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CHAPTER1
We’re Different
Nyla
Summer 1995…
“We can’t sit in silence like this all day,” I mutter into my lap.
Jace remains silent, but Gio scoffs bitterly and pulls a face. The glare he sends my way sends a chill through me. I bite my lip and stare at him pleadingly. He sinks down in his seat and fidgets with the remote against his thigh, turning it in circles over and over.
We should be having fun out by the pool like we would have done a week ago. Like normal teens or at least as close as we can get to being normal teens. We’ve been different all our lives.
Gooniesplays on the TV as I sit on the floor of Gio’s bedroom with my back to the screen as Gio and Jace sit across from each other in the two game chairs, refusing to acknowledge each other. They’re both so stubborn. We all are.
Ava says it’s our battle for dominance that will bring us together or tear us a part. We all crave it, but in different ways. I’m willing to find a balance for us as friends and family, but I believe that’s the problem.
Wiping a hand across my forehead, I frown and pout. I hate this. The silence is killing me. Neither of them is watching the movie.
It’s been a hot day. We came inside to cool down, but the real discomfort is coming from the tension surrounding this room. It’s my fault. I didn’t mean for things to get like this.
However, I should have known better. This is Gio, after all. I know him better than anyone.
It’s just…I thought. I still don’t know what I thought. Mommy calls me an old soul. She says I always want to grow up too fast and I have a hard head. I think my hard head has cost me everything this time.
I’ve been in love with these two all my life. I love them both for different reasons, but I love them the same. Jace has always been there for me emotionally and I him. Gio, oh God, when it comes to Gio there is something in my soul that has always belonged to him.
The boy can have anything from me he wants. He was my first kiss and I hope someday he will be my first like he promised. We come together on a mental level too. I know how Gio thinks. People underestimate him and they are so wrong to do so.
The three of us complete each other. We’re closer than close. What started out as a crush on my two best friends has turned into something so much more.
I look over at Gio’s face. He’s so angry with me. Looking back down into my lap, I lift my headphones back onto my head and press play. Tears build as Brandy’s “I’m Yours” plays. This is what I need Gio to understand.
I will forever be his, I’m not saying I don’t want him. I have enough love for them both. I didn’t mean to cause this, I only wanted to show him what could be.
I stand up and go to climb into his lap. He purses his lips and glares at me but doesn’t stop me from settling in place. I place the CD player in my lap, then take the headphones and place them over his ears. I press the button to restart the song.
He cradles his arms around me and tugs me into him. I melt into his embrace, leaning my head against his shoulder, then lift my hand to cup his handsome face. He looks into my eyes with his hazel gaze.
His gaze softens as he listens. Some of the anger fades and I push my hand into his thick, dark, messy locks. He cups the back of my neck as he leans in and crushes my lips.
It’s like I’m breathing for the first time in a week. I’ve missed this so much. He deepens the kiss, pulling a moan from me.
I run my fingers through his hair, knocking the headphones out of place. The music is loud enough to still be heard. Gio shoves a hand into my box braids and groans. It’s then Jace’s scoff rings out, causing Gio to stiffen and his anger to return.
“Please don’t,” I whisper softly.
Gio places his forehead to mine. “What about that kiss…what about me…makes you think I can’t give you everything you need?”
“I never said you couldn’t—”
He stands, cutting me off and causing me to come to my feet. “Yes, yes, you are telling me this,” he growls.
“No, I’m not. You read all the things I gave you. You did your own research. You understood before…”
“Before I found you kissing him?” He folds his arms across his chest and tilts his head to the side.
I turn and face the sliding doors of the bedroom, staring out at the pool as the curtains bellow in the ever so slight breeze from the fan. I wish I could jump into the water and hide from this. I don’t want him to be angry with me.
