Page 18 of The Frathole

“I wanted to make sure they didn’t get rid of me after the first few rehearsals.”

“Oh, so you were planning to tell me on opening night?”

He rolls his eyes. “I was gonna tell you today. Once I had a better idea if I’d be any good at it.”

“I don’t know what you were worried about. Anything you put your mind to, you do fine with.”

He makes a retching sound. “This is not the wholeit’s a miracle, everything you do, because you poor wounded bird.”

He couldn’t sound more sarcastic if he tried. Aiden hates when people make a big deal out of anything he does. I get it, but I also think sometimes he downplays the shit he does that is genuinely awesome.

“You know that’s not how I meant it.”

“I’m only giving you hell, bro,” he says as he rushes, slipping the wheel in front of my leg so I have to halt in place—one of his favorite games.

“You little shit. I can still kick your ass.”

“Kick away,” he says, pivoting so he’s in front of me. “Comeon. Get around me. Try.”

We run through the game for a minute before I manage to psyche him out and get in front. When I reach his car, I have to stop myself from offering help, since Aiden hates that.

Right after the accident, he had a rough time coping and needed extra help. It was about two years before he started refusing a lot of the help Mom, Dad, or I would offer. But it can be hard to watch when something I take for granted takes him much longer, like even getting the door open. And I could easily help him into his seat instead of him climbing up.

“Okay, I don’t have to be a hero today. You wanna put the chair in the passenger’s seat?”

A rush of adrenaline rushes through me as my bro asks me for help I’m eager to give. “I got you.” I place it in the seat, then head to my car, and we meet back at our parents’ place, catching up before dinner.

I notice he keeps texting someone before Mom asks, “How was Amy today?”

“Amy?” I ask. “That’s a name I haven’t heard before.” Once again, the knot in my chest twists up. Like when he brought up the play.

Aiden shoots Mom a look.

“Was I not supposed to say anything?” she asks.

“The hell, Aiden? I mean heck. First the play and now you have a girlfriend?”

“Whoa, whoa. She’s not my girlfriend,” he says before smiling. “Yet.” He’s trying to downplay it, but his lips are tight together, his eyes wide in the way he gets when he has a secret. “And speaking of surprises…” he drags out, “Steven and Roger are going to Tybee Island for the week and asked if I wanted to come with them.”

“Wait, what?” I ask, disappointment coursing through me. “I thought we’d get to spend time together.” Aiden wears a guiltyexpression as Mom and Dad exchange an uncomfortable look, but as frustrated as I am, I know I’m being selfish. “Sorry, I wanted to see you, but that sounds fun.” I can tell I already made it awkward for him, though.

“Please, Mom and Dad,” he asks.

And of course, it isn’t much of a discussion since he’s been on vacations with his crew before. I just wish I would’ve had a heads-up.

He must sense how disappointed I am because after they agree, he says, “It’s fine, man. It’s all good. You’re still my amazing big bro.”

I notice the sympathy in Mom’s and Dad’s expressions, like they know this is not the way we are, but I try to remind myself he’s growing up. He’s always been his own guy and done whatever the hell he’s wanted to. And I’ve tried to support him at every turn. Still, it’s a tough blow.

“You want to throw the ball around after dinner?” he asks. “You got a better arm than Dad, and I need to keep my throw in good shape for the team next year.”

I can tell he’s trying to cheer me up, and I manage to get in a better mood as we play around in the backyard, but there’s still this lingering discomfort because, even though I know my bro’s got his own life, I don’t like him pulling away from me.

7

Ryan

I’m sure Mr.Rule Follower is happy I can’t bug him over spring break, when I head to Orlando with Ty and Lance. We have a good time, enjoy the rides at Universal Studios and Disney, hit the bars. It goes by too fast, and in no time we’re back to class, and I’m making life annoying as hell for Marty McGovern. Anything I can think of to make his life more unpleasant. Even with him riding my ass, I’ve managed to keep in line with the rules. Although, the animosity I’ve built up has led to me finding other ways to bug Marty.