was actually taking me out to dinner for my birthday tonight. We were going to Casmarels. They had the best seafood this side of the Mississippi. Jeff has such a strong and cute accent. It’s such a difference in how he and Keegan speak. Keegan didn’t grow up here so he doesn’t have our accents. He said he felt like an outcast at first but I hear it in some words he says, even though he will deny it.

“Squirt, Keegan is coming over to talk to me today. It sounds serious. We are going to sit in the dining room. Do you mind?” Baylen asked.

“He uh, he is coming over today?” I asked, trying to be super casual.

“Yeah dork. You good?” Baylen asked, biting into his chocolate chip muffin.

I nodded and stared out the window. What was Keegan going to say? Should I spill it first that we kissed last night? Baylen will be so pissed at me if I don’t.

“Bay…” I started. I sat down on the stool near him. He looked at me puzzled.

“What’s up, Breesy girl,” he asked, putting down his muffin. “You okay sis?”

I nodded. I took a deep breath. I knew I had to say it now before Keegan got here. “I need to tell you something,” I said, starting to get nervous. “Last night, when you were sleeping, Keegan kissed me. He told me he wanted to be with me. I didn’t say it back to him, but I also kissed him back. I think that’s what he is coming over to tell you,” I said, holding my breath.

“Really? You both are dating someone. What the hell Brees?” he asked, slamming his hand on the countertop. He looked so disappointed and hurt. The last thing I ever want to do is hurt my brother. He is literally my best friend in the whole world. Now Keegan’s urgency to protect Baylen made more sense.

“Bay, we didn’t do this to hurt you or even do this on purpose. We have a connection that is undeniable. I really think I’m in love with him. I have never felt this way about anyone before. Not even Jeff. Tell me you understand Bay?” I asked, searching his face and body language for any hints that he would forgive me for what seemed like an ultimate betrayal.

“Love? You think that’s what this is, is love Brees? You are holding on to a secret about Keegan’s dad and you have the audacity to say this is love,” he shook his head and got up from his stool. But before he could say another word, I saw Keegan standing in the doorway of the kitchen.

Keegan’s face went from shock, to inquisitive, to angry. I knew at that moment I had lost Keegan Patts before he was even officially mine.