You Don't Have to be Alone
Chapter 9 - Secrets
Disclaimer: Hey guys! I do not own Summerland or anyone affiliated with them! I do, however, own all the fictional characters, the story line and the title. No stealing! I don't own NSYNC's song, You Don't Have to be Alone.
A/N: Thanks to everyone for all of the sweet reviews! I really appreciate them!
Genesis pulled away and opened her eyes slowly, only to see big green eyes staring back at her. She touched her lips softly where Bradin's had just been. "W-What was that?" She asked him, wondering about the emotion and feeling he put into that.
"That would have been a kiss," Bradin laughed lightly to himself. He watched her nervously. He wasn't sure how she reacted to that, besides pure shock.
"No, really?" Genesis laughed lightly as she tried helplessly to break the awkward feeling between the two bodies standing there.
"Genesis! Bradin! Did you two get cleaned up?" Ava yelled from downstairs. Bradin then realized the reason why he and Genesis had come upstairs in the first place.
"We're getting there, Aunt Ava!" Bradin yelled back and walked towards the doorway. When he heard her return to something with someone else, he turned back to Genesis. "So…um…" He started.
"We better get cleaned up," Genesis said softly. She passed Bradin and exhaled a great deal of awkward feelings.
Bradin watched her leave the room and wait for him out in the hall connecting the bedrooms. He sighed. He didn't want to pressure Genesis into anything she didn't want to do. He really did have an attraction towards her. He would have to show her later.
"Here's a towel and you can use my Aunt's bathroom to get cleaned up a little," Bradin said softly with a little disappointment in his voice. He handed her the white towel and walked out of the bathroom.
Genesis could sense the discouragement in his voice. She looked at herself in the mirror. Even though she didn't face Bradin after the kiss, she knew that she felt amazing about what she felt. She felt every emotion she had rush through her all at once, causing this human-like volcano to erupt inside her stomach. She began to wet her hair down in the sink to get all of the sticky Jell-O out of her hair.
Bradin sighed as he sat down on the coach and stared straight ahead. He couldn't have gone through a bigger let down. Sure, Genesis seemed to be responsive while he kissed her for the two seconds he did, but she was different afterwards. He really hoped he hadn't rushed things like usual and scared her off. "What are ya thinking about?" His nine-year-old brother interrupted his thoughts.
"Nothing, Derrick. Go away," Bradin muttered and looked at the temporary fake Christmas tree they had in their living room. It was no use even asking for a real one this year. They were no longer in the cooler Kansas weather.
"It's Christmas, Bradin! You're supposed to be happy on Christmas!" Derrick exclaimed and continued to stay by his brother's side. Bradin sighed and looked over at the young boy. If only he could begin to understand…but Bradin knew that he didn't.
"Bradin, can you help me by setting the table?" Ava asked as she pulled napkins and silverware out of a drawer. The sixteen-year-old got up from the couch and went to help right as Genesis came downstairs. "Genesis, I sent Nikki outside to lay out some beach towels to dry. If you want, you can go and help her," Ava smiled. Genesis nodded and glanced at Bradin. He looked…upset. She didn't want him to be upset. That was the last thing she ever wanted to make him feel.
"Hey Genesis," Nikki smiled as Genesis walked out on their back patio. Genesis looked up from her trance on the cement and smiled at Nikki.
"Hey," Genesis sighed and smiled. She grabbed one of the multicolored beach towels and began to shake it out and lie it on the warm cement to dry like Nikki was doing.
"So…Bradin looks pretty bummed. Did he put a move on you?" Nikki asked and watched the sixteen-year-old girl. Nikki spotted the shocked look on Genesis's face. "What? I know Bradin like the back of my hand. When we moved here, I learned so much more about both Derrick and Bradin. I know what he's feeling. I've seen that look on his face before." She giggled. Genesis sighed and nodded. She figured she could trust Nikki. Nikki seemed like a sweet girl.
"Can you keep a secret?" Genesis looked at Bradin through the glass door as he continued to set the table. She then turned her glance back to the thirteen-year-old. Her eyes were big and eager for the secret Genesis was about to tell. Genesis sighed and then tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I really like him…a lot. Things are just to difficult right now. I don't think I want that right now."
"Yes you do," Nikki retorted and went back to shaking out beach towels. "And Bradin has what you need. He's holding his hand out for you, Genesis. Now you just have to take it."
A/N: There ya go! Chapter 9! Keep the feedback coming and I'll try and get another chapter out soon!