Alesonne

I watch the water sparkle over the rocks. The soft bubbling of the river broadens my smile. My cheek is still warm from Lowrans’ kiss. I haven’t known him long, but I feel like I’ve always been searching for him. It’s like I’m complete now that he’s here. It’s such a strange feeling. I hope everyone meets someone who makes me feel as he does. It’s wonderful.

My brother calls my name, and his voice carries even above the babble of the river in front of me. I hear his footsteps and when I turn, Blaine towers above me. There is a flash in his eyes. I can’t quite place the expression, I’ve never seen him look so unhappy.

Lowrans wouldn’t be far away, but I had to suppress a shudder when I realize he’d already be too far away by now. Too far away? For what? The warning in my head doesn’t make sense. It is my brother who stands in front of me. My brother who loves me. Not a threat. And yet…

As my mind tries to understand my fear, I realize Blaine has been talking to me. I have no idea what he’s saying. When I ask him to repeat himself, the look returns behind his eyes. A fire. Something like rage. Just enough hurt lingers there that I’m not sure. It makes no sense. I don’t know who my bother is becoming.

I make a joke and see the fire die behind his eyes. He asks about Lowrans and his voice catches in his throat. He doesn’t even use Lowrans’ name, he just calls him ‘that stranger’. I decide not to tell Blaine about our relationship. I cannot tell him I love someone, but I’m not sure why.

I’ll have to tell him soon. Lowrans will be asking my father for my hand. If my father agrees, I’ll be leaving home and leaving Blaine. I love my family, but it’s time to start my own. I’d never expected me finding a life would be a problem for anyone, but lately, I just have a feeling that Blaine is going to react poorly. I thought he’d just be sad, but happy for me, but the more he speaks to me now, here by the river, I realize it’s going to be something else. I don’t think he will be happy for me.

Blaine is still talking and I’m trying to pay attention. He runs his hands through my hair and something cold runs down my spine. Not fear. Something. I’m unsettled by Blaine, but I don’t understand how it happened.

I hope Lowrans asks Father soon. I don’t like the unsettled feeling from Blaine.