The First One To Fall

"All of my life I've been surrounded by people that I want so desperately to love. I've always given my heart to them. But because of my foolishness it turned out like this..."

Brady cowers with his hands over his face as his father looms over him. His father's face is contorted with anger and he looks as though he is ready to strike Brady again at any moment. Brady's mother and two brothers stand silently behind his father.

"I've become nothing to them now. It's hard to put your trust in people. Trusting them with something as fragile as a heart..."

Brady flashes back to a few hours prior, at school. He sits in an empty classroom with another boy. The other boy leans in and kisses Brady. The door to the classroom opens and their teacher spots them. She becomes angry. The other boy pushes Brady away frantically and points at him accusingly.

"It all just ends in suffering. There's nobody I can turn to now."

Three years later

Brady walks down the stairs of his grandfather's house. He sees him passed out at the kitchen table surrounded by a collection of beer bottles. Brady quietly walks out the door.

"I refuse to be a burden to those around me again. So... maybe if I keep it all in and shove down my pain I can get by without destroying anything else."

He hears his name being called. He glances ahead and sees Mi-Cha (Mimi) and Doyun (Yun) Shim waiting for him.

"Yeah. If I just smile...everything will work out."

Brady smiles gently and waves. Mimi excitedly waves back.

"If people knew the pain behind this fake smile, I wonder if they'd care? I doubt it though. I'm nothing after all. Hiding it away is what's best."

Doyun smiles down at Brady and ruffles his chestnut brown hair. Brady looks up at him and smiles gently. His freckled cheeks are tinged with the slightest bit of pink.

"It's fine. Everything will be fine if I just smile. I'll be fine."

The three friends are walking to school. It is the first day back from summer break and it is a hot and muggy August day. Mimi whines loudly.

"I can't believe summer break is over already! Ugh! I'm not ready to go back."

Yun, rolling his eyes, sighs with annoyance. "Well, at least this year we are Juniors."

"And? How is that supposed to make me feel any better?" she replies with a furrowed brow.

"It means we are upper classman! That makes us a little cooler, right?"

"Tsch, speak for yourself! I've always been cool!"

"Hah, yeah. Sure...keep tellin' yourself that."

Mimi looks at him irritably. She snaps her head over to Brady who stiffens.

"Brady!" She says with a serious tone, "Who do think is cooler-- me or this dork?"

Brady nervously chuckles and raises his hands in surrender.

"I-I think you're both cool! Honestly!"

Mimi looks at him for a moment and then sighs heavily. "You're never any help in these situations...I should've known that."

"S-sorry...."

"Huh? I'm not mad silly! You don't have to sound so glum!"

He looks at her. She smiles widely. Her pretty features are illuminated by the sun beaming down. Brady sighs in relief. Yun looks at him with a serious expression.

"Man, Brady, how can you stand to wear that? It's so hot out."

Brady looks down at his long sleeve shirt and shrugs and smiles.

"O-oh? I don't feel hot at all though. I'm usually cold, you know that."

Mimi shakes her head in disbelief and points to him. "Are you nuts? It's like 90 out here...it's AUGUST! There's absolutely no way you could be cold in this weather you psycho."

Brady chuckles. "W-well I have shorts on...that counts for something right?"

"You are really ridiculous sometimes, you know that right?"

Yun snorts. "Yeah, because you're not at all? You're the most ridiculous out of all of us."

"Say that to my face!"

"Are you dumb? I just did!"

"G-guys, stop fighting."

They continue to walk and reach the down town area. As they walk by the café they pass a group of girls from school who are talking and laughing. They see Yun and they all start giggling more and blushing. He looks at them and flashes his handsome smile. One of the girls, a tall brunette puts her hand up and nervously smiles.

"H-hey Yun!"

Yun smiles back brightly and responds. "Hey, Sierra! What's up?"

"N-not much, just getting some coffee before school."

"Yeah? I hope it's good. See ya at school then?"

"Y-yeah...see you then..."

She turns to her group of friends and squeals. They all join her. Mimi rolls her eyes.

"Oh my gosh!" Sierra squeals "H-he...he talked to me! Eye Candy Shim talked to me!"

Mimi looks at her brother with annoyance. He smiles smugly at her. She pushes on his back and lunges him forward.

"C'mon lover boy...we don't have time for you to flirt."

Yun looks at her indignantly. "I wasn't flirting...all I did was talk to her!"

"Yyyeah no. You were totally flirting. Let's get a move on or we will be late."

They eventually reach the school. They are standing at their lockers putting their things away. Yun is leaning up against his locker talking and laughing with Brady. Suddenly, Brady is pushed backwards and a mass of curly blonde hair flies in his face.

"YUN!! I missed you! Did you miss me??"

Mimi shouts angrily. "Are you for real?!"

Brady looks up and sees Mara Romanyk, a slender girl with sharp green eyes and long, curly blonde hair. She is medium height and slender. She is one of his bullies and is deeply infatuated with Yun. She is holding onto Yun's arm and flirtatiously laughing. However, he is looking around her to find Brady.

"Hey! You ok?"

Brady slowly starts to get up. "Y-yeah, I'm fine."

Mara looks at Brady with disgust. She flips her long blonde hair and talks over her shoulder. "Oh, sorry, I didn't see you there. Yun...did you miss me?"

Yun looks at her and chuckles nervously. "Uh...s-sure, Mara."

"So how about after school you and I-"

She is interrupted by a voice calling out for Yun. They glance over to see a tall, pretty, blonde girl who is waving at him to come over. He smiles broadly and jogs ahead waving. Mara looks shocked as he leaves her in the dust. Mimi rolls her eyes and sighs irritably. Brady watches Yun walk off with the girl.

"Who is that?"

"My least favorite person in the world." She says with great disdain.

Brady looks over to Mimi. She has a look of disgust on her face.

"Crystal."

Brady chuckles. "Oh? I take it that you aren't a big fan of Crystal?"

"Ugh! No way. She was at our house all summer with her stupid fake laugh and her stupid fake smile. She has him wrapped around her finger! Even mom doesn't like her--and my mom likes everyone!"

Brady feels a pang of sadness. He looks to where Yun left.

"Wow...really? A-are they dating?"

"I guess. I couldn't tell you why though."

Brady, off handedly, says, "Really? She looks his type though."

Mimi flips her head to Brady and gives him a look. Mara also looks at Brady with disgust. He chuckles nervously.

"W-what? She does. Blonde hair, tanned skin, pretty face, pretty smile....that's every single girl he's dated. So why wouldn't she be his type?"

"But--" Mara exclaims indignantly "those are all things to describe me too! He should be dating me!"

Mimi looks at her blankly. "Yeah. That's not ever gonna happen. Let's go Brady. Before I get a headache from listening to this."

The two head off leaving Mara to sulk.

After school Brady and Mimi are walking home together. Brady looks around.

"Where's Yun?"

"Volleyball conditioning started so he's at the gym."

"Ah, I forgot that would've started already..."

Mimi talks excitedly. "Hey! You wanna come over and have dinner with us? My parents have been asking about you and you haven't been over in a while!"

Brady looks at her sadly. He sighs heavily. "I wish I could... but my grandpa wouldn't like it since I didn't ask his permission first. Maybe tomorrow?"

"Jeez. Your grandpa is so strict! Does he let you do anything? Seriously."

Brady, chuckles lightly. "He's got a strict set of rules."

"I'll say...make sure you ask him! I'll let my mom know so that she can plan ahead and make you something you like!"

"Oh, n-no, I don't want to cause any extra trouble!"

Mimi rolls her eyes playfully and laughs. She lightly pats his shoulder.

"Oh, please! My parents adore you. They'd probably trade us in for you if they could!"

"I doubt that."

"Are you kidding me? My mom always goes on and on about you! 'Oh, Brady is so polite! Brady is so sweet! Brady is so helpful!' Seriously. You're givin' us Shim kids a bad reputation, ya know?"

Brady laughs and Mimi smiles at him. He shakes his head and says, "That isn't true."

They reach the point in their walk in which they are to go their separate ways. They stop.

"Alright,well...see ya tomorrow! Don't forget to ask!" She says as she waved to him.

Brady he waves back. "I won't!"

He turns to walk in his direction and slows his pace a little bit. He enjoys the scenery in the park, stops to love on a stray cat, and talks to some of the neighborhood ladies who are walking their dogs. He finally approaches his street and notices the green truck in the drive way. He is automatically washed over with fear. He makes his way up to the drive way and then up to the front door. His hands tremble as he reaches for the doorknob and he sighs heavily before entering.

His grandpa Leo, a short man with dark eyes and peppered hair and a scruffy appearance, sits in a recliner drinking a beer. He sees Brady come inside and he scowls.

"You're late." He growls.

Brady's voice trembles nervously. "S-sorry.I should've paid more attention. I was walking home with a friend and-"

"Were you with a boy?"

"N-no sir...I was with my friend Mimi."

"Is Mimi a boy?!"

Brady trembles nervously. "N-no, sir...I promise!"

"What is his name?"

"Th-there isn't a boy, really!"

Leo screams loudly. "I SAID WHAT IS HIS NAME???"

Brady is frozen and his heart is racing. Leo jumps up and grabs Brady by the collar, getting in his face. Brady can smell the beer on his breath. Leo talks in a low and dangerous tone.

"You're still doing that behind our backs, huh? Get upstairs and don't come down here the rest of the night or else you'll regret it!"

Brady runs up stairs, holding his breath as he goes. He rushes into his bedroom and shuts the door quietly behind him. Then he sinks down on the bed and silently sobs. Several minutes pass before he is able to pry himself up. He takes out his books a d begins his school work.

The next morning Brady walks down the stairs anxiously. He sees his grandpa sitting in the same spot he left him last night. For a moment, he hesitates before he takes a deep breath and speaks.

"G-grandpa?"

Leo shouts back grumpily. "What?!"

"W-well, would it be alright if I went to my friend Mimi's house for dinner after school today?"

"Why should I let you? What's in it for me?"

Brady fidgets nervously. He grips the side of his thighs and looks at him seriously. "I-I'll do anything you ask of me...."

"Anything, huh? Fine. Be home by 9."

"D-d-did you change the curfew time from 10 to 9?"

"I'll change it to anytime I want! You got a problem with it? How about you don't even go?!" He barks at Brady angrily.

"S-sorry...I didn't mean to-"

"9 PM. If you aren't here, you know the rules. You can find somewhere else to sleep. Do we have an understanding?"

Brady stands frozen in fear again but nods. Leo angrily jumps up and grabs him by both the arms and shakes him roughly. He bellows at him.

"ANSWER ME WHEN I ASK YOU A QUESTION!"

Brady flinches. "Y-yes, sir! S-sorry, sir! I u-understand."

Leo releases him and walks away irritably. "Get out of here before I change my mind."

Brady dashes out the door and runs until he is far away from his grandpa's house. He finally stops to catch his breath. His hands are trembling and he clutches his chest.

"Get it together, Brady." He says to himself.

He stands up straight and steadies his breathing, continuing to walk to their meeting place. As he approaches he sees Mimi jumping up and down and waving. He smiles and waves back. He catches up to them.

Yun smiles fondly at him. "Morning!"

Brady smiles back and nods. "Morning."

Mimi looks at him questioningly. "Why are you so late this morning?

"Oh! I-uh...I overslept!"

Yun laughs in disbelief. "What? It's only the second day!"

"Y-yeah, I know...pretty irresponsible, huh?"

Brady's stomach groans with hunger. They both look at him in shock. His face flushes and he becomes flustered.

"S-sorry...I was in such a hurry that I didn't really have breakfast!"

The twins look at each other worriedly. Mimi furrows her delicate brow. She speaks sincerely.

"Ok...what's up? This isn't like you at all."

"Yeah...for real...is everything alright?" says Yun worriedly.

Brady looks at them both alarmed and shakes his head quickly. "N-no, no! I'm fine, seriously! I just overslept! I'm totally fine! I promise!"

Yun looks at him, unconvinced. He runs his hand through his thick brown hair nervously. "Well, if we hurry, we can still make it for breakfast..."

"N-no, no, I'm fine...really!'

The twins give each other a look. Mimi sighs and puts a hand on her hip."Are you going be ok until lunch?"

Brady laughs nervously and looks down. "Y-yeah, definitely." He fidgets as the twins stare at him. He feels as though Yun, in particular, is boring a hole into his soul. "W-what?" He says nervously. Mimi shouts out "Brady Kannman! You didn't even bring your lunch did you!?"

Brady flinches. She continues on, upset.

"Are you at least coming over for dinner?"

"Y-yes..."

"Well good, at least I can ensure one meal today. I'm sure you won't allow us to buy you lunch...right?"

"N-no. I'm totally fine! Really!"

He shakes his head vigorously in the hopes that they will change the subject. Yun looks concerned at Brady. "You sure you are ok? You're usually not so scattered."

"Yes, of course! Please don't worry! C'mon we best get a move on or we will be late!" He says as he walks quickly ahead. The twins watch him as he speeds off. They, too, pick up their pace.

Later at lunch time Brady and Mimi find a table outside. Eventually, a few others from their grade show up and sit with them. Riley Speicher, one of Mimi's longest friends, is one of them. She is a very tall, slender and lanky girl. Her hair is brown and very long. The girls are chatting about fashion and boys and the boys talk about sports. Brady sits silently and listens politely as both groups converse. Riley looks over to Brady puzzled.

"Hey, Brady aren't you eating?"

Brady flinches and then chuckles nervously. "Oh, I forgot my lunch at home today!"

"Annnd he also forgot to eat breakfast. Annnd won't let anyone give him food!" Mimi complains loudly.

"Oh my gosh! Aren't you starving?! I would die. Like seriously, my stomach would be eating itself. Is that how you stay so thin?"

Brady becomes flustered and looks at her with confusion. Riley speaks sincerely.

"You are always so skinny! Is it because you skip meals? That's not good to do you know?"

"Oh no, I eat! I just am not too hungry today is all." He says.

Mimi gives him a look and he chuckles. Riley shrugs in satisfaction with Brady's answer much to his relief. The conversation resumes to talking about fashion and boys. Brady glances around and notices that Yun is not sitting with them as he normally would. He scans the lunch area and notices him over on one of the benches with Crystal, his arm wrapped around her. They are laughing and talking. Riley notices this as well. She gently smacks Mimi's arm with excitement.

"Wait...is that your brother with Crystal Cook?"

Mimi rolls her eyes. "Ugh yes. She was around all summer. It was super annoying."

"Woah...she's like super popular isn't she?"

"Tsch. Don't know and definitely don't care."

Riley sighs dreamily. "Well, I'm jealous...dating Eye Candy Shim is a huge deal! He's so handsome! Especially in his volleyball uniform...those shorts make his butt look good!"

Some of the other girls at the table begin to chime in. They all have the same dreamy look on their faces. Delilah is the first to chime in. "Oh yeah...and his arm muscles..."

"So so hot..." says Allie. They all three sigh as they picture him in his volleyball uniform.

Mimi looks at them with disgust and is mortified. "Please...please never say any of that again. If you value me as a friend, please....just stop."

Riley giggles. "What?! It's all true! I'd date him in a heart beat if he asked me! Pretty much every girl in this school would!"

The other girls at the table nod in agreement. Brady laughs at Mimi's disgusted look. Mimi whines loudly. "No no no...we gotta change the subject or I'm gonna vomit!"

They all laugh. Brady glances over and notices Mara stomping over to their table. She looks upset as she shouts. "Mimi! S-since when is he with that...that thing?!"

Mara's disgust for Crystal is rivaled to Mimi's. Mimi rolls her eyes and looks at Mara with annoyance. "I dunno ask him yourself!" She says irritably.

Mara continues to shout. "This is so ridiculous! She's not even that cute!"

Brady shrugs and speaks sincerely. "Hmm, really? I think she's pretty."

She snaps her head over and looks at him irritably. "Um, I'm sorry, did I ask for your input? I know you think that you and Yun are close friends, but he just puts up with you because he's too nice. No sane person would actually want to be friends with someone like you. Everyone knows that. So shut it!"

Brady puts his hands up in surrender. Mara stomps off in Yun and Crystal's direction. They watch her standing there with her hands on her hips talking to them. Brady sighs and shakes his head.

"Man...Mara has it bad for your brother. Like borderline desperate!" says Riley.

"Tsch. I think she's surpassed borderline and just is incredibly desperate." Mimi says as she shakes her head. Riley and the other girls nod their heads in agreement. Brady sees Yun and Crystal leaving. Mara is standing there with her arms folded and a scowl on her face.

After school, Brady and Mimi are walking out of the main doors. They make their way down the sidewalk and see Yun standing further down with Crystal.

"Aren't you coming home? I didn't think they were doing conditioning tonight?" Mimi says to him questioningly.

"Well I've got a meeting with the team and then I promised Crystal I'd hang out for a bit."

Mimi sighs, clearly irritated with her brother. "Fine. Don't be late for dinner again. Umma won't tolerate two nights in a row."

"What's with the attitude?" he asks taken aback. He spots Brady standing behind Mimi and it suddenly dawns on him. "Y-you were coming over to hang out tonight weren't you, B? I can't believe I forgot all about that...I'm sorry!" At these words Crystal doesn't look happy. She turns her pale, green eyes towards Brady. Brady picks up on her demeanor and becomes flustered.

"N-no, hey, that's ok! We'll have plenty of other times to hang out! You shouldn't break your promise to Crystal." Brady says as he smiles pleasantly at Crystal. Crystal smiles back but its a fake smile. That fake smile that Mimi has been going on and on about. Yun runs his hand through his hair.

"Are you sure? I feel bad...we didn't get to hang out at all this summer...and-"

Crystal cuts him off and grabs him flirtatiously by the hands. "C'mon babe..."she coos at him, "You heard him...your little friend doesn't mind. Isn't that right?"

"Of course!" Brady nods.

"See...it is fine, babe."

She gives Yun a look and she smiles flirtatiously. He smiles broadly and nods happily. Mimi glares at Crystal and becomes even more irritated.

"Great. Grand. Wonderful. Let's go, Brady." She says as she marches off leaving Brady behind. Brady takes off after her.

"M-mimi...slow down! My legs aren't as long as yours!" He says weakly.

"Sorry...she just really ticks me off! Did you see the way she was acting towards you?"

"W-well, but I think she just doesn't know me very well so she probably just had her guard up..."

"Ugh! You are way too nice! It's unbelievably frustrating sometimes." She shouts in frustration.

"H-huh? I don't-"

"She was giving you the evil eye for no reason and you're talking about her like she's some innocent fairy princess!"

" I-I was just trying to give her the benefit of the doubt..."he says softly.

"Well don't. She's shady and rude. She has no reason to be like that to you. It really ticks me off! You're the kindest person I know...she's got no right to act that way!"

"A-alright, I'm sorry. But can we please slow down a little?"

Mimi glances at her best friend sadly. She notices that he is breathing a little hard and sweating. She suddenly feels a pang of guilt. She nods and slows her pace. He smiles at her warmly. "Thanks," he says "sorry for being such a bother." She widens her eyes and then shakes her head and thinks to herself.

"Don't talk about yourself like that. You aren't a bother."

They continue to walk and talk, putting the incident with Crystal out of their minds. Eventually, they approach the Shim house-- a familiar and happy sight that Brady is glad to see once more.