Free Forever by Darlene Jacobs

FOREVER: A Stepbrother Romance
    “ A kiss that is never tasted is forever and ever wasted.”
    Billie Holiday

    O ur parents insisted we go with them on their second honeymoon to the Maldives Islands. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to slip away with Jake, without any questions asked.

    A t first , everything was wonderful. What’s not to like about an ocean villa, powered white sands, fresh seafood and hidden fondling in public?

    U nfortunately , not everything went as planned. Sure, we had a great time playing footsie under the table. Jake gave my foot easy access when he loosened his pants drawstring, allowing me to slip my toes under the elastic of his briefs. His member squirmed and danced like air being let out of a balloon; only the opposite.

    L ater , when our parents wanted time alone in the villa, Jake, and I slipped away and wrapped ourselves around each other in a cabana. We watched the waves lap the sand as the sun go down.

    S ounds romantic , doesn’t it? Well, unfortunately, things didn’t end well. Jake picked a fight with me. He was feeling uncertain about his life’s choices and blamed me. At least, that is how I saw it.

    A fter a big blow-up , we avoided each other the rest of the trip. I even asked to sit next to my mom, and for his dad, Ben, to switch places with me on the flight home.

    M y mom and I had an intense conversation; an honest and real back and forth that I’ve been starving for with her. If I had that type of relationship with my mom from the get-go, I would never have tried to kill myself.

    I can’t believe I uttered those words out loud. Kill myself.

    T hough it has only been a few months, it seemed a lifetime ago.

    J ake saved me from myself that time, yet I’d like to throw him in the ocean for what he’s done since.

    O n the flight back , Jake corners me and says he wants a real relationship; one that means telling his father. Yes, that’s right; Jake told his dad about us.

    I was so shocked I didn’t know what to do or say.

    B ecause Jake outed us , I feel so awkward around my stepdad Ben, now. He hasn’t said anything to my mom, and I avoid him like the plague. But whenever our paths cross, he gives me a look that makes me feel guilty. Perhaps he doesn’t mean to. But that’s the way I feel.

    I ’m sure Ben sees himself in a difficult spot now, too. He hasn’t been married to my mom very long, and now he’s faced with this. My mom and I have been cool lately, but after this revelation, everything that we’ve built would be blown to hell.

    B ut secrets like this aren’t any good. Mom has to be told and told soon. But I have to wait after my high school graduation.

    A lthough I’m several months past 18 and have completed my credits early, I still have to formalize it with a walk across the stage, with my cap and gown.

    M y mom even pressed my red gown, which looks like a gospel choirs robe to me. She can’t stand to see wrinkles or creases in anything. Me, I could care less.

    T here is a knock on the door. It’s my mom. “Come in,” I say.

    M y mom enters and lays my gown on top of my bed. She uses her hands to smooth it out before she gives me a long hug. And I’m talking a LONG hug. The hug is so long, I wonder if someone has died.

    “ A re you okay , mom?”

    S he wipes away a tear , “I’m allowed to get a little choked up when my only baby graduates.”

    “ I t’s okay mom , it’s just a ceremony,” I assure her.

    “ I t’s not JUST a ceremony , Sidney. It means so much more than switching your tassel from one side to the other.”

    S he takes a seat at my desk. “I know you’ve been troubled, Sidney—“

    “ M om …”

    “ L et me finish . I know that we have a lot to be grateful for, Sidney. The fact that you are here, standing in front of me, alive, well, happy— I can’t tell you the joy it brings me. And when you are ready to tell me who your boyfriend is, I’ll be even more ecstatic.”

    “ I