I Can’t Love You

Two

*Andrew’s POV*

I was walking through the party at Travis’s house when I saw Nicole. I walked over to her while she was dancing with a couple of people from school. I tapped her on the shoulder. She turned around and looked at me. “Where’s Liv?” I had to talk kind of loud because the music was turned up. Nicole looked worried. “Uh she’s..” She couldn’t think of anything to say and that’s when I knew. “She’s here, isn’t she?” Nicole bit her lip. “She was but I haven’t seen her in a little while, maybe she got a ride home.” I huffed and walked away. I walked around again seeing if she had actually left. I don’t know why I cared so much. Maybe it’s because of Oliver and his protectiveness of his sister. I went to the kitchen when I couldn’t find her. I grabbed a cup and was about to make a drink when I saw Liv outside with a guy. I don’t know why I got so pissed seeing some dude with her but I did. I stood there watching them for a second. When I saw him grab her, I made my way outside as quick as I could. There was so many people in my way. By the time I got out there, he was trying to kiss her. A wave of rage went through me and I couldn’t control it. I punch him, hard. He fell to the ground and I punched him again. I threatened him not to come around her ever again.

When I carried her to the car, she laid her head on my chest and my stomach turned. I tried to shake it off but I couldn’t. I put her in the car and buckled her up. When I was driving to her house, I just felt so angry. Why would she go to a party? She never goes to parties. I saw her look at the large hand print on her arm and it just set me off. I just wanted to turn around and go kill the guy. I don’t know why it sent me into such a rage. I’ve never gotten so worked up because of some girl. I pushed my anger aside to take her home. She leaned her head against the window and I looked over at her. I finally realized what she was wearing. A black skirt that barely covered her thighs and a crop top that slid down her shoulder. I’d never seen her in anything other than leggings and a baggy sweatshirt. I looked over at her slouched against the door. I shook my head trying to get her out of my mind but all I could think about was her at that party dressed like that. I thought about that guy getting handsy with her. I clenched my jaw. Thinking about her with other guys set me off. I can’t think about her like that, she’s my best friends sister. I blinked and shook my head again. I focused on driving.

I knew better than to pull into her driveway. I parked on the road and got out of the car. Liv tried to get out of the car on her own but she lost her balance. I got over there in time to catch her before she completely collapsed. I picked her up again and carried her to the back of the house. The back door has always been unlocked. I carried her through the house as quietly as I could. I knew where her bedroom was upstairs because I’d seen her coming out of her room when I’d stayed at their house. I’d never been in her room before. There were books everywhere. I smiled knowing that’s what she did most of the time. I laid her on her bed and took her shoes off. I looked at her arm. The hand print was very noticeable. It’s definitely gonna bruise. I knew how drunk she was. I went downstairs and grabbed a water and some medicine. I knew she’d need it in the morning. She turned over and said, “you’re not as cruel as people say you are.” I smiled. I turned off her light and turned her nightlight on. I made sure she was covered up and I left. I walked back outside and didn’t see Oliver’s car so he still hadn’t gotten home yet. I got in my car and looked up at Liv’s half-light room. I started to think about what Liv had said. What did she mean when she said I’m not as cruel as people say?

I guess I can seem cruel to people that don’t know me. I started driving and a thought popped into my head. Does Liv think I’m cruel too? I mean we’ve talked over the years. I don’t think I’ve given her a reason to think I’m cruel. I was thinking about every interaction we’ve had and I figured it out. At the game, I barely even looked at her. I lowered my head feeling guilty for some reason. Almost every interaction we’ve had, I’ve been cold to her. Barely spoken more than a handful of words to her at a time. Why have I been so distant from her? She’s my best friends sister, I should’ve been nice to her and friendly. This girl has gotten inside my head. I’ve never thought twice about something a girl has said to me. Why is this bothering me so much? My mind was wandering so much that I got distracted. I pulled over and parked. I took a deep breath and pulled out my phone. I found Liv’s number. I’d only texted her a couple of times to asked where her brother was if he wasn’t answering or something like that. My hands shook while I typed. ‘Goodnight. Hope you don’t have too bad a hangover tomorrow.’ I sent the message and put my phone back in my pocket. I drove home a little less distracted.