The following day, I heard another big commotion going on in the kitchen. I was curled up on the sofa in the living room, reading a book called ‘The Lonely Girl’, which sort of described me from past to present. But basically, I was just trying to stay out of everyone’s way.  

“Because I said you need to, that’s why.” Crystal was obviously shouting at Hunter for some reason. 

Joshua then stormed into the kitchen after he had heard his mom yell. “What’s going on?” It seemed Joshua always liked to get in on the discussion, especially if it concerned Hunter. There had to be more than just a sibling rivalry going on between these two. They acted more like opposing gang members than brothers on most days. “Now, what happened?” Joshua once again tried to get someone to tell him what the argument was about.  

“You have lacrosse practice. I have to put in a few hours this week at the office for Mr. Stump. Your brother is the only one who has the time and the truck to help Alabama move the rest of her belongings back here,” Crystal finally explained. It seemed she was still a little bent on the topic, as her tone was louder than her normal whisper talk. 

It was loud enough that I heard the reason in the living room. Of course, it had to do with me and another reason for Hunter to dislike me even more. 

“I have band practice.” Hunter’s attitude shined through. He sounded irritated about his mom making him go someplace, for someone, when he obviously felt he shouldn’t have to do anything. 

Well, that was sort of the truth. I shouldn’t expect any of them to do anything for me. I needed to go in a tell them that getting the rest of my belongings wasn’t necessary.   

“I know you have time off for the next two days. It won’t kill you to make a simple trip, stay overnight, and then drive back tomorrow.” Crystal was being adamant about Hunter doing this for me and for her. She told me yesterday that they would be able to get the stuff that my neighbor was able to save before the trailer was rented out again. Now, Crystal’s boss needed her for more hours at the office and she couldn’t say no when he was always so lenient on her comings and goings. 

“You want him and Alabama to stay overnight together?” Joshua’s voice was a bit too loud. It seemed he was in opposition to what his mom wanted Hunter to do. 

I mean I was hesitant too, about spending that much time alone with Hunter, especially the whole overnight thing. I didn’t know him that well and for all I know, he could be some sadomasochist. I better get up and tell them now, about not going before the whole argument got more out of control.   

“He’s just afraid that I’ll get further in one night that he’s been able to do the whole time she’s been here.” It Seemed Hunter just had to throw that little jab in there. “C’mon mom, we both know he’s had the hots for this girl as soon as she walked in.”

It was at that time that I poked my head in through the opened doorway. Joshua’s face turned red when he saw me. 

Since I was close to the room, it was likely that I heard what Hunter just said about him liking me. What shocked me more was the fact that Hunter had the thought of me and him doing anything together. He was supposed to dislike me, not try to get his brother more riled up by suggesting that he was going to sleep with me.   

Crystal gave me a sorry look, one that proclaimed she was ashamed of how her boys were reacting. “Neither of you will take advantage of this girl.” She quickly turned back around and shook her finger at both her boys. “Hunter, you will be nice on the trip, and Joshua, if she wants a relationship, she’ll let you know. Now, both of you stop your shenanigans.” She walked over and gave me a quick hug. “Hey, sweetie. Hunter has volunteered to drive down to Alabama, so you can pick up the rest of your things.” She glanced up at the clock. “You guys better get moving along soon, if you want to make it there by this evening.”

“Um…” I gazed over at Hunter who was staring blankly straight ahead. “Thank you.” What the hell was I thinking? My mouth decided to accept the offer before my brain had a chance to catch up and say no. “I’ll go and get ready.” 

*‘Oh, Alabama. What did you just do? This was a big mistake and now, you can’t even turn back around and say no.’ 
*

I swallowed the big lump that was in my throat. My stomach was put on a spinning ride. I felt nauseous and lightheaded. Maybe it wasn’t the fear of being alone with him that made me feel this way, but the fact that I didn’t know if I would be able to say no. I’ve never felt this sort of attraction to a guy and it was pulling me in two different directions. One part wanted to run away from him and the other wanted to plow straight forward and see where it would lead me. Before I got to my room to change, I heard Crystal give Joshua the instruction that he needed to go to practice, and she told Hunter to be nice and call when we got there. 

As I closed my bedroom door, I heard Joshua giving Hunter his own order, “Don’t be a dick and don’t try anything with her.” Then the front door slammed shut and the sound of Joshua’s car starting up filled the deadened air. 

It wasn’t like Joshua and I were a couple of anything, but we had grown to like each other more and more each day that we spent together. He was like the brother that I never had, but I knew now that he thought of it all in a different manner. I liked him, but he didn’t make me feel the way that Hunter did. It was like I was supposed to torture myself and want the one who didn’t want me. Why couldn’t I feel this way for Joshua? It would make everything simpler and life less chaotic, if I could want him as bad as I wanted his brother.   

Ten minutes later, I finished changing and gathering the things I would need for the next day or so. I found Hunter waiting by the front door. He had a bag already packed and still looked pissed off that we were going. He looked at the backpack in my hand then stormed out to his truck leaving me to make sure everything was locked and secured until Joshua or his mom got home.