Page 15 of My Brother's Alien Match

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Something tightened inside me. Tears suddenly stung my eyes.

Does everyone have one?

Yes.

Is that why I feel so incredibly alone?

I waited for an answer, fingers clutching my phone like it was a lifeline.

An incoming call with Luno's name suddenly lit up my screen.

I dropped my phone in shock and then sat up, searching for it while it kept vibrating in the blankets.

Oh god. Why hadn't I thought of the fact that he could call me? What the hell was I supposed to do?

Don’t answer it!my brain told me. But I wanted desperately to hear his voice. I wanted to hear him talking tomeas though I was worthy of his time. Even if it was just for a second.

I finally found my phone, lifting it up as it went dark.

Disappointment and relief warred within me.

Suddenly, it started to vibrate again, Luno's name and picture bright across the screen.

I stared at it with my heart still racing and then hit answer.

For a minute, my lips wouldn't move. I sat in the dark, listening to the gentle sound of his breathing. The soft sound of something rustling.

“Taylor?” he asked gently.

I swallowed and squeezed my eyes shut, forcing out the whispered word.

“Yes.”

He released a low breath.

“I am so confused,” he said.

His voice was like honey and strawberries and everything else in the world that was simultaneously sweet and good for you at the same time.

“What is it?” I asked.

I kept my voice low, hoping that with a gentle whisper, he wouldn't be able to differentiate my voice from Taylor's.

“Today, when we met...” he fell silent. “No. I am certain. You are my Sul.”

A shudder ran through my body.

“Don't say that. Please?—”

“You are, Taylor. Don't be afraid.”

There it was; my brother’s name, ruining this twisted fantasy I was allowing myself to live. But his misdirected affection felt so good.

“I need to see you again.”

I swallowed.

“We’re meeting at the ball.”

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