Game Winner (Penalty Kill 3)

“Um.” I shift uncomfortably.

“Oh God,” I hear my mother whisper, and I know she’s thinking that I‘m pregnant or we’re about to run off and elope. Levi grabs my hand and squeezes. I know that I can say it then. “I’m graduating in December and starting law school in January.”

All at once everyone starts to congratulate me. It’s a huge group hug with everyone, and I truly feel the love. Except from one person, Trevor. When I step back, I see that he is still standing by the pool table, and he just gives me a s

ad smile. I know instantly that something is wrong.

Levi hands me a beer, then slaps Victor on the shoulder. “How about a game, Dad?”

“Levi, how about Trevor and me against you two?” My dad asks. Levi nods, and the guys go to play pool.

My mom, Marley, and I sit on the stools and begin planning. Mom told me that next weekend all three of us will go up and check out the apartments. Marley’s so excited, but I keep catching Trevor staring at me, and I know that I will have to talk to him and find out what is going on. I figured out of everyone, he would have been the happiest for me.

Mom and Marley go on about shopping and apartment hunting as I watch the guys finish their game. I watch as Trevor puts the stick down and walks out of the bar. I sit my beer down and follow him.

The air is cold, and I know snow would fall soon. I look to my left, not seeing Trevor, but when I turn right, I see him at the corner. Standing there, not moving at all. I’m not sure what’s going on, but I’m hoping that it isn’t something bad.

“Trev, are you okay?” I ask softly. He nods, but doesn’t turn to look at me, and then I know it’s bad. “Hey.” I lay my hand on his shoulder, making him face me. When he looks at me, I can’t see anything but sadness in his eyes. “What’s wrong?”

He shakes his head. “I’m fine.”

“You’re not a very good liar.” I put my hands on my hips. He just stares at me, I thought he was going to cry. “Trevor, tell me.”

He doesn’t say anything for a moment, only looking at me. “You’re leaving.” He looks down at the ground. “It feels like we’re being separated again.” His voice is so low, I almost don’t hear him. He walks past me, as if to go back into the bar, and I grab his wrist, making him face me.

“Trev.” I want him to talk about this, but he jerks his hand from me.

“No, Pres, I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Well, you’re going to,” I announced to him loudly. “And you’re going to do it right now.” I soften my tone. “Trevor, I’m your twin. Talk to me.”

“I thought,” his voice cracks a little. “Deep down, I thought you wouldn’t leave me.”

“I’m not leaving you,” I explain.

“Yes, you are. Plus, it feels like I don’t even belong in your life anymore.”

“What?” I exclaimed. “If anyone belongs in my life, it’s you. You’re my brother, my twin, and my best friend.”

“Am I?” His sad tone turns angry. “We hardly talk anymore. Do you want to know something?” He stops for a moment. “When we were separated, I thought I was going to die without you. Every night, after practice or school, I looked forward to our conversation. I called you every night because I missed my sister. I missed my best friend. Then when we came here, we were just as close as before, and now there’s Levi, and,” he stops again, trying to regain his composure, “we aren’t close anymore.”

“Oh Trev,” I quickly wrap him in a hug, “no one will ever take your place. Not Levi, or Marley, no one. You’re my brother. You’re my best friend, and you’ve always been my protector. I can’t imagine my life without you.”

“Then why does it feel like I’m losing you again.” He squeezes me tighter.

I pull back from him, and a single tear slide down his cheek. It’s almost too much to take. “You’re not losing me. Out of everyone in my life, you will never lose me. I’m connected to you forever. I’m sorry I’ve been distant the past few months, but it had nothing to do with you. I love you, Trevor, always will.” I feel a hot tear escape my eye.

He hugs me again, and I look over his shoulder to see Levi coming over. I quickly put my hand to stop him and he does. I wave him away. He nods and turns on his heel back to the bar. I don’t want him to interrupt this time with Trevor.

“I think I’m hanging out with Marley too much. I’m turning into a girl,” he finally says, breaking our hug.

I burst out laughing. “Oh, Trev, I know the truth. You’ve always been sensitive.”

“If you tell anyone that, I’ll cut up your Sidney Crosby jersey,” he says sternly.

“No, you won’t, because my twin brother would beat you up.”

It’s his turn to laugh. “You’re right, Pres.” He pauses for a moment and his face turns serious again. “Hey, will you promise me one thing?”