I will remember that day like it was yesterday.
It was a day off school and our parents had gone to work for the day.
Usually, I would just go and visit my friends but I just wanted to relax and without my parent's home, especially Neil, it was easier.
I was in my room when the knocking on the door started.
I knew that Billy was in the living room lifting weights because I could hear the tv on.
The knocking continued which meant two things, one, Billy couldn't hear it over his stupid program, or two he didn't care if someone was there.
Sighing I headed past the brute in the living room and went to front door where the unwelcome visitor was still pounding on the door.
I undid the lock and opened the door slightly unaware that Billy had stopped what he was doing and kept an eye on me.
The person on the other side shocked me. It was Jason Carver, a junior member of the high school basketball team and an all-around annoying jock.
"Can I help you?" I asked cautiously as I knew him and Billy were not friends. Billy had made that quite clear on our trips to and from school.
Jason smiled. "I am here to see you, of course beautiful," he said and tried to push the door open.
Groaning, I leaned against the door and something glistened in the sunlight.
That's when I saw it. The gun resting in his side pocket and started freaking out on the inside while remaining calm on the outside.
"I know your shithead brother is in there, I saw his ugly ass car. Why doesn't he come and face me like a man" Jason said, his eyes flashing with anger.
Not knowing what to do so I asked "what did Billy do to piss you off?" Meanwhile, hoping that someone was on my side, I made a finger gun behind my back in all hopes that Billy would see and understand.
And to my surprise, he did because he was behind me in seconds, pulling me in close and protectively wrapping his arms around me and that's when I realized he had been supervising the whole time.
"What the fuck Carver? Bringing a weapon to my house and scaring my little sister. She could've been hurt if you started waving it around" he said, his arms still holding me tightly against his chest.
I watched as the ferocity in Jason's eyes intensified. "You come into town and suddenly they're talking like you should be captain for the rest of the season. I am just here to make sure you don't want the position" Jason said as he placed his left hand on the gun.
I thought for sure billy would move me and take a swing but he stood there calmly and replied "Carver the basketball team is all yours and King Harringtons'. I've got a sister and grades to focus on, not some hotshot jocks".
My eyes probably bulged as big as Jason's who scoffed and turned around. Steve was walking up the path as he was leaving.
"What did he want?" Steve asked, confused by the whole scene in front of him.
"Aww he just wanted to threaten me about being on the basketball team Harrington, no biggie except he was packing and could've hurt Maxie here" Billy said literally making me confused and happy at the same time.
Billy finally let go and motioned for Steve to follow them in. They had secretly (basically everyone knew but stayed silent) been dating for a few weeks and we're working on a plan for them to come out without Neil killing Billy.
As Steve got to the doorway I motioned for him to stop for a minute. "What's up Max?" he asked worriedly.
"Not only did Billy take a protective and nonviolent stand against Jason, but he also called me Maxie which he hasn't done for years. I'm worried he's sick or something" I replied honestly.
Steve, smiled, ruffled my hair and said "You will never understand how much he truly loves and cares for you. I have been working with him on showing it more and hopefully, soon you will both be living with me".
I watched as he headed in and Billy kissed him on the forehead. I wanted to cry with happiness but I took a deep breath and told myself I would save that if all of what Steve said comes to pass.