When I walked through the front door, I heard whispers of a conversation. The farther I went into the house, the more I could make out. Nelson sounded angry, his voice raising. I caught the word 'rumor', then another; 'reputation'. Dad's voice was softer, calmer.

When I reached the kitchen, I saw Dad leaning against the counter. Nelson was sitting on the island, legs swinging back and forth. Papers were scattered on the island, probably dad's. Dad wore a look of sympathy and concern. The worried parent was present. Nelson had his arms crossed, eyes lowered in hostility, and lips tugged into a frown.

My stomach twisted. This was all my fault. It was because of the stupid picture.

"Nel-"

"No, Dad!" He shouted. "My life is over!"

"Why'd you do it?" My voice came out soft and shaky. Out of all the things to say, that wasn't what I had planned. It just spilled out, because I desperately needed the answer. Sure, it was my fault everyone knew. However, how could my little brother help his best friend's girlfriend cheat?

My brother's gaze snapped to me. "Excuse me?"

"Kids-"

"Nel," I said softly, taking a step forward. "I'm so sorry this happened. It's just, isn't Kyle your best friend? Why would you do that to him?"

Most importantly, why would I do this to my own brother?

He sighed, shaking his head. "It doesn't matter."

"Maybe it does, kiddo," Dad tried. "Is that what the picture was?" His face turned solemn. "I thought I raised you better."

Nelson had the sense to look ashamed. "I'm sorry, Dad. She kissed me. I-I liked her, and Kyle knew that before they got together. It was one time, and I didn't want it to come out like this."

"Was that all you did?" Dad asked.

Nelson raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Did you do anything- more? Than just kiss?"

My brother's face turned crimson, and we had our answer.

"You need to fix this. And not just for you," Dad responded. He took a step closer, and Nel hopped off the island.

"Just leave me alone," he huffed, eyes like daggers. "I've already had enough today. I don't need anything from you."

"Don't talk to dad like that!" I shouted at him, balling my hands into fists. "You're always getting upset and everyone else. You act like everyone is scandalous and horrible but you. I don't know what is wrong with you, but you are terrible. You're taking this out on the only person who is on your side!"

He turned to me. His eyes widened, then narrowed. I could've sworn they flashed with hurt. "So, you're not on my side anymore?" His voice cracked at the end. I'd almost forgotten, through everything that caused us to drift apart, that he was still younger than me. No matter how much he wanted to grow up, no matter how tough he wanted to appear, he could crack, just like everyone else.

I'd been so selfish. Sometimes, feeling sorry for yourself gave her tunnel vision. The tunnel broke away as I really saw my little brother for the first time. He didn't have Mom. Dad couldn't be there all the time since he was working so hard to keep us afloat. Where was I? Feeling sorry for myself. Listening to Stacie and Nina.

"Nel," I started, but I couldn't bring myself to spit out the words I should've. "I can't support what you've become."

"And what've you become, Kiley?" He exclaimed. "Where's my sister gone?"

"Kids-"

"I don't know anymore," I whispered. I turned on my heel and rain up the stairs. I didn't cry this time. I just threw myself on my bed, wrapped the covers around myself, and asked myself why.

§

The next morning, I debated going to school. I really did. I was so tired of everything and everyone, and I just wanted it all to stop. I couldn't face Stacie and Nina; not after what they'd started. Gosh, I wanted to be the one to finish it. I just couldn't. Not yet.

Eventually, I climbed out of bed and got ready. I didn't bother dressing nice; just some tights and a t-shirt. I walked down the stairs in a haze and didn't bother with breakfast. Nelson and Dad were arguing again. Nelson didn't want to go to school. Neither did I, but we all had to face our demons at one point.

Two of my demons were in corporal form. Right then and there, as I stood watching Nelson shout in Dad's face, I made a promise to myself. I'd sort things out. I'd stop all these things from weighing me down. The problem? Stacie and Nina still knew my secret.

The incident had still happened, and it still haunted me.

"What did I tell you about yelling at Dad?" I snapped.

As they both turned to look at me, I turned to walk out of the house.

"Ki, wait!"

"Yes, Dad?" I said, not turning back around.

"You're taking Nelson to school today."

"Dad!" My brother protested.

"She'll take you, and I'll come to talk to the school later. Just try to hang in there," Dad sighed. He tried to ruffle Nel's hair, but Nel swatted his hand away.

"Come on, Nelson," I grumbled.

I fished my keys out of my pocket and walked out the door, not even bothering to check behind me. I only knew he had followed me out when he slammed the door to my car shut. I didn't bother reprimanding him. I just drove. He had chosen to sit in the back, but I didn't really mind. I played some Christian music. It helped to calm me down. My brother didn't even protest.

When we arrived at school, we went our separate ways. Neither of us uttered a word to each other, but I was fine with that. I didn't care anymore. If he wanted to be upset, then so be it. I guess he had a valid reason. I felt a little guilty, but a part of me felt like he deserved it. What he did was wrong.

When I walked into the school, I didn't see my so- called friends. Glancing at my phone for the first time that morning, I realized Stacie was on a field trip. Nina had stayed home because she'd stayed up late the previous night with her new boyfriend. There was a time I would've been disappointed. I might've even felt lonely. The truth was, I felt even more alone when they were there.

"Kiley! Hey!"

I spotted Kalila waving to me. August walked beside her, and soon we were standing face-to-face. I thought things might be awkward, but they weren't. Kalila babbled on about August's driving skills and laughed at her own jokes.

"My driving isn't as bad as your cooking," August finally said.

Kalila scowled, swatting his arm. "That was one time."

I couldn't help but laugh.

I couldn't help but feel sad when it was time to get to class. I enjoyed listening to them bicker amongst themselves. August waved goodbye, and Kalila walked beside me to class. I couldn't help but enjoy her company. I just didn't want it to be too good to be true.

----

Thoughts? Of Nelson?

Song I listened to while writing: Numb by XXXtentacion. RIP.

-Sarah