A F F E C T I O N

t w e n t y - o n e

"My God." Kennedy says, arms folded across her chest, staring us down. Your fingers are entangled with mine, and you smile at her.

"Hey, Kennedy."

"You, don't talk. Go play your game." She shoves you toward the group of boys divvying up teammates in the middle of the park, and rounds on me. "You have some explaining to do."

"I know, I know." She links her arm with mine and we walk to the girls and their blanket. My sister is standing near it wearing her favourite soccer shorts and a t-shirt, bouncing on the balls of her feet.

"When did this happen?"

"Friday afternoon."

"It's Sunday afternoon." She makes a pouty face and we stop just before reaching our friends.

"I am aware."

"Why did you not tell me of this?"

"We were just...I was just..." I sigh. "I didn't want to tell anyone yet."

"Did he break up with her first."

"Yes."

"Okay. Well...okay. Are you sure you want to do this, Caro?"

This is what I've wanted. You.

"Yes."

Even if you left me, first.

Maya waves to us and jogs toward her soccer friends.

*******

REAL MAYA: I MISS YOU SO MUCH HAPPY CHRISTMAS I LOVE YOU WE NEED TO SKYPE ASAP