Untangle Me.

“So is there a reason why you’re calling me”, that deep voice said from the other line. “It isn’t a holiday or my birthday, which I consider the biggest holiday yet”, he said and Danielle could picture that big smirk on his. “So tell me what’s wrong, Danny?”

“I can’t just call my brother out of the blue?” Danielle asked with a laugh as she leaned back on the bed.

“You never do”, he said with a laugh. “But I’ll take the bait, how have you been Daniel?”

Danielle let out another laugh as she crossed her leg across her other leg. “I’ve been better, how have you been Lola?”

“I’m still alive”, he said with a laugh. “How’s the familia? Helena called the other night telling me about how unfair Mom and Dad were, how old is she again?”

“Too old!”

“I was hoping that kid was going to be more like you but turns out she’s a lot like both of us”, he said with a laugh. “Sucks to be Mom and Dad”, he said as Danielle let out a laugh.

“My thoughts exactly.”

“So when are you going to tell me the real reason for this call?”

Danielle took a deep breath as she closed her eyes and all she saw was his face. “I really fucked up.”

Danielle heard silence from the other line and then a deep breath made an appearance. “Dear god almighty, please don’t tell me you’re pregnant!”

“What?!” Danielle yelled before letting out a laugh. “Oh fuck no, ew.”

“Of fuck, don’t scare me like that Danny”, he said with a short laugh. “My poor heart can’t deal with shit like that plus I didn’t feel like going to jail for life after killing the asshole that knocked up my little sister.”

“Well no need to get that ticket ordered, there’s no bun in the oven.”

“Never heard such glorious words in my life”, he said as Danielle let out a laugh. “But what’s going on, Danielle?”

“There are these two guys.”

“So first off you called me for boy advice?” he asked as Danielle whispered a yes. “And you have two boys that you’re into.” Once again Danielle whispered a low yes. “Okay just
checking, proceed.”

“One guy is perfect. He’s the best friend type that is really reliable and I know I could be happy with him. He always had a thing for me but I was just too blind to see it”, she said as her eyes stayed closed. “And then there’s the guy I’ve always had a crush on. Whenever I’m with him I get this gay feeling in my stomach. I constantly have a smile on my face. We’re constantly laughing and I don’t know, our chemistry is just there he’s just dangerous.”

“How did I know this day was going to come”, Danielle heard her brother say completely throwing her off. “Listen kid, I would love for you to be with this reliable boy that will treat you right but it won’t last. Garrett is a push over and you’re not the girl to break it. He’s been in love with you for so long that he will never grow as a man because he’s so in love since he was young that he’s still stuck there. Once you guys are together the both of you will realize that this isn’t what you want, that fairytale romance he thought this was when you were younger will become reality and reality is boring”, he said surprising Danielle even more.

“Best friends don’t always make the best boyfriends.”

“How did-“

“Shush child, I’m not done here”, he said as Danielle let out another laugh. “I’ve always known that you had a thing for John and I absolutely hated it since he was always a friend of mine. He used to always tell me that my sister was hot and all this shit and that would piss me off so much. When you guys became friends and I saw that spark between the two of you I made him promise me that he would never fall for you”, he said surprising Danielle even more. “He called a couple of weeks ago and told me that he broke his promise. You and John have chemistry and that’s something that can’t develop over time. I know Garrett might seem like the better choice but who will always keep you on your toes, he might be dangerous but dangerous means taking a chance. Taking a chance always makes the best stories.”

Danielle was stunned as she heard the words coming from her brothers lips. She couldn’t believe it at all, it was all too much to handle. Danielle let out a laugh as she shook her head with a wide smile.

“When did you become so Oprah like?”

“I’ve always been full of wisdom”, he said with a laugh. “Nobody ever gave me the chance to show off my skills.”

“So you’re telling me to be with John?” Danielle asked with a laugh shocked to hear those words come out of his mouth. “The same guy that you warned me to stay away from?”

“People change for love”, he said with and Danielle could almost see the smirk on the other line. “But then again I’m just a Jarhead with no idea what I’m talking about.”

Danielle just let out a laugh at the seriousness coming from the other end. She nodded her head with a grin as she stared down at her multi-colored nails.

“Go talk to Garrett”, he said in all seriousness. “If he really loves you then he will tell you who you should be with.”

Danielle nodded her head as she looked over at her blinking clock. “Okay”, she said closing her eyes that was the last thing she wanted to do.

“And Danny?”

She stayed quiet on the other line with her eyes closed waiting for what her brother had to say. “I love you baby sister.”

And there was that smile spread across Danielle’s full lips as her eyes jolted open. “I love you too big brother.”

When she heard a click on the other line she placed the phone on the side of her before laying there trying to get her mind around the conversation she just had. This was all too much to take in, this was a whole lot of information that she didn’t know how to take. When she got up from her bed and got dressed she was out of there on a way to Garrett’s house. Danielle’s heart was beating out of her chest every minute that passed on the clock.

“Fuck me.”

She finally reached for the handle and opened the door of her car. She felt the warm sun hitting her skin but she couldn’t help but to feel even more nervous than she did in the car.

“I can, do this”, she repeated as she made her way to the door. “I can’t do this”, she said turning around and making her way to the car.

“Gare!”

Garrett looked up from her bowl of cereal that he had been starring at for the past hour. He looked up to see his older brother sitting on the couch.

“What?”

“Come here.”

“Blow me, Trey.”

“That’s some creepy incest shit, I didn’t know you were into that Gary.”

“Shut the fuck up Trey”, he said with an annoyed tone of voice before taking in another spoon full of food.

“Get your ass over here!”

Finally Garrett got up from his seat before stomping his way to his older brother with closed fists ready to smack him one.

“What the fuck do you want?”

That’s when Garrett turned his direction away from his brother to see Danielle outside the window walking back and forth, pacing around the front of their yard. Garrett watched as she made her way closer and then turned back around, yelling words out in the air. Garrett looked over at his brother watching her with such confusion.

“Is she on drugs?”

Garrett didn’t respond but instead ran to the door making his way out to the girl with no shoes and so many thoughts in his head. He watched as her back was to him as she was making her way back to the car. Garrett couldn’t say her name but just waited till she turned back around and when she did the both of them stared at each other with such fear in their eyes.

“What are you doing?”

“I needed to talk to you”, she said as her heart was beating out of her chest at the sight of his blue eyes. “I just got lost on the way to the door.”

“It’s really tricky”, he said as his hands were pushed into his basketball short. “You know walking up the hill and all”, he said stumbling over his words as he jumped from his heels to his toes with such nervousness.

“Please stop being, Garrett like.”

“Sorry”, he said unsure of what she meant. “I mean I don’t know how to not be me.”

Danielle rolled her eyes before walking closer to the boy, staring down at her boots. Her heart was beating out of her chest. She needed Garrett to be truthful; she needed to hear from her best friend who she belonged to. It was just hard for her to say in words.

“Gary, I need you to do something for me.”

He watched as her hands were being grasped into his. He stared down at her multicolored nail polish that he always loved. He looked up into her brown eyes that looked like they were on the verge of tears. He couldn’t bare to hear or see her cry again.

“Anything.”

“Could you be my best friend?” she asked throwing Garrett off track. “Don’t be Garrett that’s in love with me but be Gary, my best friend”, she said choking back tears.

Garrett nodded his head as he let go of her hands. He knew what was coming and he knew his heart was going to continue to be broken in half. He could feel it tearing apart at the sound of her voice.

“Who should I be with?”

Garrett threw his head back confused as to what she meant. He rolled his eyes before letting out a loud sigh of annoyance.

“I’m not going to play this game, Danielle.”

“Gary, please”, she said as tears began. “I need you to be my friend, my best friend and tell me who I should be with.”

He couldn’t look at her, this was all just a game to her and it was killing him. He was angry at what she was asking him to do. All he wanted to do was tell her that she needed to pick him that he was the best person for her but then he’d be lying. He pushed aside the fact that maybe, just maybe John was the better man for her. He let his undying love get in the way of being her best friend.

Danielle watched as the tears built up in his eyes. She watched as he closed his eyes and shook his head. When her brown eyes were met with his blue eyes her heart broke at the sight of her best friend breaking down in front of her.

“Danielle, I love you”, he said grabbing her hands into his. “I always have and always will”, he said sniffing back the tears. “But you always wanted him, it was always him.”

Danielle was taken back as the anger was rising in Garrett’s body. The veins popping from his neck as he choked back the tears. She could see his knuckles turning white as he coughed out another tear.

“Be with him Danielle”, he said through tears. “It was never me. You never wanted me; you just wanted the idea of me. I’ll never be the one you want and I never will.”

That’s when Garrett found the strength to let go. He looked into her brown eyes that were filled with tears. He gave her a smile before pressing his lips against her forehead. He knew this was the way it was supposed to be. This wasn’t his story, this had always been the story of John and Danielle, Garrett was just that obstacle they had to overcome. He knew that know. He knew that he was never going to be more than just the friend. It was going to take time to mend his broken heart; he knew he was never going to find love like the love he found in Danielle. He grabbed his best friend in his arms as he felt the tears falling on his hot skin.

“I love you Danielle”, he said against her ear. “And I know you love me, just not the way you love John”, he said as Danielle’s whole body went numb. “Go be happy.”

He pulled away from her as he reached over to wipe away the tears, he watched as she leaned over trying to capture his lips into a kiss. He couldn’t do it, she didn’t want it she just did it for his case. So like a gentleman Garrett was he turned his face as her soft lips were pressed against his cheek. He gave her one last smile before walking towards his house, his body falling apart but he didn’t dare to let her see it. Once he was behind his locked door of his room, he let his body and heart fall apart. He knew this was for the best, but he couldn’t help but to think when he was going to get the girl?

“John, wanna play Xbox?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

John turned away from the ball that he was throwing up in the air to his little brother standing there with an annoyed look on his face. John just rolled his eyes before throwing the ball back in the air.

“I just don’t want to”, he said annoyed. “Get out.”

“Asshole.”

John turned to his brother before throwing the ball full force to his face. He heard the door close shut and all John wanted to was drink. All he wanted to do was get out of this state, he was glad in a few weeks he was off and he was going to finally be able to rest. He was finally going to be able to sleep and not think about a certain girl that broke him more than anyone has in his life.

“Asshole!”

That’s when he felt the pain from the ball being throwing straight to his face. He turned to see his brother sticking out his tongue before slamming the door shut. John wanted to so desperately stand up and beat the shit out of his little brother, but he stand in bed. When he heard the door open again he turned and chucked the ball at the intruder of his room.

“Get the fuck out!”

“Owe”, he heard that soft voice say as John jumped out of bed. “I’ll just go.”

John jumped out of bed as his face turned a deep red. “I’m so sorry”, he said as his legs hung over his bed. “I thought you were Shane.”

“Oh”, she said turning to look at John, the first thing she noticed was his blood shot eyes and dark eyes. “Should i?”

“No, no”, he said standing up not really getting what the fuck was going on. “What are you doing here?”

Danielle looked over at John as he stood up from his bed, his body hovering over her small frame. Her brown eyes were staring up and into his green eyes.

“You’ve been crying”, he said looking into her eyes. “What’s wrong?”

That’s when the tears fell from her eyes and she looked up at John. “I fucked up.”

“What do you mean?”

“Between you and Garrett”, she said through tears. “With you.”

“Danielle-“

“Just listen”, she said desperately. “I’ve always had a crush on you since the first day I fucking met you. I loved your eyes and your hair and the way you were always the life of the party. I loved the way you could make me laugh at the stupidest of things and I loved how talented you were, I fucking love you John.”

“Dan-“

“You never fucking noticed me. I tried so hard to get noticed by you but you were always off with those slutty girls that were gorgeous and I was just Danny, that’s all I was to you”, she said afraid to look up at him. “So I changed myself. I changed my clothes, I changed my hair, I changed my prude attitude to get you to notice me and when you did I was so excited.”

“Danielle, you didn’t have to do that for me.”

“I did”, she said finally getting the guts to look up at John. “You are worth it, you are everything I want. You’re all I want and I thought that Garrett was the guy for me because he was the sweet one but little did I know John the asshole was the guy that I need.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Yes you are”, she said through tears as she grabbed his hands into hers. “You’re perfect for me, I love you John.”

“Please, stop”, he said tearing away his hands from the crying girl out in front of him. “I’m not who you need or who you think I am.”

“Yes you are”, she said with a laugh. “You’re sweet, kind and know me better than I ever thought.”

“Garrett knows you better.”

“Best friends don’t always make the best boyfriends”, she said quoting her brother.

“Either do assholes like me”, he said staring into her brown eyes hoping that she got the hint, because this was killing him. “I only tried to get in your pants, you were fucking hot. And when I did I was okay with it and then you got with Garrett and I found it like a competition. This was just another game I needed to win.”

“Stop.”

“I’m telling you the truth, Danielle.”

“You love me.”

“No, I don’t”, he said completely lying as tears fell from his face. “I love sex.”

“Stop lying.”

“I’m telling the truth”, he said with a laugh. “I don’t fucking love you Danielle, I don’t love anyone.”

“You told me”, she said choking on her tears as she looked up at him, wondering if this was how Garrett felt. “You told me that night, you said you loved me. I heard you say it.”

“I didn’t.”

“You did!” she yelled frustrated by him. “Just fucking admit it!”

“Honey, I didn’t”, he said completely lying as the tears stopped and he was back to his old self. “Are you sure it wasn’t just to get you to have sex with you?”

Danielle looked up at John, the image of him blurred out by the tears. This wasn’t John, this wasn’t the guy she fell in love with even more. This was him, so she did what she had to do. She needed the self-respect that she once didn’t have. Her insecurities were gone once again as she stared up at the boy that was too proud to say he was in love. She left leaving John alone in his room, his eyes filled with tears. He knew this was what he had to do. Garrett deserved her, he didn’t. John wanted the guy for her; he was just a fuck up that was going to destroy something perfect like her. If this was what he had to do then why did it feel like complete shit? Why did it feel wrong?

Get up and get her, asshole.

Danielle was a mess, she wanted to punch John. She was a complete idiot to think that maybe, just maybe that prick was mature enough to say what’s on his mind. That just maybe, John had loved her like she had thought. The anger in Danielle was overpowering the sadness, there were no tears but just white knuckles that she wanted to put in John’s mouth.

“Danielle!”

Danielle didn’t hear the yells that were being called from across the street as she started her engine.

“Danielle, wait!”

Once again she didn’t hear anything but just continued on as she took the parking brake off. She placed her foot on the pedal, in hopes that she could just speed herself home. Just as she was about to turn the street she had to push down on her brakes as a figure run out in front of her. She opened her eyes opening she didn’t hit whoever it was but when she was John standing out in front of her, she just wanted to run him over. She turned down the radio as she stared off at John with such anger.

“Talk to me.”

That’s when Danielle pushed down on the gas going towards John. She watched as John
backed up in fear. She did it again causing John to yell out at her.

“Fucking stop!”

She did it once more before looking out at him. Her ran to the side of her car before jumping into the passenger seat. Danielle didn’t look at him but instead speed off letting John fly off to the side.

“Dammit Danny.”

She didn’t say anything in return; the anger was taking over as her speed through the residential area.

“You’re going to get a fucking ticket, slow down.”

Danielle didn’t say anything as she flew through the streets. When she hit the first speed bump she smiled at the sound of John’s head hitting the top of her car.

“Fucking crazy, pull the fuck over.”

In response Danielle just simply picked up her hand and threw the middle finger in his face as she continued on with the speed bumps not caring about her car at this point.

“You’re going to fuck up your car, Danny stop!”

She didn’t listen once more before flying over the speed bump causing John to jump out and over. John stared over at the hood and watched as the steam came out from the hood. His eyes turning and seeing the meter going higher and higher, he couldn’t help but to get nervous as he held on to the handle.

“Pull the fuck over Danielle.”

“Fuck you John.”

The car was stopping on his own as the steering wheel locked. Danielle pulled over as much as she could before the car completely stopped and the steam from the car was overpowering the air around them. She jumped out of the car as John followed suite yelling at the top of his lungs.

“Are you fucking crazy?!”

“Fuck you, John.”

“Real mature, Danny”, he said with a roll of his eyes as he turned to the steaming up car. “Call a fucking tow truck.”

“Fuck you.”

John watched as she turned and started to walk up the road. All John could do was run his fingers through his hair as he followed the girl he loved, chasing after her. He knew this is what she needed, him to chase after her for once.

“God dammit Danny, could you fucking talk to me.”

“What the fuck do you want to talk about?” she asked as she continued walking.

“Just stop walking!” he yelled frustrated. “Fucking talking to me, god dammit!”

That’s when Danielle turned around with such anger in her face as she walked towards a very scared John. John backed up as she walked towards him faster with her hands shut tight.

“What the fuck do you want to talk about John?” she asked as she got up close to him. “How much of an asshole you are!” she yelled as she punched him in his arm. “How much of an idiot you are?” and another punch. “How much I fucking hate you right now.”

With every sentence she had to say another heavy punch to his arm was followed. John took every punch as he held on to his arm in pain. Finally he reached out and stopped her hand.
“I fucking get it!” he yelled. “Stop hitting me.”

“No, fuck you John!”

And once again her fist came in contact with his body as the two fought. John held on to her body as she continued on with the yelling and the hitting. The both of them not noticing the people walking by and staring at the two.

“Fucking calm down!”

“No!” she yelled as he pushed he back. “I fucking can’t stand you!”

“Can I just fucking talk to you?” he asked as she pushed him back with such anger.

“About how I was just a useless fuck, how you don’t fucking love me but you sure love to fuck me!”

“Danny stop!”

“Why should I, you fucking asshole!”

That’s when John took it upon himself to grab the girl and place his lips into hers in hopes that would shut her up like in many movies he had scene but instead he just felt a pinch on his bottom lip as her teeth pierced his lip.

“What the fuck?!” he yelled in pain as he check to see if there was blood. “You fucking bite
me!”

“Stop being a pussy.”

“Danielle”, he sighed noticing the suddenly calming in her. “I’m sorry.”

“For kissing me?”

“No”, he said getting closer. “For everything, I’m a fucking idiot.”

“Yeah, you really are.”

“I’m really bad at this so please bear with me”, she heard him say as he placed his hands in his pocket. “I need you Danielle; I need you to be with me. I’m not who you deserve but I want to be that person. I wanted to be that person you could trust and fuck, I’m not Garrett.”

“I don’t want you to be Garrett.”

“You need someone like him.”

“Why?”

“Because he’s a good guy”, John said confused. “Please don’t make this harder, I want to be with you Danielle. I didn’t need for you to change, I just need you. Danielle Bailey that dork of a girl I met when I was 17.”

John made his way closer to her as she stayed quiet letting him talk. “This whole thing was too much for me. This whole situation was too much of a drama filled cliché movie and I feel like this should be that fairytale ending, where the guy confesses everything but I’m not like that”, John said honestly as he grabbed her hands in mine. “I just want you to know that I want you, all of you. I don’t want you with anyone else but me.”

“And?”

“And please just tell me that’s what you want too.”

Danielle couldn’t help but to smile at John’s speech. She looked into his green eyes feeling her heat beat out of her chest. “I love you John.”

“I love you more than they do.”

Danielle couldn’t help but to laugh along with John. “Did you just quote your own song?”

“Yeah”, he said with a laugh before grabbing the girl into his arms. “I love you, Danielle Bailey.”

Danielle gave him a smile before their lips were pressed against each other in the most innocent kiss they have ever shared. A kiss that didn’t lead into them having sex, a kiss just to say they loved each other. When they pulled away from each other John felt another sharp pain in his arm as Danielle punched him again.

“Hey”, he said with a laugh. “What the fuck was that for?”

“You broke my car.”

John let out a laugh before pressing his lips against her smiling ones. He knew this was right; this was exactly where he needed to be.

“Let’s call a tow truck, crazy ass.”