Thank you for your comments/feedback. I'm not sure where the idea came from, but I am not introducing someone else into the relationship. With that said, I hope you will enjoy this third installment.
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It had been a week since our first encounter. Both Leslie and I had been busy with school and a bit of avoidance as well. I wasn't sure if she would ever speak to me again. Every time we would see each other, she would look away or just mutter a strained hi. I couldn't manage any better.
Mom and dad noticed the strain in Leslie and my relationship. They asked us what was going on? did something happen? are you two going to keep acting like strangers? What could we say?
Our parents decided to go out of town for the upcoming holiday weekend. They said we should sit down and sort things out before they returned. In fact, no leaving the house until the matter is resolved. Mom said, "you never know what can happen, then, poof, you regret the last thing you remember about a person is the anger you felt."
The next few days seemed to drag on. It seemed Leslie still didn't want to have anything to do with me.
Friday came and our parents were prepared to leave. While waiting for the ride to the airport, they sat us down and gave us some ground rules for the weekend. I felt like I did when I was a child, but I knew what they were saying was out of love. Their ride came and we exchanged hugs and kisses.
As I was waving goodbye, Leslie slipped away to the isolation of her room. I heard her door shut when I turned to say something to her.
Damn, she's not going to even try. I went to the basement to shoot some pool and drink. After a couple of helpings of liquid courage, I slammed the cue on the table and started marching upstairs. As soon as I hit the landing at the top, Leslie rounded the corner. We bumped into each other and I quickly apologized.
She said, "no, it was my fault. I know I have been hard to be around, since, we..."
"I'm sorry if you felt bad about what happened."
Leslie - "That's just it, I don't feel bad. Confused, yes."
"What are you confused about?"
Leslie -- "I never thought about you in that way. I know you're handsome, my friends are always making comments about how much of good-looking man you've grown into. But, you're my younger brother. I shouldn't have let this get outta control."
"I do believe I started this with my perving on you. In my eyes, I not only see my sister, but a beautiful woman. In fact, you are the most beautiful person I know. Not just your looks, but everything about you. You are the sweetest, funniest, smartest and honest person I know. I love you. Not just that, I'm in love with you. I'm not sorry for the way I feel about you. I can understand if you never want us to make love again. I will respect any decision you make. I just don't want to lose you or have this wedge between us any longer."
Leslie -- "In my isolation the past couple of weeks, I have had a lot of time to think. I ran away from the door, because I didn't have the courage to talk with you just yet. You and I have always been close, closer than I was with Fred. You'll never lose me. I know it took a lot of courage to tell me that you love me. Thank you."
"You're welcome. I...