I built up the courage to invite Emily over to the (my) house after school.

She was very hesitant at first, but eventually agreed to come (especially when I told her my brother is currently single).

My mom greets us and shakes hands with Emily, saying my dad is out with some people he met in town.

Emily immediately races up the stairs and knocks on my brother's door.

He answers with a grunt, and his eyes get really wide when he sees Emily in front of him.

Emily tosses me a wink and shoves Jake inside, closing the door behind them.

She comes out five minutes later, tossing him a kiss.

She grabs me by the hand and says; "Boy, he sure knows how to kiss! Come on! I saw a big tree outside and I wanna have some fun"!

"Wait. You've kissed boys before"?

"Yes! Well, it was a dare, behind a dumpster, so not such a great time for a first."

"Huh," is all I say.

"Haven't you ever kissed anyone"?

"No".

"WHAT!? We need to get you a boyfriend"!

"I'll admit; I've always wanted one. But every guy at school hates me".

"No, they don't hate you, they just need to get used to you".

"Well, we'll see".

"Great!" she squeals and falls down the stairs.

"OHMYGOD ARE YOU ALRIGHT!?" I scream.

She gives me a lopsided thumbs up from where she's sprawled at the bottom of the landing.

I race down the stairs two at a time and help her up.

She leads me outside to the tree.

And she dares me to climb it, saying; "I dare you to climb that tree, and fall down and break every bone in your body".

So I did.

And fell out of the tree two branches up.