Page 36 of Voices

He knows that’s him, right?

I mean I still have to add the finer details but it’s clearly him.

“Got it.” He walks back in and squats down so he’s level with the sculpted head. Then pulls out his hat, puts it on backwards, and smiles exactly like the sculpture.

It’s a perfect replica.

“Which one are you more attracted to? Clay me that doesn’t make you laugh or real me that’ll do anything to see you smile?” He stands up still smiling and walks in front of me. “You are an insanely talented artist, Charlie.”

“Thanks.” Heat creeps up my neck.

“That was a real question, by the way. I’ll need an answer before I leave,” he says over his shoulder as he walks to my desk. He picks up the sketchbook that he had returned to me and flips through it. There’s nothing new in it. My new one came in, so I’ve been using that. He stops on a page and turns it around to show me. It’s the one he signed, making it unusable for my portfolio.

“I see you haven’t looked through this since I returned it…with my number in it. Question though. Why aren’t I in the center? I am the captain, and I scored two goals in that game. I think Alexander got an assist. You got something for the speedy forwards instead of a strong defenseman?” He flexes his arm, and goddamn his bicep is huge.

“Yeah, umm, Alexander is my last name too. Benji is my twin brother, and I have no idea what a forward is, but I assure you, I am not into my brother,” I laugh awkwardly.

“He’s your twin? Why hasn’t he said anything? I’ve known him for over three years and all he’s ever said was that he has a brother but that was it. He made it sound like he was younger. We recently had a sibling’s day where they came out for a practice, then we went out for dinner.”

I’m not surprised that Benji either forgot to tell me or just didn’t bother at all. All those new people would’ve resulted in ananxiety attack before I even left my house and Benji doesn’t have the patience to deal with me when I get like that.

“Shit, I’m sorry, Charlie. I didn’t mean to shove that in your face. It’s just weird that he’s never mentioned that he’s a twin and that you go to the same school.” He looks down at the drawing and then back up at me. “I don’t see it. I know he’s physically bigger than you, being a hockey player but…”

“We share the same hair color and freckles. If I grew a few inches, had longer hair, and muscles, we’d look more alike.”

“More like he has an ego the size of his head.” His eyes go big. “Shit, that was rude, sorry,” he rushes out.

“It’s true so there’s no need to apologize.” We both laugh. “You know with you signing that, I can no longer use it in my fall portfolio. Good thing I already had that tiger started.” I cross my arms shaking my head in fake disappointment.

“Well, beautiful,” he steps up to me, “give me two years and that signature will be worth thousands.” He bends down to whisper in my ear before nipping my ear lobe and pulling as he steps away.

And I’m back to being hard again. There’s something about Shane that has my whole body waking up. He grabs my hand and leads me out of the room, turning off the light as we pass.

“So before, when we were talking about Avatar and Pandora, I know there’s a lot more to it. I’ve just never had the time to sit and watch them. So…” He walks to my bedroom door and stops. “I was wondering if you’d like to show me this amazing Pandora world that you’re so passionate about?”

I feel my cheeks heat.

“There’s no need to be embarrassed Charlie. These movies are popular for a reason, right? Show me whyyoulove them.” He holds the side of my face. “Is it ok if we watch it in your room? No offense but that couch is not very comfortable, and I still need to be able to function and play hockey,” he chuckles.

I don’t know what state my room is in, and I don’t want him to think I can’t take care of myself any more than he probably already does.

“We can, but can you wait out here for a few minutes?”

“Yeah, of course. Is this the bathroom?” He points to the door next to my room.

“Yeah.”

“Take your time, beautiful.” He leans down and kisses the top of my head, then heads to the bathroom.

Quickly opening my door, I shut it behind me, and lean against it. My heart is going crazy. Why is he so sweet? This can’t be real.

He doesn’t care about those childish movies.

He’s going to go to practice and tell all the guys that Benji’s wimpy brother watches baby movies.

Father will find out about Shane.

No. No. No.

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