Adopted love

Chapter twenty - I can't date my sister

Josh's POV:

Things between Kylie and me are getting complicated. I think I am falling for her, which is wrong. I mean, she will be my sister. The only possible way for us to date is if she won't get adopted. Mom will never do that, for sure. After all, she chose this girl to adopt her. I can talk with her, but I don't think she can help me. The problem is that Kylie and I got close too soon. I'm not saying it's wrong, but it wasn't supposed to happen. Except for my friends and family, no one knows she will become my sister. That's why, in school, people think she is an ordinary girl. Well, that was the idea. She has pleased me not to tell anyone about that. Honestly, I understand her. Some people can't keep their mouths shut. People shouldn't know what is going on with her. It's not like someone has asked. I need to talk with someone about this, but I don't know with who. My friends can help me, but I expect Austin to make some jokes. He can get serious if you make him. I don't know how I got into this mess so quickly. The fault that she looks pretty is not mine. I mean, look at her mom. She looked good in the picture. No matter, though I haven't met her. I bet Kylie's dad fell for her because of her looks. Later, he found out what type of person she was and decided to stay with her. That is how my future sister was born. Honestly, I am happy about it. I don't know what would've happened if we hadn't met. She might have felt better. Well, that is in the past. I can't do anything to go back in time and fix it for her. I should stay in the present and think about the future. Somehow, I will resolve my problem. The question is when. Maybe it's better if we stay away from each other for a while. That way, nothing will happen. I don't want to confuse her even more. I hope that we'll manage to do it. Otherwise, we'll have a problem.

It's the middle of the week. I want to graduate already. I am from the people who appreciate their vacations. I have chosen two universities but don't know which one I want to be. The other option is to ask Kylie where she will be so I can go with her. For a career, I have chosen marketing. It looks fine, and people make a good amount of money. That is what I need. After all, I want to take care of myself. I mean, not to keep asking my parents for money. When I find a job, I won't need anything from them.

Currently, I am at school. Now I have English with the boys and Kylie. Austin is checking his i********: as well. I still have no idea how he is passing his classes. This boy barely pays attention. Maybe it's better if I don't know. I'm sure he is not cheating, so that is enough for me. I don't need to know what he is doing all the time. He is my best friend, but he needs privacy as well. It's not a lie. I have wondered who his future girlfriend will be. I have never seen him with a girl.

- Why don't you ask a girl out instead of checking one online? - I asked, whispering

- Because I don't want to. Girls are too complicated for me.

- Since when?

- Since I said so. Why do you care if I have a girlfriend or not? You are single as well.

- I know, but you are the one checking girls online.

- Maybe, but I don't do it all the time. You better watch out for Kylie. If you don't make a move, someone might take her from you.

- Man, she will be my sister.

- So?

- I can't date my sister. That is ridiculous.

- Says who? Also, you two are not blood-related. No one knows she lives in your house except for Devan and me.

- You are not helping me.

- You like her, don't you?

- I don't know.

- Yes, you do. It's obvious. Tell her how you feel.

- Now, it's not time for this. Also, we were talking about you. Don't change the topic.

- Unlike you, I am fine. I don't have to care about girls and how they feel. That's why I'm single. It's less stressful.

- Not all girls are the same.

- Maybe, but I still don't want to date one. If someone wants me, they will show some effort.

- If you say so.

That was. I didn't want to talk more about it. As I see it, he won't date anyone. It's not like I have something to do with that. The choice is his, not mine. I have other things to worry about. I need to talk with Kylie, but first, I should do it with my mom. She is the one who started this. Since when has my life become so complicated?

On the lunch break, all of us went to eat. Austin was on his phone again. I gave up on him. I mean, we won't talk about the same thing again. Soon, I received a message from him. He is not eating, so he can speak.

Kylie looks good today. Can I ask her out? ;P

Don't do anything, ok? The problem is mine, not yours.

All I want is to help you. After all, we are best friends.

Please, don't do anything. I want to deal with this.

If you say so.

- Guys, what are your plans for the afternoon? - Devan asked

- I don't have one. Well, except to study. - Kylie said

- Mine are the same. I don't plan on doing anything.

- Austin. Hello?

- What? I'm not deaf.

- But you are always on your phone. Who is the lucky one?

- Devan, if you don't shut up. I will kick you.

- What did I do? It was a simple question.

- Just shut up.

- Ok, chill. You don't have to get mad at me.

- Then don't make me.

- Guys, don't fight. If you want, all of us can go out together. How about 4 pm? - Kylie asked

- I am free. The hour is perfect for me. - Devan said

- Count me too. I probably have to take Rosie with us. - I said

- It's ok. I like hanging out with her. Man, are you coming?

- What?

- Why are you mad at us?

- I'm not!

- Will you come with us today? I don't know what we'll do. You can suggest something. - Kylie said, smiling

- I'm busy. - Austin said and left

- Did I do something?

- Kylie, it's not because of you. He is not in the mood.

- It's visible. Can't we do something?

- We better leave him alone. Otherwise, things will get worse. - I said

- If you say so.

After school, Kylie and I went to take Rosie. She could walk home alone, but it became a thing between us. Also, my sister loves it when we do it. As usual, she was waiting for me on a bench. Later, all of us walked home. We told her about our plans, and she got excited. All of us were studying in the kitchen.

- Austin will come with us. Right? - Rosie asked

- No, he is busy today. - I said

- But he is always free for me.

- I'm sorry. He has some work to do.

- That is not fair.

- He will come the next time. I promise.

- I don't care. - Rosie said, took her things, and went to her room

- I think she is upset. - Kylie said

- Me too.

- They seem close. Austin doesn't have siblings, does he?

- No, he doesn't.

- It's good that he understands with Rosie well.

- Well, he has known her since she was little.

- Rosie, where are you going?

- Out.

- But we'll go out soon. - I said

- I'm not coming with you.

- You know I can't let you go out alone.

- I don't care.

- Rosie!

- Leave me alone! - my sister said and shut the door

- We have to go after her.

- No, we don't.

- But Kylie.

- She is going to Austin's house.

- What? From where do you know?

- It's simple math. She got upset when you told her he wouldn't come. Now she will go to his house to see why he won't do it.

- What if she is not there?

- She is. I'm sure.

- I will trust you this time. If something happens to her, I will kill you.

- It's fair enough.

At 4 pm, Kylie, Devan, and I were at a diner. We ordered French fries and drinks. I hope that she is right and my sister is with Austin. Otherwise, my mom will get mad at me again. I don't know what is going on with Austin. Lately, he hasn't been much in the mood. At least my sister stopped pranking him. It might not be forever, but he doesn't need this now.

- So, Rosie is with Austin. - Devan said

- According to Kylie, yes.

- I am sure. I don't know their relations that well, but they seem close. They have a good friendship. - Kylie said

- I never thought she cared about him that much.

- Sometimes, it's good to pay attention to her. That way, you will notice many things.

- Maybe I have to start doing it.

- I will agree with Kylie. Rosie might be only eleven, but she is old enough to understand many things. All of you need to stop treating her like a little kid. That way, you stop her from growing up. She will never understand if she can do something if you keep her away from things. - Devan said

- My parents don't want her to get hurt. That's it.

- I understand, but there are other ways how they can do it. Also, Austin will never let something happen to her.

- I know. He always keeps her safe.

- As long as he doesn't date her. Am I right? - Devan asked, chuckling

- Yes.

- Josh, Rosie won't be eleven forever. She will grow up, go to puberty, and much more. You can't keep her away from everything. It's not healthy for her. As a girl, she has to enjoy her life and experience things. - Kylie said

- Explain the last one.

- Let's say she wants to go to a party. Will you tell her no?

- Maybe.

- Kylie is not wrong. Rosie is not a toy. She has to do things. Now, she is still young, but that will change. Instead of her, focus on you and Kylie.

- What about us?

- It's a public secret that you two want to date.

- What? That is not true.

- I agree with Josh.

- Come on. Don't hide the obvious.

- No one is hiding anything. You are delusional. - I said

- For sure, I am.

We talked with Devan for a while. Later, Kylie and I walked home. I won't lie. The walk home was a bit awkward. My friend is right. No matter that, no one will admit it. That is something we have to decide on our own. We walked in, and my mom looked at me. I know what she will ask. Where is Rosie? Well, she is with Austin. That's what I'm hoping. Otherwise, I will blame Kylie for that.

- Hey, mom.

- Hey. Can I know what happened?

- With what?

- Your sister. Austin's mom called me. She wants to spend the night there.

- What? Why?

- That's what I expect you to tell me. Did you tell her something?

- Miss Carter, it's not his fault.

- Kylie, what do you mean?

- Austin wasn't in a good mood today. We planned to go out, but he didn't want to come. At home, we told Rosie this, and she wasn't happy. That's why she went to his house. Well, she didn't tell us, but it was visible. Don't worry. Nothing bad happened.

- Oh, ok. I didn't know they were so close.

- We have to pay attention to the little things.

- True. You can go now. I will call you when the dinner is ready.

Kylie and I walked into my room. Things were still awkward. I don't know what to tell her. We were sitting, without talking. It can't get any worse. I know Devan is not wrong, but I won't let this happen. She will be my sister.

- You know he is right. - Kylie said

- What?

- Devan.

- Hold on. You agree with him.

- None of us want it to happen, but it already did. To admit it is what left us.

- We can't, and you know it.

- I do. Maybe things will be better if I go to the foster care center.

- What? No! I won't let you go back there. You will stay here.

- Josh, we can't keep avoiding this.

- You won't get adopted. That's it.

- What?

- If you aren't adopted, you can go out with me.

- So you want to do it?

- Yes, I do. That is not the best way to tell you, but it was visible.

- I appreciate it, but your mom wants to adopt me.

- We'll tell her not to do it. You will live with us, but not as part of the family.

- It's easier said than done. Your mom won't agree to this.

- She will because of you.

- What do you mean?

- Mom loves you, and she will do everything for you. All you have to do is tell her what you want.

- I don't think I can do that. Look how happy she was when I came here. I can't disappoint her.

- No one said that you would do it. Kylie, you will still live here. The difference is that you won't be her kid. That's it.

- I don't know. Why don't you talk with her? I don't think I can do it.

- Ok, fine. Tomorrow I will do it. I don't want to ruin her night. - I said, and Kylie laughed

- Welcome to my world.

- That will be hard.

- Well, I can always get adopted.

- No, no. I don't want to date my sister. Thank you very much.

- Then you know what to do.

- Yes, I do. I will talk with my mom and resolve the problem.

- Good. I'll help your mom with dinner.

- Are you hungry?

- Yes. - she said, and I laughed

- Let me help you, then.

- Thanks.

The rest of the night was fine. Kylie and I had another late-night movie. I'm glad that we are on the same page. That is not how you tell a girl you like her, but I had to do it. Somehow, we need to resolve our problem. It's not a big deal, but it is for us. Finally, I met a girl who was like me. I mean, we understand each other well. Also, my parents already like her. There is nothing better than that. I was surprised that Rosie wanted to stay with Austin. I think she knows what she is doing. After all, I want my friend to feel like me. Maybe he doesn't need a girlfriend to be happy. I hope that his good mood will come back.