Chapter 2 - Then — Naz

I shouldn't.

Cupido has been very clear, on more than one occasion and with more than one guy in that team, that his sister is off-limits. Now I know why.

She glows.

In a world that feels grey, she's a burst of colour, and she shines. Her smile makes a face that is already pretty gorgeous. Her skin is a warm brown that catches whatever light there is up here. Two neat braids hang over her shoulders.

I glance toward the stairs that lead back down into the house, but I already know I'm going to accept Chandré's invitation. I do recognise her question for what it is — an excuse for me to stay. Any other girl tried this, I'd run in the other direction. Even though I'm not the biggest star in the team, there's something about me that attracts girls now. It wasn't always this way. I was the quiet, nerdy one reading comics at the back of the bus until Grade 7. Then my body took over — started filling out and growing up, fast. It got me noticed in ways I'd never been noticed before. I'm still not completely used to this body or the attention it brings.

"Never mind." Chandré looks down at her hands resting on the long legs crossed beneath her on the blanket. "Sorry. I know you've got a game tomorrow."

Wordlessly, I take the spot beside her, laying the blazer between us.

She gives me a tentative smile and draws her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them.