"Sorry, what were you saying?"

"Nothing, nothing at all. I’ll see you in class."

I turn and walk away not giving her a chance to respond. I felt her eyes on me the whole walk back to my car. I had wanted to say more, but obviously, she was with someone. As she said, she would only hurt me. And seeing that woman, half naked in her home did hurt me.

I drove around for a little while, to clear my head and then finally decided to head back home. I see a familiar pick up truck in the driveway and I immediately get excited. I park my mother’s car and I race inside. The whole family is in the living room and I run to my brother.

"Tim," I shout and jump into his open arms.

"I’m happy to see you too little sister."

"What a nice surprise!"

"I am on leave for a week, and I’ve got some news."

"What is it," my mother asked, the worry written all over her face.

"Well, after my leave, I will be flying out to Bethesda, and then from there. Afghanistan."

My heart fell into my stomach, this would be his second tour. I was terrified the first time he left, and now I am even more terrified. Combat was so scary, I’m so glad my father survived it. My prayers will once again surround the safety of my brother.

He explained to us in little detail about where he was going. He couldn’t elaborate for us because of the sensitive nature of his mission. We all came together in support, and put on brave faces, but we were all scared deep down.

I spent the next day with my brothers, hanging out and having fun. It had been so long since it was just us, having fun. My brothers and I kept telling Tim how much we’d miss him and to be safe. Tim is my best friend and the one person I can tell anything to. We usually skype’d at least twice a week when he was gone.

My brothers and I went back to school, and hung out as much with Tim as we could. This next semester would be tough. So that would keep my mind off my brother being in a war zone. I got through the first couple of days without seeing Bette, but of course on Friday she was in art class.

"How was everyone’s Christmas Break," she asked and got a few "good" answers, "did everyone work on their projects? Questions?"

"Yes, Ms. Porter," one student asked, "would it be ok if I did a painting as well, you know to help my story?"

She answered and then started talking about the rest of the semester. She’s be picking the winners in three months and our work would be on display at the CAC shortly after graduation. While she was explaining this, she was looking at me most of the time. I had to look away most times because I felt myself flush.

As soon as the bell rang I ran out as fast as I could. Trying to avoid Bette became my ultimate goal in trying to get over my crush. But it never seemed to work, because she somehow ended up where I was going. Right now was no different, she got out to the student parking lot before I could.

"How did you get out here before me?"

"You’re not the only one who can make fast getaways."

"I wasn’t making a fast getaway."

"You were. I wanted to talk to you about what happened the other day. Gabby is a bitch and I’m sorry she was rude to you."

"It’s fine. It just reiterates the fact that you pointed out. I’m too young, especially for you. I’m glad she can make you happy, girlfriends should."

"She’s not my girlfriend."

"Then who is she," I asked, knowing well what kind of relationship they had, "Don’t answer that. Bette, I said my peace you said yours, now let’s put it behind us, because I have to go. Please."

"Ok," she relented at my almost pleading statement.

I got into my car and watched her walk away. She wasn’t going to make this easy on me at all. I sighed just as Alice and the other girls ambushed my car. They were talking animatedly and loudly, I couldn’t help but smile. We headed to The Planet for some coffee and a quick study sesh. And of course, Bette was there.