DiabloCat: Just a short story that niggled at me for a while, so I wrote it. Nothing special.
Ghosts from the Past
REJECTION
"Hey Kev!"
Kevin Fawkes turned just in time to see a basket-ball heading for his face. He yelped and ducked, narrowly avoiding being struck by the ball.
"Catch!"
Kevin straightened, and scowled at his grinning brother. "Uh, Dare? You're supposed to shout catch before you throw the ball."
Darien shrugged, still grinning. "Yeah, but then it wouldn't be as much fun." The smile faded a little. "Besides, when did you become the almighty expert on how to throw basket-balls?"
The sixteen year old sighed at his younger sibling's challenging tone. He should have known this would happen. Darien seemed to view Kevin as some sort of threat, and was always pushing for a fight. Why did he insist on being such a child? Kevin refused to rise to the bait.
He raised his hands in mock defeat. "Fine, I won't question your remarkable throwing skills ever again. Happy?"
Darien stared at his elder brother, trying to gauge whether or not Kevin was making fun of him. "Whatever." He strolled over, hands in pockets, shoulders set in a lazy slouch.
He picked up his basket-ball, casually tossing it through the rickety hoop on the wall. He caught the ball as it bounced back, and paused for a moment, thinking. Maybe he was being a bit of a jerk.
Darien turned to Kevin, hand out-stretched in a sort of peace offering. "Give you a match?"
Kevin shook his head. "I've got work to do."
Darien rolled his eyes. "Aw, come ON Kev! That's all you ever do! Live a little, will ya!"
Kevin hesitated for a moment. Just a quick game, it wouldn't have to take long…no. "Sorry Darien."
Kevin walked away, completely unaware of the hurt look in his thirteen year old brother's eyes as he rejected him once again.
DiabloCat: I'm trying to decide whether or not to make this a series of short stories about their former life and relationship. Hmm. I'll ponder that and see where it leads.
Special thanks to all who come this way and review.