June First

by Jennifer Hartmann

A sister! Theo was right. She is a girl. Somehow, through all the confusion and sadness, amid the tears and uncertainty, a tendril of joy slithers its way into my heart.

“You ruined me the day you met me, Brant Elliott. I was born yours.”

“You’re not in love with her. You preyed on her. You groomed her.”

Brant told her he couldn’t wait to go. Then June said it might be a long time because she still has to grow up a lot more (aww). Brant said, “That’s okay, Junebug. I’ll wait forever.” My heart!

“You’ve always put June first.”

I’m not her brother. I’m not her boyfriend. To most, I’m nothing but a mistake.

I loved the boy, and I’m in love with the man.