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T ed was devishly handsome, straight nose, nearly see through blue eyes, dimples when he smiled and at 6’, tall enough for most women. In his white uniform he cut a picture-perfect image for recruitment advertising. He waited patiently for his sister to come out of the bathroom. He smiled when she did, she looked beautiful. He was sorry that she was taking him, and sure that every boy left in school was crazy. “You look amazing,” he said to her as they headed toward his car.

“Thanks,” she answered shyly.

“Are you embarrassed?” He looked at her wide eyed. “Wished you’d said yes to a real boy now?”

Sarah shook her head, rolling her eyes. “No. I’m glad with how this will turn out.”

Ted’s eyebrows knit as he got behind the wheel.

When they arrived, he was a perfect escort. They did casual pictures, drinks, and he got a table so she could sit down. Sarah knew when Bethany walked in with Andrew; Teddy’s face froze, eyes moving with her.

“Bethany,” Sarah called out. Both Andrew and Bethany turned their heads, Andrew moving toward her waving.

As they headed toward the table, Teddy looked at Sarah, “What are you doing!?”

“It’s my prom. I’m hanging out with my friend.” She sounded so innocent, Teddy wanted to strangle her.

“Teddy,” Bethany nearly whispered as they got to the table.

Teddy stood, “Bethany. And Andrew I hear,” he held out his hand to Andrew. They shook. As they all sat Sarah took over. It was a small round table, Sarah, Teddy, Bethany, and Andrew.

“Andrew, this is Ted, my brother. He’s going to be a SEAL.”

“Oh wow. I understand that’s really hard training,” Andrew was reaching.

“So, I’ve heard, for good reason,” Teddy answered back.

“Bethany,” Sarah started. “I missed you at dress hunting. I had to take Ted.”

Bethany smiled kindly, “I bet he’s a better driver.”

“No girl talk,” Teddy leaned in.

“I doubt that,” Bethany looked at him. “And your dress is beautiful so maybe you took the right person after all,” she turned back to Sarah.

“Where are you from, Andrew? Sarah said you were a new student.” Ted tried to bring him back into the conversation.

“Andrew, you wanna dance?” Sarah asked abruptly standing up.

Andrew obligingly stood and took Sarah to the dance floor.

“You look amazing,” Teddy said when it was just them.

“Thank you,” Bethany felt like she had to bite out. “You’re in uniform.”

“Yes, Sarah told me to wear it.”

“Of course,” they both smiled about Sarah.

“How long have you been seeing this guy?”

“For a bit.”

“That’s what Sarah said. Have you kissed him?” Teddy could feel his anger rising.

“That’s none of your business.”

Teddy took her hand, yanked her up, and started walking toward an exit, “Come with me.”

Before she could argue, or fight, she felt a brick wall against her back and knew Teddy was standing in front of her, within inches. “I don’t want anyone to touch you, kiss you, be with you.”

“No one? It’s not your call, Te---”

Teddy’s lips fell hard on hers, his hands diving into her long hair, cradling her face. Teddy erased the distance between them, stepping toward her. Her hands snaked up his chest into his short hair pulling, as if to make him get even closer; her mouth opening for him to lay claim. He felt her hips thrust toward him, the bones pressing against him and pulled back his kiss. Trying to compose himself he felt the goosebumps on his arms, mirrored on hers. “God damn it, Bethany.”

“Why now? Because I’m with someone else? All those years you flew through all those girls.”

“I always wanted to be with you. The girls were nothing, a distraction. I thought even if I could convince you, your parents would never allow it.”

“Why should I believe you now? Andrew is a good person.”

“Because you didn’t say you loved Andrew. It’s high school, Bethany!”

“He’s not afraid of my parents or our money.”

“You kissed me back. There won’t be anyone besides me for you, ever.”

“How many have there been at school?”

“There hasn’t been. I was done with that in high school.”

“Just where I could hear about it,” Bethany smirked.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you. I didn’t know what else to do.”