Page 152 of Steps

“You’re right,” I whisper. “We have time. I’mjumping the gun too much.”

Varen kisses me once. “Ready to go to sleep?”

“Yeah.”

He turns off the TV and holds me from behind. Idrift off while basking in the love and safety of his arms.

We spend the holiday weekend going to BBQs hostedby Varen’s friends and hanging out at the beach for what may be our last timeswimming for the year. The weather is cooler. Autumn permeates the air,appearing in the changing of colors.

We don’t celebrate Columbus Day, choosing to hangout in the apartment instead. I’m just finishing up lunch when I hear knockingon the door. Varen’s in the bathroom, so I walk over to open it.

Alison waves and flashes a broad smile. “Hey!”

“Ali.”

“How’ve you been?” She leans in for a tight hug.

“Good.” I invite her into the apartment. “We’reboth doing well. What about you? How’s school?”

A sigh surges from her pink lips. “Ugh.Stressful.”

I call out to Varen. “Your sister’s here, so bedecent when you come out.”

“Ah shucks,” he jokes.

“Pfft. Can’t believe you two are living togetherand our parents haven’t done anything.”

Feeling a tad guilty, I chip at my nails. “How ismy mom? She was so upset when we last spoke. Doesn’t take my calls now.”

Alison shrugs. “She’s been avoiding theconversation. Dad was going to invite some friends over today but, she didn’twant to explain to them.”

“Right.” I lower my eyes to the hardwood.“Understandable.”

She pats my arm. “They went out on his boat, but Istayed back so I could visit you two.”

Varen emerges from the bathroom in basketballshorts and a graphic tee.

“Hey, sis.” He comes over to hug her.

Alison twists her mouth playfully. “Did you washyour hands?”

Varen sucks his teeth. “Ha-ha. Very funny.”

I remember the sandwiches then. “Oh, we were justabout to have lunch. Would you like a tuna fish sandwich?”

“Sure. Thanks.”

Going to the counter, I fill a plate and bring itto the distressed coffee table. We sit on the couch with me in the middle.

“So what’s the plan?” Alison asks, making herselfcomfortable on my left.

Varen answers, “Living together until Toya startscollege.”

I nod. “Yeah, and I want to work part-time. I havea little bit of money in savings, but it’s not enough to get me through schoolwith all the expenses. Plus, I’d like to chip in with bills.”

Varen shakes his head. “Don’t worry about that.This place is cheap, and my job pays well.”

“Are you going to keep working there when youfinish the online course?” Alison asks, picking up the other half of hersandwich.

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