"So what's the point of this game?" I ask Jay. We're chilling in his room with his Nintendo Switch hooked up to his TV.

"Have you seriously never played Super Mario Smash Bros before?" Jay asks.

"You know the only games I ever play are Fortnite and Clash Royale."

"Yeah, I know. It's time for something different. You have no idea how long it took me to find this game. And mind you, I have a large selection of games. We could have played so many other games, but they're too complicated for you to understand. This game is simple and straightforward."

"Dude, I'm not that dumb. I'm just saying that this game seems pointless. All you do is fight people till they're dead?"

"Yup, like I said it's simple. Besides, most video games have no point to them. That's the point."

"Okay, okay." We pair our controllers when I remember a game I've seen Piper play. "Hey, what about that game Piper used to play? With the houses and people. And she'd go around catching bugs?" I ask. Maybe that game would be fun?
"Animal Crossing?" Jay asks. I nod. Jay looks at me like I've slapped him. "You've got to be kidding me. Animal Crossing is much more pointless and is for people without video game experience." He looks at me probably realizing I have little to no video game experience. "I mean there's no action in it. And I know you're the action type of guy. Besides that game is probably too girly for you anyway," he says, mocking me.

"Hey! You know what, forget what I said. Let's play this smash game."

"Please don't say that ever again. So like I said, each character has different special moves. For King DeeDee for example when you press A only-"

My phone rings. "Hold on, Dad's calling."

Jay nods as he mutes the TV and plays a round against MPCs. I watch him set the other characters on fire with this little boy character named Ness.

"Hey Dad!" I say, into the phone.

"Hi Bryan. I tried to call your sister and she isn't answering," my dad says. He sounds like he's at some sort of restaurant.

"Oh. Do you want me to tell her to call you?" I start, getting up from the couch. Jay is busy destroying the other characters. Dang, he's good.

"No, don't bother her. She probably ignored my call because she doesn't want to speak to anyone."

"Ok. So what do you need?" I really don't feel like talking to Dad and I'm curious to see how this smash game works. Jay uses some brain power electricity to bump another character out of the game.

"So, I have this unexpected business trip that just came up. I'll probably swing by to pack my things and-" my dad says while I'm half listening.

"Wait, slow down? What are you talking about?" I'm really lost. Half the stuff Dad just said went in one ear and out the other.

"I said that I have a business trip. I didn't really want to go, but my boss gave me no other choice. I will be back late to pick up my things but-"

I interrupt him again, saying, "A business trip? Now? In the fall? Dad, what the heck are you on?"

Jay doesn't even pause his game and says, "Watch your mouth!"

I turn to Jay and roll my eyes.

"Bryan, do not talk to me like that," my dad says, trying not to raise his voice.

"Yeah, sorry. This is just so unexpected and you're telling us all this on such short notice! Maybe it would have been better if you just called Piper and told her all of this instead. She'd probably know how to respond to this." I can't believe he thought calling me would be the next best choice.

"Like I said my boss just told me about this-"

"Jay, are you almost done with the phone? The food is getting cold," some lady in the background says.

Who the hell is that? I almost say it aloud to Dad, but I catch myself. Dad and I are not the bestest of friends. I don't know what I did, but he just never seemed to like me. That is why I favored Mom, she treated me with more respect than my dad could ever.

"Yeah, almost," my dad responds to the mysterious lady. "Bryan, I just wanted one of you to pass the message to each other. I'm really busy right now. I'll see you later. Oh and Aunty Ann is coming to watch you guys while I'm gone."

"Aunty Ann?! How long are you going to be gone?" I ask. If he needs Aunty Ann to watch over us then he's probably going to be gone for a while. I still don't understand why he signed up for this. And out of all people he decided to go with good 'ol Aunt Ann. I hate her so much.

"Two weeks I think. It won't-"

"Two weeks!" I yell into the phone. Jay looks up at me startled. I didn't mean to yell, this is all just a lot. I don't handle surprises very well.

"Yes. And don't you raise your voice at me, young man. You know what- Is Jay around? Give the phone to him." I give the phone to Jay. He pauses his game. He was playing against 4 other players and now there is only one guy left.

"Hey Dad!" Jay says into the phone. I bet Dad is going to reply with "Hey Junior!" Jay is Dad's favorite.

"Yeah, no problem Dad." No problem? We're going to be stuck with Aunty Ann for two whole weeks!

"Mhm, yea I'll make sure he behaves." With that I stick my tongue out at Jay, there's no way he's watching over me like I'm a freaking toddler.

"Don't worry Dad, she'll be fine." I don't get how Jay is so good with this stuff. I hope he's screaming inside like I am.

"Bye. Love you too!" Jay puts the phone down.

"Bro what just happened?"

"I have no idea."

"Is it me or something is up? Like he was in a restaurant, too?"

"Yeah." Jay pauses. "I guess we just have to do what he says and see what happens."

It's moments like this when I remember Jay is the oldest. Even though we are triplets, we take different roles at times. Right now, Jay is going full older brother on me.

I sigh, "And of course, right after the run in with Aunty Ann she decides to come and babysit us. I wondered what she meant about the whole 'see you later'."

"I mean he's got no other adult he can trust as much as his sister."

"Yeah, whatever. I just hope these two weeks go by fast."

Jay nods. He looks towards his paused game. "Do you want to relay the message to Piper or should I?"
"I guess I'll go."

I head into the hall. I glance at the picture of our first day of school seven years ago in 3rd grade. Piper is wearing her signature twin braids and red dress. Jay and I are wearing khakis and ugly button ups. I hated dressing all fancy for school. But, since it made Mom happy, I wore those clothes anyway. I make my way to Piper's room. I hear Jess's voice loud and clear:

"So as I was saying Bryan started talking about how today's been hard for you and guess what he said next: 'I'm surprised you haven't noticed yet'.

Like the nerve of your brother?! Sorry, I'm just realizing how weird it is to tell you this, I mean he's your brother after all. But, yea, he was kind of rude. That and a bunch of other things have made me like him less and less."

What in the world? Jess is talking to Piper about me? I mean I guess this is perfect because I really can't stand her.

"So, do you like Dre?" Jess giggles. "That's my new nickname for him."

"I don't know," Piper replies.

"Okay..." Jess says. She goes silent.

"No seriously, I don't really know if I like him yet," Piper replies.

"Ok girly. Oh and the other thing I had to tell you, you can't tell anyone. I don't want the whole school knowing who I like..."

I stand behind the door crossing my fingers. Please say it's Jay, please say it's Jay. I feel like a fangirl watching anime, or something.

"Your secret is safe with me. Go on girl, spill!" Piper says, excitedly.

"Ahh! I have a crush on your other brother Jay!"

I almost jump for joy. Jay and Jess. Jess and Jay. It sounds weird right now, but soon it's going to be as common as peanut butter and jelly.

"No way!" Piper exclaims.

"Yes way! Please tell me he likes me back!!"

"I have no clue, but I know who will. Bryan!!"

I tiptoe a couple steps back and then head to Piper's room trying to make a big entrance.

"Yeah?" I say, pretending to not know why I was called over.

"Is there some sort of boy code stating you're not allowed to reveal someone's crush?"

I didn't expect her to ask that. Since when was there "boy code". "Not one that I know of?" I respond, cooly. "Why?"

I subtly glance at Jess on Piper's phone. She's leaning in as if I'm offering her chocolate or something, if her ear could eat chocolate.

"Oh nothing. I'll tell you later," Piper says, turning to face her phone.

Is this girl code for something? I almost turn to leave when I remember why I'm really here. "I was actually on my way over before you called me in."

Piper flashes me a panicked expression, probably scared I might've heard some of their conversation. I pretend I don't notice. If she knows I heard her conversation she might think I eavesdrop all the time, which I don't.

"Dad wanted me to tell you something," I pretend to only notice Jess now. I signal with my eyes to Piper that she should probably hang up.

"Oh ok," Piper looks at her phone. "I'll call you back later Jess."

"Ok," Jess replies. She doesn't even say hi to me, knowing I'm there. I then remember that she doesn't like me anymore. Now that I think about it, how did she get over me so fast and all of a sudden like Jay?

Piper hangs up her phone. "What did Dad tell you? Wait, how come he didn't call me?"

"He said something about you ignoring his calls cause you don't want to talk to anyone. But it's obvious you were on the phone with someone and I'm guessing your phone is on Do Not Disturb."
"Yeah, I forgot that Dad doesn't understand technology like we do. But, is that what he thinks? That I want to shut everyone else out?"

I mean that's kind of what she's been doing all day. "I don't know. Anyway, he called to say that he's going on a business trip for two weeks and Aunty Ann is coming over in probably like twenty minutes," I say.

I watch fear cover Piper's face. I then remember that she just called Aunty Ann out for being a bad person. She didn't say it exactly like that, but it's implied. "Two weeks?" is all she asks.

"Yup! Oh and do you want to play this Mario Super Brawl Smash thing?" I completely butcher the name of the game. "Jay already has the game set up and everything."
Piper checks the time on her phone. "Ok why not." We head over to Jay's room. Part of me is hoping that Piper would bring up the conversation she had on FaceTime with Jay.

"Please tell me that you know what Super Mario Smash Bros is?" Jay asks Piper.

"Yes of course, I have some common knowledge unlike the idiot sitting next to me." Piper says pointing at me.

"Excuse me," I say, pretending to be offended. "At least I didn't get a fifty on a gym assignment. We're talking about running a lap around the track."

"Hey, I was having really bad cramps that day!" Piper responds.

"Were you having really bad cramps or was Jessica having bad cramps?" I retort.

"Ugh, I got to support her, you know! When you get a girlfriend you'd understand," Piper says, running her hand through her hair. She then adds, "If you could even get one, of course."

"What do you mean by that?" I ask, pretending to act offended.

"Oh nothing, I just don't think your boyfriend material. Look at Jay, he's all gentleman."

"Thank you. But, I don't think you should be comparing me with Bry..." Jay says.

"Yeah, tell her Jay."

"...because there's nothing to compare!" Jay finishes, laughing.

I turn red. "Really?! Really guys?"

"Yes, really!" Piper says, laughing. Jay and Piper go for a high five.

I know Jay isn't serious and I'm glad Piper is happy. We all pick our characters. I choose Mario since the game is named after him. Jay picks this big hefty turtle monster looking thing named Bowser. Piper chooses a squid girl called Inkling Girl. We start the game and I lose every single round. Jay wins the first one and Piper wins the second.

On the third round Piper asks, "Have you ever played video games in your life?"

"Yes, I have. I'm letting you win on purpose," I say.

"Yeah, totally. Come on, Bry, we get it, you're trash," Jay says. He then grabs me with his Bowser character and body slams my Mario guy. I go flying out of the game and then I'm eliminated.

"Ugh, whatever. I'm going to get some water. Do you guys want some?" I drop my controller on the couch and start to get up.

"Yup," Jay says. He goes for a punch towards Piper, but her character jumps, dodging it.

"I actually want some tea. Would you be a dear and make me some?" Piper asks, in a regal voice. She sprays what I assume is ink at Bowser and he falls off the map. Jay has one more life and Piper has two.

Going along with the joke I say, "Of course, my lady." Like I said before, I'm an incredible actor. Hollywood, this is your chance, hire me!

I pass by Piper's room and her phone starts to ring. I glance at it and notice it's Andre. I wonder what he wants. I think back on our argument earlier in school today.

~~~

"Yo Andre, what was that about?" I say rushing after Andre. He left science in a rush as if he was hiding something.

"What was what?" he asks, twisting through the crowd.

"You know what I'm talking about," I say, trying to catch up. "Hey, dude wait up!"

"I told you I was catching feelings, man." Andre replies without slowing his pace down.

"Yeah, but.." I start.

"I didn't do anything anyway," Andre says, cutting me off. He almost bumps into a really tall senior allowing me to catch up with him.

"If you didn't do anything, why are you running away from me?" I ask.

"Because I knew you'd act weird about it," Andre replies, dodging a group of freshmen in the hall.

"I mean she's my sister..." I start, trying to figure out a way to articulate how I'm feeling.

"What? Do I have to ask for your blessing or something?!" Andre says, turning to face me. We're standing right outside his locker.

"No dude! When you said you had a crush I didn't think you were going to be making moves now!"

"Making moves? Is that what you think?" Andre asks, while taking his books out of his locker.

"What do you expect me to think with you two holding hands..." I say, annoyed.

"She grabbed my hand. I didn't want to make it awkward by letting her hand go"

"Why would she–" I decide to ask a different question since this conversation isn't going as I thought it would. "Why were you guys late to class then?"

"She was crying in the girls locker room." Andre sighs. "I just wanted to check on her and then we ended up heading to class late."

"Oh." I completely forgot the fact that Piper has been a mess all day.

"Come on, man I thought you knew me better than that."

"I know you Andre. You're an overall great guy with a dating history that is a little–"

"Hey boys!" Jess says coming out of nowhere. Jess. I 'like' Jess.

"Hey Jess," I say, trying to sound flirty.

"Hi." Andre would usually go with a 'hey'. I know Andre is still mad about how I questioned him. Well, he'll get over it. And he's going to have to get used to it too. This is my sister we're talking about and right now she's an emotional wreck.

"Have you guys seen Piper? Isn't she in you guys' class?"

"Yeah. I mean no. No, I haven't seen her, but yes she's in our class. She's been ignoring me," I say, honestly.

"I think I saw her go to the bathroom?" Andre says.

"Thanks," Jess says, turning to leave.

"Wait," I say. Jess stops and looks up at me confused. "She'll probably come and catch up with you later, walk with us to the... the library."

"Okay?" Jess says. Andre raises his eyebrow at me. "So how has your day been going?"

"Fine," Andre and I say in unison. We look at each other and decide to put the argument behind us.

"How has your day been?" Andre asks Jess.

"Good, I love all my classes. I have three with Piper; History, English, and Spanish." She pauses to think. "I think I only have math with you, Andre. And I have gym with you, Bryan. Oh, and I have science with your brother, Jay."

"Nice." I say. I don't know why she's spelling out her whole schedule for us.

"Did you guys see my latest story? It was so funny, wasn't it?" Jess asks, opening up Snapchat. "Look. Aren't I hilarious!"

"Yeah, that's cool Jess," I say with no enthusiasm, but she's too consumed with her phone to realize that I said anything.

"Bryan, you haven't posted anything on snap lately or insta or anything. But, I get it, you have such nice photos up, if I were you I wouldn't want to ruin the aesthetic. For instagram I mean. For snapchat..."

I instantly regret inviting her over. She's gonna bore me to death. "Yeah, I haven't had a lot of time to post. Thanks for noticing."

"Yeah, ok. Have you started football practice yet? I can't wait for the season to start. We started cheer practice at the end of August and it's so fun! Last year it wasn't as fun since Piper wasn't there because..."

Does this girl ever stop talking? Andre looks at me empathetically because he knows what Jessica is about to say.

"..because she was going through a hard time." She glances at me, "...you were too. I'm sorry if I didn't say this earlier, but I'm sorry for your loss."

I have no clue how the conversation got here. "Thanks," I say. I never really learned how to respond to that. Like if I say, 'it's okay' it doesn't sound right. Because really things are not okay. When your mom dies it's like the whole world crumbles. I make sure to not show how I'm feeling on my face as Jessica continues with her conversation.

"Oh my god, did you guys hear about the cool party Jason is going to have on Friday? Are you guys going?" Jessica opens her snap while saying this and sends a pic of us three to a couple of her friends. This girl is really addicted to social media.

"Yeah, I'm going," says Andre. "I could never miss one of Jason's parties. I mean his parents are stinkin' rich and let him do whatever he wants. Remember last year when he got a famous DJ?"

"Yeah, that was so fun," Jessica replies.

I don't remember the party because I didn't go. It happened around the same time mom had died. Not only was I stricken with grief, but I also didn't even like Jason that much because he wouldn't stop hitting on Piper and subtly bullying Jay. The guy is a total jerk, but he's also popular and rich, so he can do whatever he wants.

"Bryan, are you coming to the party?" Jess asks, looking up at me. I notice she flutters her eyelashes at me. I can definitely see why Andre thinks she has a crush on me.

"I don't know," I answer, honestly. "It'd hurt to miss such a wicked party, but I have important things to worry about." Andre catches my glance and I can tell he understands what I'm referring to.

"Well, I don't think whatever you need to do is that important," Jess says. "If you do end up going, you can drag your sister there too. I kept on talking to her about the party today and she didn't seem that interested. Like, I remember in middle school we were ecstatic about going to cool high school parties." It looks as if Jessica is trying to recall the memory.

"That wasn't the only strange thing about Piper either," Jess says continuing. "She was acting pretty weird today, if you guys haven't noticed."

I share a look with Andre. Of course, we noticed. I'm surprised she didn't notice this earlier. Andre pushes open the library doors and Jessica and I go in.

"Yeah, today was hard for Piper. This is the same day as our mom's funeral," I say, avoiding eye contact with Jess or Andre. Jess looks up at me sympathetically. I don't want her sympathy. I then look Jess in the eyes and say, "I'm surprised you haven't noticed yet." I really went for the kill there. I watch her face fall.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Jess asks, her voice pitchy. I sneak a glance at Andre and realize he's equally shocked.

"Whatever, you want it to mean." I am about to storm away, when I see Jay. He's trying not to stare at us. I remember what I told him earlier. "Later, guys." Andre and Jess make their way over to another table.

~~~

I have no clue what came over me. I think back on right after mom died. I remember looking up the after effects of grief, concerned about Piper's mental health. One site said that grief can make one more irritable or aggressive. I guess that's what's happening to me.

I make my way down the stairs to the kitchen. I pour some water into a kettle to boil. While it's on the stove, I think about my whole day. I spent so much time worrying about Piper and her wellbeing. That I completely forgot about myself. Some may argue that I'm selfish, but I only appear that way. It's easier. It makes sense. Humans are supposed to be selfish. However, I'm really worrying about everyone else. But, now I think I'm really becoming that selfish type of person. Did I really have to lash out at Jessica? She didn't mean harm. And she's Piper's best friend for Christ's sake. I'm such an idiot. I think back on what Piper said back in the car:

"I don't feel like faking in public anymore."

Maybe, I need to stop faking and pretending. Not only am I faking in public, but also in my own home. I need to be myself for one freaking day. I need to stop pretending that Mom's death doesn't bother me. I need to stop. A tear falls down my cheek. I don't clean it off. Instead, I sit at the island, put my head in my hands, and cry. I cry the cry I've been wanting to cry since Mom passed away. Everyday I'd hold back those tears. Why? For what? What do I need to prove? "What is wrong with me?" I ask no one.

"Nothing is wrong, Bry." I turn to see Piper on the stairs. "Stop trying to be the strong big brother and let yourself feel," Piper says. She comes over and wraps me in a big hug. I cry on her shoulder.

"I'm so sorry." I say.

"Why are you sorry? There is nothing you need to be sorry for," Piper adds in a soothing voice. I'm too scared to explain to her what I mean. I'm sorry for a lot of things.

I realize that putting my feelings out caused Piper to withdraw hers, so she can comfort me. I quickly wipe my tears, "I'm fine. Don't worry. It's nothing."
Piper looks up at me with a sad smile. "You need to stop this." I look up at her innocently, pretending not to understand what she's referring to.

Suddenly, we hear the front door unlock. Aunty Ann steps in with a bunch of bags in her hands. Piper and I stare at her. "Um, hello? Isn't anyone going to help me with these bags?" Aunty Ann asks, trying not to trip over her things.