So my break didn't last nearly long enough and I found myself back at college. I refused to let myself throw a pity party and decided that I would make the best of this term. I was taking a lot more classes and hoped this would help me finish my degree faster. I heard shuffling in the hallway and decided it was time to meet my new dormmates.
Tammy went to unload her bag and another student shook my hand. "Kyle Reed. Your new protection." I sighed internally. Kale hadn't heard it from me, but Anoki told him what had happened last semester and Kale fired him on the spot. I didn't realize that he would hire a new body guard. Kyle continued. "And let me tell you I will not fail you or Mr.Perez. I take my job seriously." I nodded. "Great, great. I've heard that before." I bounded up the stairs with my suitcase before he could say another word.
For whatever reason, when I am in class I always end up in the front row. I don't know how this happens. Being the big mouth that I am it is the worst possible spot for me. I really am afraid one of these days I might accidently say exactly what I am thinking. And then I imagine the professor will fail me and send me to the corner. I start throwing myself into my presentations, I have so many of them in my business classes. Lucky for me, Tammy entertains me with her silly dance moves and hilarious radio dj voices so I never get bored.
To be fair to Kyle, he was a decent body guard and kept an almost annoyingly good eye on me. I was actually starting to feel safe. Tammy suggested we go to the next pool party at the frat house. I thought it was crazy. Kyle insisted I needed to go and show no fear. It would send a clear message to Kanoa if I went. I agreed on the condition that Kyle wouldn't go anywhere near the juice keg.
Kyle went in first and kept his word. He avoided the juice kegs and stayed in the shadows. Even without looking I could feel his eyes on me.
I actually got over my fear (I didn't see Jared anywhere) and watched Tammy play her guitar, she was quite good.
I also ran into my hero from last semester. I thanked him and discovered his name was Jeffery Dean, and he was the president of the frat house. Go figure. He shrugged it off. "Jared's always getting mixed up with the wrong people." He gave me a sideways glance. "Hope your avoiding the wrong people." I smiled and said without lying, "Trying my best to avoid him *cough* ,I mean, them."
As we left the pool party Tammy interrogated, "Well? Did you have fun? I can't believe you actually stayed at the party the whole time!" (I didn't tell Tammy about the incident last time) I smiled. "It was enjoyable." (if enjoyable is defined as not getting threatened the entire night.)
A few days later I ran into Anoki. He apologized for last semester and expressed how sorry he was. I finally caved and forgave him. I couldn't be mad at him forever. He was Kale's cousin after all.
I really really really don't like sitting in the front row. I am thinking about showing up to class...early just so I don't have to sit up here anymore.
Another thing I was beginning to notice is that Kyle checked up on me alot and asked me about school, and how Kale was doing, and making alot of small talk.I really hoped he didn't have some kind of crush on me, that would be so awkward. I was in love with Kale and wasn't sure how to confront Kyle.
The next time I talked to Kale I asked him, hypothetically, what I should do if someone was making passes at me. Kale said, in very vivid and eloquent language what I already knew: I needed to confront Kyle. If I only knew then...sigh.
I cornered Kyle in the kitchen a few days later...
Me: Kyle, I really need to talk to you about something and I think we both know what. I appreciate that you do a good job however Mr. Perez and I are both concerned that you are going to far with this.
Kyle: Holly, can I-
Me: Please! Don't interrupt...
Me: Now where was I? Oh, I think that you checking on me all the time has got to stop. I am spoken for and-
Kyle: Please, don't make me say it like this!
Me: (hands on hips) Say what? That you have some kind of crush or feelings for me..
Kyle: *shouting* I AM YOUR HALF BROTHER!
Long Awkward Pause Courtesy of Holly........
Kyle: I've been trying to tell you for awhile but it never seemed like the right moment. Sheesh, Holly, you made that completely weird.
Holly: Yep. (another long awkward pause) well, um, I got stuff to do.
Yeah, I totally bailed. What was I supposed to say to that? I tend to insert my foot into my mouth but this was one of the worst blunders I had ever made! Kyle hadn't been crushing on me, he had been trying to get to know his sister, me! I would figure out how to repair this bridge later, yes later was good.
The next day my second semester ended. I gave Tammy a hug goodbye and prepared for home. This felt alot like de ja vu when I turned and Kyle was standing there.
Kyle shook my hand. "Just so you know, that wasn't me trying to hold your hand." He winked. I laughed. "Yeah about that-" Kyle held up his hand. "Please, social awkwardness runs in the family, you don't have to apologize." He handed me his email address. "If you ever want to talk...about mom." I nodded. "Feels surreal, having a sibling." He nodded. "Tell me about it."
A few mintues later I was out the door running with my suitcase. I couldn't wait to see Kale! It had been a much more productive school semester and I had gotten alot done. It looked like I only had one semester left!
I arrived home and Kale hugged me tightly. "I have missed you, my future wife! How was your second semester?" I had to say it out loud to make it feel real, "I have a brother."
End of Part 5
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