Kathleen's POV
"How was Lilly's?" I looked up from my book to see Arthur leaning in the doorway.
"It was alright. Do you need something, Mr. Kirkland?" I asked. I needed to put the walls back up. I needed to make amends with myself for the night before.
I saw a flash of hurt whip itself across Arthur's face, "I'd like to speak with you if that's alright."
I nodded once, placing my book on the coffee table. I wanted to put some distance between Arthur and myself, but it seemed this couldn't be helped, "What is it?"
He watched me for a moment, "Kathleen, I put everything on the table for you last night, the least you could do is let me prove my feelings for you are real. Please don't push me away."
"I'm not doing anything." I replied
"You are and you know it. I can see you shutting down as we speak. Kathleen." Arthur's tone was strained.
I stopped. He was right to an extent. I was pushing him away, but I had good reason to. "Arthur, you don't understand."
"Then explain it to me." He pleaded.
I bit my lip for a moment, "Something happened last night before I got home. I'm still trying to figure things out with that."
"Let me help you."
"You can't." I protested putting my face in my hands, "Arthur, please. I'm sorry about last night, but I need to figure some things out."
Arthur watched me for a moment, "Is this about Matthew?"
I looked up at him in a bit of shock, "This is a very personal matter, Arthur." I warned, hoping he'd back off.
He didn't, "We shared a bed, I kissed you. There are few things more personal than that, Kathleen." I stayed silent. What could I say? I couldn't bring myself to tell him what happened. It was none of his business. "Fine, don't tell me." He got up and started to leave me alone.
I jumped up, "Arthur, wait."
Arthur's POV
I stopped and turned back to Kathleen, only to be pushed up against the wall. Her lips pressed harshly against mine. My hands fell to her waist and I felt her hands tangle in my hair. When we broke for air, I rested my forehead against hers. "Arthur, please don't leave."
"You are such a confusing girl." I replied, thoroughly confused by the whole thing.
She pulled away from me slightly, her hands resting on my chest, "I know I'm sorry. Please just… please stay." I gave a slight nod and she led me back to the love seat. Her fingers faced with mine and she rested her head on my shoulder, "I don't hate you."
I glanced down at her, "I know. You said that last night." She didn't look at me.
"I don't want to love you though."
I turned to face her, "My dear, I don't understand."
She looked up to meet my eyes, "I don't really expect you to. I don't quite understand it myself. I just can't love you. I don't want to."
"But you do?" I questioned trying to keep the hope out of my voice.
She nodded, "But I do." I pressed my lips to hers again and pulled her closer to me. Her arms wrapped around my neck and brought me as close as possible. Still it wasn't enough. It would never be enough.
"Hey, Kath- Oh dear God." We jumped apart and saw Collin standing in the doorway looking completely mortified, mirroring his sister's expression.
"Collin, I can explain." I started, but Collin held up his hands in surrender.
"You know what, Mate? I don't really want you to. Kathleen, when you get a chance I'd like to talk to you." With that he turned around and left, "Carry on." I turned to Kathleen, who was now bright red. Without a word she walked out of the room, hand over her mouth and followed her brother.
Collin's POV
"Collin." I stopped and turned to face my sister. Her hair was wild and her face was completely flushed.
I choked back a laugh and let a smirk fall onto my face, "Kathy, it's very rude to leave your boyfriend waiting."
"He's not my boyfriend." She said shutting the door to my bedroom and coming to sit beside me on the bed.
"You could have fooled me." I laughed, but stopped when I saw the sadness in her eyes. "Kathleen, what's wrong? You're not in trouble are you?" I looked at the door. If my baby sister was pregnant, someone was going to die.
"No, no. It's nothing like that." She rushed. She crossed her legs in front of her and leaned on her knees.
"What is it then?" I asked mimicking her movements.
"I think I love him." She confessed, sadness growing in her eyes.
"What's the problem?" I asked not following.
She frowned deeper, "I don't want to. I'm at war in my own mind. I don't know what to do." She placed her face in her hands.
I watched her, "What else is it. That's not it."
She looked up and smiled sadly, "It's about Matthew."
I frowned, "What's wrong with him? Did he hurt you?"
She shook her head, "No really he didn't, but… he kissed me. I don't know what to do about him either."
I sighed, so that's what this was about. I leaned forward and pressed my lips to the top of my sister's head, "Stop worrying. Everything will work itself out."
