Breakaway (Penalty Kill 1)

“Are you sure about that? Let’s compare, shall we?” I tap my finger on my chin and think of all the ways they are alike. “You both are captains. You both love hockey. You both are stubborn, and you both love Bunnies. Did I miss anything?” Trevor’s eyes are filled with hurt and anger. I know that look well because it was the way he looked at me when I made my decision to stay with our mother in the divorce. Standing here, looking at him reminds me of our father. Dad always looks at me like I’m doing something wrong all the time. I can’t stand that Trevor is treating me like this.

“You’re my sister!” he shouts. “He’s nothing, but trash. Do you remember all the nights we talked about him and the way I was treated by him?”

“He isn’t trash and high school is over. Maybe you need to grow up, because the Levi I have seen is a lot more mature than you.”

Trevor gets very close to my face, glaring at me. “Don’t come crying to me when he fucks you, kicks you out of his bed the next morning, and never calls you again.”

“Get out, now.” I’ve never kicked my brother out of my apartment before. I can’t believe the way he is talking to me. My brother never spoke to me this way. We’ve always been close and hardly ever argued.

Trevor glares at me before turning and walking out of my apartment. I’m not sure how long I stand in my kitchen or how long I’ve been crying, but I walk back into the bathroom and take a hot shower. I need to calm my nerves, and the hot steam is helping me relax from the fight between Trevor and me.

I get out of the shower, wrap my hair in a towel, and put on my robe. Sitting on my bed, I stare at my favorite picture of Trevor and me on my nightstand. We were five, and it was our first day of school. I was in braids, and Trevor’s hair was a mess of red curls, which have now gone away and it’s turned more brown over the years. We both have huge smiles on our faces and it’s the one time we almost look identical to each other. I can’t fight with my twin. I pick up my cell phone and call him.

“He’s going to hurt you.” Trevor’s voice is low, and I can still hear the hurt in it.

“You don’t know that and if I do get hurt then it’s my choice.”

“I’ll kill him if he hurts you.” I can hear the seriousness in his voice, and I have no doubts that Trevor will protect me.

“I expect nothing less from you, Trev. Please, can we not fight about this? Let me, for once, make a choice of my own.” I know it felt like I’m begging, but I want my brother to be supportive of my choice.

“Levi? Levi Carr, is what you want?” he growls with skepticism.

“Yes and don’t act like I’m marrying the guy tomorrow. I just want to go on a few dates and see what happens.”

“Just...stop making out in parking lots. That is a Bunny move and you’re far from a Bunny.”

I laugh at him. “Deal.”

“Hey, Twin, just please be careful.” I know that he is concerned and I understand that.

“I will.” We hang up, and I feel better as I crawl into bed and think about that amazing makeout session with Levi.

~ ~ ~

My alarm is buzzing and I just want to throw it across the room, instead of getting up. I thought about Levi all night and hardly slept. After hitting snooze, I finally drag myself out of bed. I walk into the kitchen and turn on the coffee maker and throw bread in the toaster. I notice my phone is blinking. I can’t help the smile come across my face as I see a text from Levi saying good morning.

Me: good morning to you too.

Levi: Everything ok w/ McCarthy

Me: Yep C-ya Fri

Levi: What time?

Me: 8

Levi: Deal, Smarty

I know I won’t be able to get rid of my smile for the rest of the day. Standing there, in my daydream, I realize that I am running late. I rush around my apartment to get ready, and I run out the door to get to class.

~ ~ ~

I’m exhausted from having classes all day. As I head out of the building and into the student square, I just want to go home and get all this homework done, so I can rest tonight. I’m lost in thought when someone throws their arm around my shoulder.

“Coming to my game tonight?” Trevor says.

“Man, I forgot. I have a ton homework. I’ll come to the next one.”