Nightshade: A SimLit | Chapter 23: Brynn The Bullied

"A-Alexander!" Amelia could barely form words, shocked and embarrassed by the scene in front of her. "She's... that's... Vance's girlfriend!"

Caught red-handed, Alexander backed away from Brynn and she hopped off of the counter. They both turned to face Amelia silently. "I can... I can explain..." His voice trailed off. "It's not what you think--"

"It's not what I think it is!?" Amelia finished his sentence and turned away, her fists held at her sides and clenched tightly. "You're in here making out with the biggest jerk in school's girlfriend! He's going to kill you if he finds out about this!"

"He's not going to find out!" Her brother exclaimed. "Please, if you'll just listen..."

"Fine!" Amelia snapped and turned around to face them again. "Give me your best explanation!" she scowled.

"Brynn..." Alexander turned to her and frowned. 

"Right..." Brynn sighed. "I don't love Vance. He's... he's forcing me to be in a relationship with him... I tried to break up with him when I realized he was bad news, but he keeps threatening to do things to me if I do... and... I'm scared. I'm not a bully. I'm sorry I was letting them be mean to you in the hall earlier, Amelia... the truth is... Alexander and I have been friends for a little while, but we've had to sneak it. It's why you didn't know..."

"He couldn't tell his own sister?" Amelia questioned much less sternly.

"He didn't want you to get the wrong idea..." Brynn continued. "And... lately we've kind of realized... that we like each other, you know? But Vance is still a problem. He pushes me around and bullies me... he's even hit me before."

Amelia's expression softened. "I'm so sorry... he's such a jerk."

"I know," she replied. "But I've decided I'm taking the risk. Tonight, I'm going to text him and tell him we're over... and Alexander said I could come over to your place later. I'd love to get to know you."

"Please don't hold what Vance was doing against her," Alexander added. "Brynn is a nice girl. I promise."

Amelia sighed remorsefully. "I'm sorry. I was being really rude... Brynn, I know my brother better than I know myself, and I can promise you he would never treat you like Vance does... you're safe with him," she said with a smile. "I'm sure we'll be great friends."

---

That evening, Brynn came over for dinner just as Alexander asked. He waited at the door, swinging it open the second she stepped onto the porch.

"Good evening, Brynn," he said with a smile. "So... about Vance...?"

"He's history," Brynn said. "I just texted him a little while ago and told him it was over."

As Brynn stepped inside the house, a mischievous grin played on Alexander's lips. 

In one swift, sudden movement, Alexander snaked his arm around Brynn's waist and took her hand in his, pulling her close to him. "So that means... that you're all mine now?"

Brynn met his gaze and gave him a sultry grin. "So soon after my breakup?" she teased. "You're awfully eager to get your hands on me, Alexander..."

"I just can't help myself," he replied as his smirk turned into a playful grin. He pressed his lips to her hand for a few moments, not taking his eyes off of her. 

"You're truly irresistible... I suppose I'm available..." Brynn laughed. "It's such an enticing offer, I have to accept it. I knew you wouldn't let me stay single for long!"

"You think I wouldn't jump at the chance to snatch up an amazing girl like you?" Alexander raised an eyebrow. "Apparently you don't know me very well..."

"...but I'd like to," she added as he removed his hand from her waist and straightened back up.

Alexander's grin widened. "I already told my parents you were coming over. They can't wait to meet you... they tried to give me the talk. I told them we learned all of that in middle school, but, you know parents. They had to make everything awkward. And then my dad went off on a bunch of really stupid relationship advice..."

"Jeez. Putting the cart before the horse, huh? It's not like we're getting married."

"...Yet."

Brynn gave him a playful shove and started toward the kitchen, smelling the aroma of dinner. "Smells great. I hope your parents like me... I promise I'll be on my best behavior."

"Nah, don't bother," Alexander replied. "I'm never on my best behavior."

The family conversed over dinner happily, and as Alexander had expected, Elaine and Garrett were elated that he had found a girlfriend.

"So, are you from Newcrest or were you born somewhere else?" Elaine asked between spoonfuls of her soup.

"Willow Creek," Brynn replied with a smile. "This soup is delicious. Thanks so much for the meal, Mr. and Mrs. Wesley!"

"You're very welcome!" Elaine said cheerfully. "I remember it like it was yesterday... Alexander being just a little baby... it's so wonderful to see him growing up and finding love..."

"Mom, we just made it official five minutes ago!"

"She seems polite and well educated. A good choice, in my opinion. Much better than some people's choices..." Elaine's voice trailed off. "Always take relationships seriously, Alexander. You never know who could be the one."

'That's what I thought two top-secret girlfriends ago...' Alexander thought. 'They both only lasted, like, a week...'

Though Amelia was happy for her brother just like the rest of her family, she couldn't help but feel a little sad at her mother's elated reaction to Brynn. She longed for an acceptance that she would never have. 'If only mom would just give Onyx a chance... she'd see she's been wrong about him. But it doesn't matter either way... I know I love him, and I can't tell my heart to stop loving someone... and the more I think about it... the more I know my heart has been right all along.'