The Prince and the Frog

Tension Building

Lynn:

I was so angry leaving my parents’ house for so many different reasons that my head was spinning. I understood where my sisters were coming from but Peter is a grown ass man and he should have never come to my home in the first place. I didn’t invite him but yet they fail to see that, it’s not my fault if he is acting some type of way. Us kissing just pissed me off even more because he is the one who kissed me, but somehow if I told my family that they would probably say I seduced him. This is why I didn’t want to come home because no matter what I did or did not do Peter was the damn Prince and I was the Frog.

He is the one who broke my heart and broke my trust back then and I thought that would be enough to get my family to cut him out of their lives but nope. They forgave him and let him back into our home with open arms. That is why I left and stood away for so long. I wanted more than anything to just erase him from my life. I never understood why God could make me fall in love at 11 years old and be with that person till I was 19 and then just have that love and trust ripped away from me. Leaving Texas, I thought at the time was the hardest thing I had to do in my life, but it wasn’t. Suddenly having to forget about my first love and dropping all my feelings for him was actually the hardest and it’s even worse because he is still here making my heart break all over again.

Getting back into my car I put the key in the ignition and turned on the engine. As I felt the cool air hit my face I put my head onto the steering wheel and just closed my eyes taking everything in. I was so overwhelmed and I’ve only been here a damn week. I just saw Peter for the first time 2 days ago and the pain I felt was excruciating. Is being home really worth it?

My thoughts were interrupted when I heard a knock on my driver side window. Looking up I saw my brother staring at me with concern on his face. Rolling down the window I smiled, “Hey Jelly Bean, are you just getting home?” I asked trying not to give anything away.

“Yeah, I just dropped Kim off at her house. Why are you crying?” he asked frowning.

I touched my face not knowing tears had sprung from my eyes leaving my face wet. Quickly wiping my face of the tears, I double checked myself in the mirror to make sure they were gone before I faced my brother again. “I’m fine Jelly Bean, nothing to worry about.”

He clearly did not believe still frowning at me, but thankfully we were interrupted by Natalee shouting from the front door “Lynn, mom called and said dad doesn’t feel like cooking so can you go pick up a few pizzas and drinks and she will cash app you the money?”

Sighing I shouted back “Alright Rose Bud,” turning my attention back to my brother I asked “Wanna come with for the ride?”

Turning his frown into a huge grin he asked “Can I drive?”

I knew Georgie just got his license so I knew there was nothing to worry about but I never seen him drive. Anxiously I got out of the driver’s seat letting him get in and made my way to the passenger seat. As I sat down and looked over I saw my brother grinning from ear to ear. It made me smile knowing he was confident to be able to drive, I just hoped he wasn’t overly confident and crashed my car. I was on a tight budget until I got my first pay check. Thankfully the pizza place was about 2 blocks from the house so we got there rather quickly. 

As we waited in parking lot for our order to be ready it was quiet. I knew Georgie wanted to know what was wrong, even as a 17-year-old he good at picking up vibes. But this was something I didn’t not want to talk about or explain. Peter and him had a very good relationship and I refused to come in between them. Sadly, though luck was not on my side because Georgie turned to face me and asked, “Are you upset that I didn’t go help you and Peter went instead?”

That was not what I was excepting him to ask. Looking at his face I saw that my little brother really did think I was upset at him. He was so off, I could never be mad at him. Georgie looked ashamed of himself and it made me feel like a horrible sister. He never liked to see me sad and whenever he thought he did something to upset me he would feel awful until I would reassure him.

“Bean I’m not upset with you.” I simply stated.

“But you are upset about something.” He responded back.

How in the hell is my 17-year-old brother able to read me better than anyone else in my life?

“I am,” I answered truthfully “but it has nothing to do with you okay?”

“Okay.” He said still frowning.

Finally, the food was brought out to the car and we began to drive out of the parking lot towards home. Listening to the music play in the car in silence I knew it would not be the end of this conversation. Georgie was very mature for his age and very protective of me. If he found out I was mad about Peter he will never leave my side. I was already getting enough s**t from my sisters I didn’t need to hear my parents complain about me telling my problems to my teenage brother.

Once we got into the neighborhood we saw my parents Mercedes parked, but what caught my attention was a black Ford Truck pulling in the drive way with two individuals stepping out. The frown that had disappeared from my face had once again made its appearance as I saw Peter and Carrie getting out of their vehicle waiting for Georgie and I to park. 

“I’ve always hated that bitch.” He mumbles not intending for me to hear him.

“Watch your mouth Jelly Bean.” I said sharply trying my best not to laugh. I never approved of my brother or even sisters cussing, it was bad enough I did it. I knew he did but I just pretended him didn’t.

“Are you going to be okay?” He asked while looking at me.

Swallowing I put on my bravest face and smile while I replied. “Of course, it’s family game night and they are family, right?”

He didn’t return my smile but instead nodded while turning off the car and exiting.

Taking a deep breath, I gave myself a silent prayer and pushed open the passenger door and got out.

Peter had change into a pair of cargo shorts and a plain grey t-shirt with black vans, he looked so handsome even in relaxing clothes. I didn’t dare stare into his face, especially since Carrie was here. Why was she here anyways? I knew my family still did family games night because I would call when they were in the middle of them but no one ever mentioned them attending.

“Hey Carrie, what brings you to family game night?” My brother asked my unspoken question.

Giving my brother a stank eye she countered “I had got off of work when Peter told me that he was coming to game night, and since I was free I thought it would be fun to tag along.” 

Trying to break the tension that was building I quickly said “Well the more the merrier, I’m going to grab the pizza and drinks.”

“No Lynn it’s okay you go inside with Carrie; Peter and I will take it in.” Georgie demanded.

Looking back at my brother I tried to give him my best what the hell look but he was not staring at me, he was glaring hard at Peter. Who I had just noticed was quiet the entire time.

Deciding to give up I sighed in defeat and said “Okay, come on Carrie. Let’s leave the men to it.”

As we both walked up the pathway up to the house I glanced back at my brother and Peter. Georgie was talking to Peter and he was nodding but was staring at me. I looked away quickly before entering the house.

I wonder what they could be talking about?