My Bestfriend's Brother Shouldn't Know How I Taste
68

Bailey's pov

I saw the way my words made her feel. I saw the shift in her eyes. Thereaction I should have expected.

But I can't take those words back and I....don't want to. Because I meanthem. Every single word that rolled off my tongue, I meant them withevery inch of my being.

I know I hurt her, I know she feels betrayed. But I can't continue to lie tomyself too. I can't please her with a lie anymore. I want Kaleb.

I love Kaleb.

I blinked rapidly, trying to remove the presence of tears in my eyes so Ican see her properly while I uttered. " Your brother deserves to beloved to Mirabella. He is worth being loved.”

I shook my head and take a step forward, pinning her down with asincere stare. " I love him and I'm sorry, but if I have to choose betweenyou and him, I will love you both. I will choose you both. But if youmake me choose then I will choose him.”

I played with my fingers, knowing that I was pouring my heart out infront of my family too. But it needed to be done and I should have doneit sooner.

“1 know I did wrong by not telling you. I know you're pissed off but wecan't help who we love Mira.” I throw my hands up. " We can't choosewho we fall in love with, it just happens. But what we can choose is whowe let go."

I shook my head. " And I won't let go. I'd choose you both but if youforce me to choose I will choose him because I won't let him go. Andthat's my choice. That's what I choose."

Mira is silently staring at me and her eyes flicker over to her brotherthat I didn't realize stood beside me until my arm touch his chest andhis arm wrap around my mid-section to pull me into his embrace.

His grip felt like he was trying to protect me, as if silently telling me thathe was here and that everything would be okay. I took comfort in histouch and melted into his warmth.

Mira peered at the two of us, more specifically his hand and then hereyes lift to mine and my heart stops. “ How many months has this beengoing on behind my back?"

I looked down in shame, knowing she will piece things together quickly." It started at the party.”

Mira frowned. * Which party?"

" The one Kaleb hosted in your home." I whispered. It hadn't been amonth yet, well I don't think it had been but it sure felt like Kaleb and Iwere together longer than this, despite only agreeing to be his girlfriendtoday.

I could see the gears in her head shift and realization hit her. " Youdidn't sleep on the couch did you?"

I swallowed. Keeping secrets from Mira was one thing but lying to herwas another. Mira detested liars, especially lies coming from peopleshe cared about.

Seeing my silence, she nods, a sneer bridging on her face. " Take offthat bracelet around your wrist. You no longer deserve it." Spittingthose words in anger, she slammed the door closed and locked it. Herhead is forward as if she can't bear to look at me anymore.

Her words hit me like a dart, flying straight to my heart. I staggered, butin Kaleb's arms as he hugged me. I can't breathe because I am cryingand Kaleb soothes me, whispering sweet words in my ear.

"I'm sorry." He said softly. * I will fix this. I'm sorry. She'll calm downand come back to her senses."

But even those words from the boy I love could ease the crippling painin my heart. I know how stubborn Mira can be when she is mad. Sheonce stayed not speaking to Kaleb for a week because he pouredrotten eggs in our hair during a prank.

I lied to her. For weeks.

Best friend's don't lie to each other. The bracelet was a symbol of that.A symbol of our promises.

"I'll speak to her. I'll try to get through to her." Kaleb whispered,planting a delicate kiss on my cheek and wiped my tears. " I promisewe will make her see. I promise I'll not let you down for choosing meBailey."

As he continued to soothe me, my mom and dad stepped toward us. Iinstantly ran to mom and she hugged me tightly as I cried. " I don'tknow what to do." I cried.

She runs a hand down my back in a comforting manner. " It's okaybaby. Your heart just wants what it wants. Your heart is never wrong."She kissed my cheek and dad went over to talk to Kaleb.

"I'm sorry for the scene Mr. Reed." Kaleb apologized.

“ Don't be. It made me realize I gave my daughter to the right boy thatwill cherish her." Dad said and clapped Kaleb lightly on his back,smiling. * You remind me of myself. I found the love of my life at yourage." Dad looked over at mom, his eyes shinning brightly withfondness.

" Whatever or whoever that tries to come between you two, don't letthat feeling go."

After a few more words the horn blares and we looked at Mira in the carseat. Her arms are crossed childishly and she's glaring at the front.Kaleb sighed and looked over at me, smiling sadly. " I will head onhome now flower. See you tomorrow?"

I nod, sniffling as mom wiped my tears with the back of her hand. Kalebbit his lip, rocking on his heels.

"Can I come to pick you up tomorrow for school?"

I looked behind him at an annoyed Mira who was still glaring at theroad ahead. I shook my head. " If it won't be an issue, then yes."

Kaleb smiled, saying goodbye and soon leaves. As we watch his cardrive off, dad pushes his hands in his pocket and smiled. " You chosecorrectly Bailey.”