Sweet Dandelion

“We’ll probably go out to eat.” Not that that’s really any different than any other day, but whatever.

“That sounds fun. Your brother is so hot by the way.” She fans herself.

She met him for the first time briefly when he picked me up from the hospital.

“Ew, please tell me you’re not crushing on my brother.”

She gives a dainty shrug. “He’s hot, I have eyes. Sue me.”

I cover my face with my hands. “Shut up, I’m losing my appetite.”

She giggles in response.

Unwrapping my sandwich I take a tentative bite, seeing how my stomach responds. Luckily, I’m okay despite hearing my friend say my brother is hot.

I only get half of my sandwich eaten before the bell rings, but it’s enough.

We all toss our trash and say our goodbyes before heading in opposite directions. My stomach clenches with dread at seeing Lachlan. Though I’ve grown used to his distance for the past near two months, it doesn’t mean I like it, especially not with today being my birthday.

When I reach his office I hesitate outside the closed door.

I take several deep breaths, steadying myself, before I reach for the handle and pull it down.

He looks up when I walk in, wearing his glasses today.

“Hey, Clark,” I joke, figuring that might lighten the mood.

“Clark?”

I point to his glasses. “Clark Kent, you know … Superman?”

“Yeah, I know.” He turns his attention to his computer screen. I take my seat on the couch and pull out my homework. “What are you doing?” He arches a brow in my direction.

I arch one right back. “My homework.”

“Why?”

I curl my legs under me, swaying my hand. “I don’t know, maybe because I don’t feel like talking today.”

“Why not?”

“Because it’s my birthday,” I glare, not at him but through him, “today is going to be a good day. I’m not talking about the past. I’m not going to be sad or angry. So I’ll sit here and do my homework. Continue on with whatever it is you’re doing. I’m sure it’s far more important than me anyway.”

I wince, realizing how whiny the last sentence sounds. I don’t want to be petulant, but it’s awful having him act so professional toward me lately. I know that’s how things should’ve always been, but the line was crossed, and he can try as hard as he wants, but it can’t be uncrossed.

Nothing can erase my memories of the feel of his hands on my hips, the way his cock fit inside me, how he sucked my breasts. All of that is permanent. His silence can’t remove his actions.

The only sound in the room is the heavy breath he exhales like the weight of the world is on his shoulders.

If he’s worried about me, us, doesn’t he know I’m ready to bear this burden with him? In a few months school will be over, this worry will be behind us.

“Happy birthday, Dani.”

“Thank you,” my reply is soft as I stare down blankly at the homework in my lap.

At least fifteen minutes pass with him continuing to work and me mostly staring at my homework instead of doing it.

“This is ridiculous.” He pushes away from his desk.