Fear of Falling...In Love

“KELLY! He’s only 17! How can you tell me you that you’re in love with my little brother?” Jessica was ecstatic. Her roommate had just dropped a bombshell on her. They were sitting in the back yard, talking where Shane couldn’t hear them.

“I’m so sorry, Jessy. I don’t know what happened, I just…he’s so sweet, and great, and cute, and funny, and I……..” Kelly put her face in her hands, feeling the tears welling up.

Jessica walked over to her friend, wrapping her arms around her. She had known Kelly for three years almost, and she started to realize what Kelly had been saying all along. Her past boyfriends had all been dicks when Jessica had met them, and she had thought Kelly could do so much better. 

“Look Kelly, I’m sorry for blowing up. It’s just, he’s my little brother. I can’t imagine him growing up, and especially not being a prime candidate for older women. And especially not......a sexual object.” Jessica had a problem with that, but she knew it had to happen sooner or later.

“Jessy, I don’t just want your brother for that. I’m not like that. I mean....I’m still....you know.....” Kelly looked at the ground again.

“Kelly, you’re a......virgin?” Jessica was slightly shocked at that. She didn’t actually know a 22 year old virgin. 

“Yes. I never found a guy that I wanted to actually go that far with. Plenty of them tried, but I didn’t want to. And now, I finally meet a guy who I feel comfortable enough around to consider it, and I know it’s impossible.” Kelly broke down in tears, laying her head on the patio table. 

“Kelly, look, it’s gonna be ok. I know I can’t stop you if you wanted to go out with Shane. And, besides, I’d be happy for you guys if you did go out.” Jessica knew she wasn’t just saying that, she really wanted them to be happy. Besides, she knew her brother was a good guy, and he would treat Kelly like she deserved, and better.

“Well, it doesn’t matter anyway. It’s not like Shane would even want someone like me anyway. He’s so cute, and funny. And besides, I’m way older than he is. He’s 17, he’s not going to want to go out with a girl in her 20's.” Kelly wiped her eyes on her sleeve.

“Kelly, my brother used to sit with the adults at the front of the bus on field trips. He’s always acted older than he is. But, he’s still a big kid at heart.” Jessica poked the end of Kelly’s nose playfully, finally getting her friend to smile. Kelly wiped her eyes, and laughed at her friend. “Jessica, do you think he would even want me? I mean, I’m not the most beautiful girl in the house.”

“And you think he wants Andrea?” 

Both friends looked at each other, then burst into laughter.

“Ok, ok, you’re right. But, I can’t ask him. If he says no, I’d be mortified. I just need to see if he feels the same. And, he’s got to realize it, without help from anyone.” Kelly looked at Jessica, her eyes asking her not to say anything to Shane. 

“Kelly, I won’t say a word to him.” Jessica hugged her friend, and watched Kelly walk back inside the house. “I’m going to say several words to him.”

****************************************************************************

Jessica and Shane were riding down the street in Shane’s truck. Jessica had to admit, the traffic wasn’t nearly as intimidating in a huge truck as it was in her little car. 

“So, Shane, what do you think of college life?” She was trying to slide into the topic.

“Well, I don’t know about college, but I really like this town. Especially some of the citizens.” Shane was staring out the window while waiting for a red light to change. 

Jessica looked out and saw him looking at a billboard for hair color. The model bore a striking resemblance to a certain sweet hearted roommate of hers, with red hair and freckles.

“You really like her, don’t you?” Jessica decided to be point blank.

“Uh, who are you talking about?” Shane knew his sister would tell him it was crazy to like Kelly, especially if she knew how much he liked her. Shane had never felt anything like this before.

“You know who I’m talking about Shane. And, you remember what I said about it before, the day you got here?” 

Shane nodded his head, sure of what was coming next. 

Jessica stared out the window, then reached over, and took her brother’s hand in hers. “Shane, she’s my best friend. If you hurt her, I’ll hurt you, and I know where you live.”

Shane couldn’t believe his ears. His sister just told him it was ok to ask Kelly out. He hugged her, and then pulled a U-Turn in the next gas stations parking lot. The big engine roared its way down the street, hurrying back to the house.