Adopted love

Chapter ten - Don't date her

Josh's POV:

Mom is determined to adopt Kylie. The problem is that the girl doesn't want to do it. I haven't seen her, but maybe we can talk. I don't know if my mom has told her she has kids. It's better if I don't mess with this. Otherwise, things might get worse. I won't deny having a sister. I already have one, so one more won't change anything. Rosie said that she would stop pranking Austin. I guess it was a lie. At least he doesn't mind it. Honestly, I don't understand why she still does it. The girl is eleven but acts like an eight-year-old sometimes. That's why I don't think girls her age still play with dolls. It's not like I know many things about kids. My childhood has been different than hers. I'm glad my sister and friends understand each other so well. The big question is what will happen when Austin goes to university. He won't come home so often. I'm sure my sister will find a way to prank him. She keeps doing this because he lets her. It's a public secret that he likes it. He plays the I am offended game only because of her. Hopefully, their friendship won't turn into something else. One day, my sister will hit puberty. Their age gap is big enough. I don't know why I am thinking about this. Rosie will find a boy her age. That's why I am hoping. Also, I know Austin loves her like a brother. He won't do anything to her. It's nice to know that someone will always keep your back. That's why I still keep my friends. We met in middle school. Mostly, we started going out together in high school. My sister was about to be in first grade when they officially met her. Time flies fast. It's like yesterday when we met. I would like it if we studied at the same university, but I know it won't happen. Well, we'll still find a way to see each other. I won't let them go away from me. I hope that we'll be able to keep our friendship for a long time. I don't want to lose my best friends.

Currently, I am in school. We have English. The teacher let us do some exercises while she is grading our essays. We had to write our opinion on the topic of her choice with a minimum of five hundred words. I know why she picked it. We had to use a lot of terms. I did well, but we'll see if it's true. If Austin gets another A, I will ask him for advice. He doesn't study much but still has good grades. I want to know how this is possible. It would be nice if I could do the same. Sadly, I am not gifted like him. I'm sure he is not cheating. There is one way to find out.

After this class, the boys and I walked into the hall. Stacy was in front of my locker. I wonder what she wants. This girl talks with me only if I can do something for her. Also, she has a boyfriend. I'm sure Jack will do everything for her. I left my things in the locker and looked at her. I'm not a mind reader, so she has to tell me what is happening.

- I'm listening to you.

- I will make a party tonight, and I was hoping you would come.

- Why? You know I'm not a fan of these things.

- It will be fun.

- Are the boys invited? I'm not going anywhere without them.

- If that is the only way to make you come, they are invited.

- You still didn't convince me, but they might come.

- You will be my special guest. - Stacy said and grabbed my hand

- These tricks don't work on me. Also, Jack won't like it.

- He is not here.

- I won't be sure. - Jack said

- Oh, hey. You are coming to my party tonight. Right?

- I don't know. Am I coming to your party tonight?

- Come on. Don't be dramatic.

- Don't try on other guys. - Jack said and left

- It's your fault. - Stacy said to me and left

- For sure, it is.

- Man, what was that? - Austin asked

- I don't know, but you can go to her party.

- Thanks, but I won't do it. She is weird. - Devan said

- Don't count me too.

- It looks like none of us will go. - I said

- Exactly.

On our lunch break, the boys and I went to eat. The team has a meeting with the coach. This means the cheerleaders will be alone. If one of them doesn't come here, I am good. We found a small empty table and sat down.

- Ok, my friend. I want to know your secret. - I said, looking at Austin

- What secret?

- How don't you study but have good grades?

- Oh, it's easy. I have a good memory.

- What?

- I pay attention in class and memorize most things.

- You are joking. Right?

- No. Mom had noticed this when I was a kid. I remember what teachers say. That's why I don't study much.

- Can't you give this to me?

- I'm sorry. It doesn't work like this.

- Sad.

- I can help you.

- I can study alone. I wish it didn't take so much time.

- Sorry, man. I can't help you with this.

- I know. What are your plans for the afternoon?

- I don't have any.

- We can go out if you want. Devan is always free. That's why he won't mind.

- Hey, that is not true. I am busy today.

- Really?

- No. How is your mom? Did she adopt a girl?

- Not yet. She liked a girl, but this girl didn't want to get adopted again.

- What do you mean again?

- A couple of families tried to adopt her. I mean, she has been living with them for some time.

- I get it. Your mom is not a horrible person.

- True, but Kylie doesn't trust her or anyone else.

- So, her name is Kylie? - Austin asked

- Yes. She is our age.

- Cool. When can we see her?

- I have no idea. I don't expect her to come home soon.

- Maybe she will. Your mom needs to play her cards well.

- As if it's that simple. The girl lost hope in adopting a long time ago. She is stubborn.

- Have you seen her?

- No. Only my mom and dad have. Mom visited her a few days ago. It didn't end well.

- Kylie pushed her away, didn't she?

- Yes, that is what happened. Well, I know my mom won't give up.

- Maybe they are not that different. - Devan said

- What do you mean?

- Both Kylie and your mom are stubborn. They will get what they want. Well, not in this situation.

- I don't know. I prefer to stay away from this for now. I don't know if my mom has told her she has kids.

- Why wouldn't she do it? - Austin asked

- Because then comes the obvious question? Why would you adopt a kid when you have two?

- That is a good one.

- See? Mom will take care of this.

- I'm sure soon we'll see this girl, Kylie.

- I hope so. Mom wants her home.

The boys and I talked until the end of the lunch break. Later, we walked for the rest of our classes. After the last one, we went to take my sister from school. She finishes a bit early but has no problem waiting for me. Rosie can go home alone, but I like taking her with me. I enjoy spending time with her. Also, I will be sure that she is home safe. I don't expect something to happen with her during the day, but you never know.

We walked home, and Rosie went into her room. Austin walked after her. I would like to know what is going on. Probably he sensed that she would prank him again. Their friendship is unique. It's based on pranks, arguments, and daily make-ups.

- I wonder what is going on there. - I said

- What do you mean? - Devan asked

- I thought about something but quickly erased this from my head.

- Not you got me interested.

- Imagine if, when Rosie hits puberty, she starts liking Austin.

- You better keep your mouth shut. They have an age difference.

- I know, but look at them. She loves pranking him, and he loves bugging her. Rosie is still a kid, but soon she will grow up.

- I understand what you mean, but heck no. This can't happen.

- It's not like I want it.

- I think she spends time with him because he cares about her. I don't think she will start liking him. Maybe Rosie will find a person to who she can always go if she has a problem.

- I haven't thought of that.

- I'm not sure about this, but it seems logical.

- It is. I will wait and see. Hopefully, they will keep their friendship. Well, if he does something to her, I will kill him.

- He won't. Austin might never admit it, but he loves your sister.

- Because he doesn't have one.

- I don't have one either, but I don't spend that much time with yours.

- He might be a great dad one day.

- Especially if she is the mother. - Devan said, chuckling

- Devan! Don't play with the fire, or you will get burned.

- Ok, ok. That was a bad joke.

- It was.

Devan and I pulled our textbooks. Austin probably will be with my sister. I went to take snacks from the kitchen. I took a bowl and went upstairs. My friend was helping Rosie with her homework. There was no fight. These two are good friends. I left the bowl and walked back downstairs.

After an hour, Rosie and Austin appeared. I guess they are ready with her homework. I wonder when he will write his. She sat next to him and gave him the book. You can't escape from this, my friend.

- I am done. I don't want to see books anymore. - Austin said

- Can we play now? - Rosie said and looked at him

- I wanted to stay with my friends.

- I am your friend. You can stay with me. - my sister said, and I laughed

- Did you promise her something? - I asked

- No.

- Yes. Austin said he would spend time with me if I did my homework.

- Ok, ok. What do you want us to do?

- I have a game in my closet. Will you take it? All of us can play.

- Rosie, I'm not falling for that. You won't prank me.

- I'm not. Since you are a crybaby, I will bring it. - she said and left

- How is she your sister?

- Ask my mom.

- For sure, I will.

Soon, Rosie came back with her game. I played this with her, but she was eight years old. I didn't know she still kept this. It's a good game. I don't find it interesting anymore. We played for an hour. I hope that is enough for her. I want to go out today. The weather is nice. Mom came home. At least she can take care of Rosie. I love my sister, but sometimes I want to be alone with my friends. I'm sure she will find some friends like Devan and Austin when he grows up.

My friends and I walked out. Austin wanted food, so we went to a diner. That was the first place we saw on our way. It's not like he didn't eat at home. Well, I guess Rosie took his energy.

- Man, I haven't seen you so hungry in a while.

- Blame your sister.

- You know that she will grow up and leave you in peace.

- Nah, I don't mind her. Well, I hope her teenage self will calm down.

- What do you mean?

- Now she is full of energy.

- Don't worry. When the boys come, she will think about something else.

- What? What boys?

- Don't tell me you will be the protective brother. - Devan said, chuckling

- No way. I barely take care of myself.

- As long as you don't date her, I am good. - I said

- What? Why would I date your sister?

- Because she might want it.

- I don't care. I don't plan on dating her. I prefer to be with someone on my age.

- I will ask you the same after five years.

- Watch your mouth, man. You don't want it to get swollen.

- Ok, time out. No fights here. - Devan said

- Tell this to your friend.

- Why are you mad at me now? - I asked

- Because you talk nonsense. Maybe I have to stay away from her. That will be good.

- No, it won't. You will upset her.

- I don't care. I don't want her to start thinking about the impossible.

- Austin, Rosie is only eleven. She doesn't care about these things. - Devan said

- I hope so.

We stayed outside for two hours. Later, everyone went home. I hope Austin is not mad at me. I didn't want to offend him. I am not worried about him but about Rosie. She is used to spending time with him. If one day he finds a girlfriend, she might get jealous. I shouldn't be thinking about this now, but I can't help it.

Soon, dinner was ready. I was the last one to sit at the table. I send my friend an apology message. I told him what I meant and why I said it. Luckily, everything is good. He was on my side.

- Mommy, the food is delicious. - Rosie said

- I'm glad that you like it.

- Rosie is right. It's good. - dad said

- Honey, are you ok? You barely said a word since you came home. Did something happen?

- No, I have nothing to say.

- Are you sure?

- Yes, I am. You don't have to worry about me.

- When will your friends come home again? - Rosie asked

- I don't know. We haven't talked about this.

- Tell Austin I won't prank him if he comes home.

- Ok, I will.

- Josh, are you ok? You look worried. - dad said

- I'm fine.

We had our dinner peacefully. I waited for Rosie to go and play in her room. That's when I told my parents everything. Maybe I imagine things, but I can't help it. For some reason, I got worried for her. I appreciate Rosie and Austin's friendship. I'm afraid, in the future, it might turn into something else. I don't want her to get hurt. My friend loves her but as a sister. I want her to understand that. She might be only eleven, but she is not that young. Mom said I was worrying too much. She is probably right. There is enough time to see how things will go. I hope that their friendship won't change.