I closed up shop still remembering the words Jake said to me. "With your boyfriend and everything…. Yeah, keep telling yourself that."
It's so annoying, he's like a brother to me….Right? Ugh.
I got ready for bed, but instead of locking up now, I decided to take a stroll in town. The shops were closed but the city lights and the food trucks lined on the street calmed my racing mind. I walked down to the harbor with ships coming and going out for night parties and lit up from people either boarding, leaving, or living in them.
I took a big inhale and exhale of fresh, humid, ocean air, and it calmed me. I started my journey back home. As I was walking home I accidentally bumped into someone.
"Oh sorry excuse me," I said. He turned to me as I continued walking.
"Lyr?"
"Um yes? Do I know you?"
"Know me? Wow I'm offended, it's me Shon!"
"Oh, Shon… hi. I didn't see you there."
Those feelings came again, and I tried to bury them.
"What's wrong?"
"Oh nothing," I said, waving my hands around frantically. "Um what are you doing all the way out here at this time of night?"
"Thought I'd go out for a stroll."
"Out here? You live like 30 minutes away from here?"
"Yeah. Sorry, do you want to leave? You can."
"No it's fine. Did you drive?"
Shon held up his car keys with a toddler smile on his face. "Busted. I wanted to see what town looked like at night over here again."
"Oh, okay. Well, enjoy your stay here and I'll see you tomorrow at school." I said playfully as I started off.
"Lyr, wait. There was a reason I came."
"What was it?"
"To show you my awesome new uniform for my job!" he said as he stood under a lamppost the light showed his uniform. It was a dark red blouse and black shorts. He had a beige bow tie and a captains hat for driving the boats and that stuff. He had slipped on flip flops that were also black.
"That looks great Shon. I'm proud of you." I congratulated him. "Are Coen, Kori and Curtis in bed?" I asked.
"Yup. you could say i snuck out." he said it in a playful toffler tone.
"Naughty you," I smirked even though he lives alone. "And Ian?"
"He also went back home."
"Good."
There was a content silent moment as we both thought.
"Well you should go home. School is tomorrow and your job is too, right?"
Shon nodded his head. He looked like he had something to say, but refused to. "Can I walk you home? I kind of parked my car in your driveway."
"Oh sure. Let's go then." I said as we both started walking back home. We continued to walk and laugh and have a good time while we went back. When we got there we said our goodbyes and goodnights. I walked inside and got those feelings back.
What if he stayed the night? What would happen?
My cheeks began to grow hot as my mind went berserk. I ran outside to cool myself down. The moon was full and bright now. Illuminating the ocean and dimming the stars. Dolphins played out in the distance, trying to get their food. I stared at the scene moments later. I finally went inside and up to my bedroom. It was clear now that I did love him.
But why does it matter?
I bet he loves me too. Like a little sister, and that's how we go. At least I think so. I got in my bed and kept one thin blanket on me as I slowly faded into sleep.
I woke up to an alarm noise.
It's Monday, great.
I got up from my bed and got ready for the day. What Jake said yesterday still ran through my head, and it got really annoying over time. I walked to school knowing I'd have to work right after school ended. No time for breaks, homework or food. I'd just have to put an apron on with my nametag, so people know who I am, and get the job done.
The life of a high schooler, huh? Well, I don't like it.
I'm too busy to understand everything.
Oh well. Better get used to it.
I said hi to my friends who said hi to me first and they said that I did great at the surf competition and I thanked them in return. I said hi to Kori, Ian, and Shon, knowing that those cursed feelings would come back. They weren't bad today, which was good.
Yes I know I love him, but what of it? It's just a feeling, right? Ugh. It's so annoying.
Lunch came around. Kiro and Ian talked about their jobs together and how much money they're making and lovey dovey stuff. Shon talked about his new job with touring, hosting and comedy jokes that he would use. I just sat, ate, listened, and thought about my problems and stuff.
"Ya feeling a'ight? Like, your arm is healed and everythin'. Did ya go to the doc's or somethin' last night, Fish Bait?"
"Oh I'm fine Ian, just thinking."
"Boys, makeup, fashion?"
"Har-har, no Kori."
"Then what Lyr?"
"Life and work and school. You know the usual?" I looked everyone in the eye and they looked disgusted.
Ha yeah right, the usual, sure.
"Hmm guys you know that boat I've been hoping to get?" Shon asked, changing the subject.
"Yeah, what 'bout it man?' Ian asked.
"Well if I did my math right, if I work another month with this job, and it taught me how to drive a boat, I wouldn't be new to it either. I could get one."
"Oh that's awesome Shon!" shouted Kiro. Sibling love. "Ceon and curtis would be so happy."
"Yeah," Shon looked at me as if thinking he needed my consent for him getting his own boat.
"It's been a dream of yours to just leave town for a bit with your boat so you should do it. That's cool Shon, what's your first plan with it?"
"I don't know, but I've been looking at a specific one that can carry two people. Could you guys help me think of some?"
"Of course dude," Ian said while giving him a fist bump. I don't know how I feel about this….