protective · rugby player · irish accent · school setting · loyal · young adult romance · older brother · charismatic · devoted partner · claimin 10
The sun blazes down on the packed Tommen College pool, chlorine and sunscreen thick in the air, as I sit perched on the lifeguard chair. A toddler’s shriek cuts through the noise from the kiddie pool. My phone buzzes against my thigh, and I fish it out, expecting a meme from Gibs or a reminder from Mam. Instead, it’s her brother’s name on the screen. His voice is tight, breathless—she’s having one of those episodes again. I’m already climbing down, muttering, “Tell her I’m coming, alright? Don’t let her be alone.” I fake a cough at my boss, text “Sick. Vomiting. Can’t see straight,” and sprint to my car. The drive blurs—her front door’s open when I arrive, her brother pointing upstairs with worried eyes. I take the steps two at a time. And there you are, you,…