Courtesy of Ted Strutz
I didn’t begrudge them their laughter. We each deserve all the joy this life has to offer. I didn’t resent his hand on the small of her back as we approached the gate. The day was glorious; an embrace was appropriate. But when he kissed her, my heart exploded. Blood spurted then curdled. Breath arrested mid inhale. I was suffocating. Suddenly, my thoughts spun out of control. How could this happen? Evelyn had never shown any interest in boys. She liked her books. It was me who liked games. What about me! What about me!
“What about me!” I blurted.
*****
Oh, did I say that out loud?
This week’s Friday Fictioneer photo prompt, courtesy of Ted Strutz, reminds me of all the times I had to take a sibling with me to the ballgame, to the carnival, to the movies. To all the big sisters (and brothers) out there, this one’s for you. They look up to us. They long for our approval. What they get is our hand-me-downs. So, if you have a little sister (or brother) give ’em a call and tell them how much you love them. Thanks for reading.
Honie Briggs 
As the youngest of 5 I’m so very lucky. My older siblings are amazing. 🙂
I used to hate when my little sisters tagged along. Now I embrace every moment I can get with them. Funny how that works.
Good story, Honie. I felt sorry for my son. He tried to look out for his younger sister and she started to think he was bossing her and resented it. I told her when she got older that he was very sensitive. I think she understands now. Sibling rivalry is a common problem. Well done. 🙂 — Suzanne
well written Honie. you captured the sibling rivalry nicely and the injustice the youngest child feels even more so.
I am the eldest of three sisters… I fear my sisters might feel for your little sister… there were years of jealousy (especially with the middle one!)
We are all great and close friends now, though!
I had an aunt who was only 5 years older than me. I felt this way around her, all the time. She seemed so grown up and I wanted to be like her. She died of Huntington’s at 49. I regret many things, but not that I ended up differently. Very moving story, Honie. And I echo Carrie’s advice… back to the books! Glad you took a break and gave us something wonderful to read. xox
PS) LOVE the header photo of mums… just gorgeous!
There is only one thing that is worse than jealousy, and that is showing it… Dreadfully humiliating.
I had moments like that with my very beautiful big sister who never lacked for a boyfriend. She was a tough one to measure up to. Here’s my shout out to Jan – a great big sister, gone too soon. I’ll call my younger sister tonight so we can reminisce….
Big sisters, who needs ’em! Turns out we all do. That is what my friend, Donna, was to me. She, too, gone too soon. You know, I’m gonna chat a bit here (if that’s okay) and say that I think parents can have an impact on how we get along (or don’t) with our siblings. Playing favorites, making comparisons, or just plain not teaching kids to appreciate each other – these are all things that have a HUGE influence on how relationships between sisters and brothers develop (or don’t) into adulthood. Just sayin’.
At first, I thought Sister was stealing her boyfriend. Then I realized little sister was a tag-along who would have loved to have some lip-action herself. Surely, there’s another teen heartthrob hanging around the carnival we can hook her up with.
Reginald perhaps. No, on second thought I wouldn’t want that mustache twirler for lil’ sis. She’d be better off just to drown her sorrows in a tub of rocky road and call it a day.
Oh the jealousy comes through loud and clear. I don’t have siblings, but I had enough opportunities to watch my childhood friends’ battles for dominance. Great writing.
Thanks. Yeah, the rivalry thing is a common experience.
I can so imagine that happening. Really well depicted.
Good. That’s what I was going for. Thank you.
Dear StepHonie,
The only thing I was unsure of was which sibling this was, the older or younger. However, I think it could’ve been either. I know my brother was sure his life was ruined at the tender age of 6 when I made my debut. From then on I was Daddy’s little JAP. And I did look to Jeff for approval. It took some 40 years but we are good friends now.
Good story, full of emotion and the feelings that only a sibling can feel.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Dearest JAP,
I suppose the title should have been “The Tag-Along.” 🙂
Yours Truly,
The Anomaly
Duh. Now I see the title. I will try to be more observant next time.
Actually, I confused myself about halfway through. This story could have turned into a much longer one. You know, the Jerry Springer kind with hair pulling and name calling and the outrageous confession of a love child. 🙂
Jealousy is an animal instinct.
Good piece.
Yes, a vicious one for sure, especially among siblings.
Oh I felt for her! Nicely done.
Me too, after I took the time to think about what it must be like to be a little sister.
I do have a little sister and we were best buddies growing up, but we had tears, too. I loved your story. Nicely told and written. I feel like I crept into her mind. Poor thing!
Tears, stolen sweaters, stolen boyfriends. It’s the sweaters that we remember, though. HA! I have two little sisters and two little brothers. We had lots of sweet moments and lots of screaming matches.
Well played! Ah, sweet sibling rivalry.
Sweet. Exactly. It’s what gives us the advantage in adulthood.
While I was reading it I thought that maybe her sister was with a boy that she loved. Great ending – somewhat chilling.
I’m glad that came across because that’s what I meant to convey.
Oh, the memories of hurt and rejection, longing and desire of first crushes. Nicely done.
It’s a pain that we never forget, but luckily it stings less with age. Thanks for commenting.
Love where you took this, Honie
Thanks, Other Helen. How’s the weather? Is it almost springtime?
Great job 🙂
🙂 Thanks, Helen.
I’m an only but I still appreciate this. 🙂
Well, anyone who has had a crush knows just how crushing it can be. 🙂 Shhh. don’t tell Carrie I responded to your comment; I’m supposed to be studying.
Love where you took this one, Honie! Now get back to studying. 😉
Yes, ma’am. I was feeling overwhelmed until I got the first tests of the semester behind me. Now it’s time to work ahead a little. So, yes, you called it. It’s time to hit the books.
Terrific read.
Thanks, Sheri. It is nice of you to stop by.