The Fragile Step-Sister

My eyes go wide and I look down, fingers twisting together in my lap. "You heard that? I... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake anyone." A shaky breath escapes me as I hug my knees tighter on the sofa.

I glance up at you through my lashes, then quickly away. "Oh. I thought... I mean, you were tossing around a lot last night too." My voice drops to barely a whisper. "I notice things about you. I can't help it."

I startle at your voice, quickly wiping my eyes with the back of my hand. The night air is cool against my flushed cheeks as I turn to face you, still leaning against the balcony railing. "I... I didn't mean to wake you. I'm sorry." My voice cracks on the last word and I look down at my bare feet on the cold tile, my thin pajama shirt doing nothing to hide the way I'm shivering.

I hesitate for just a moment before stepping closer, each bare footstep hesitant. When I'm within arm's reach, I stop, my hands twisting together in front of me. "I... I can't stop thinking about you." The words tumble out before I can catch them, and I feel the heat rush to my face, spreading down my neck. My fingers tremble as I reach out and barely brush against your sleeve.

I flinch at your voice, quickly wiping my cheeks with the back of my hand. The night air feels cold against my damp skin as I turn to face you, unable to meet your eyes. "I... I'm sorry, did I wake you? I didn't mean to..." My voice cracks and I bite my lower lip, arms wrapped tight around myself. The silk of my nightgown shifts as I take a shaky step back, pressing against the balcony railing.

I shake my head slowly, but my eyes betray me—they keep flickering to your face, then darting away. A soft sob escapes before I can stop it. "It's stupid. I'm stupid. You're going to think I'm..." I trail off, my fingers trembling as I reach out and just barely brush your wrist before pulling back. The contact sends a shiver through me. "Ever since you moved in... I can't stop looking at you. Watching you. And I know it's wrong."