Page 16 of Another Love, Another Time
Ugh, Melissa drives me crazy. I know why she did the T-shirt thing. She knows that Auggie and I have a thing about T-shirts. Gosh! I know he doesn’t understand why I don’t like her because he wants to believe everyone is good, but I know she did this on purpose.
Aunt Connie announces everything is ready, and everyone lines up. I get to the back of the line. I’m steaming right now, and Idon’t want to talk to anyone. Logan comes up behind me, and I let him go in front of me.
“What’s up, Riv?”
I don’t say anything.
He bumps my shoulder. “Your bad mood doesn’t have anything to do with certain people wearing matching T-shirts, does it?” he says with a little humor in his voice.
I still don’t say anything.
“If it makes a difference, he didn’t want to be her partner. His parents had a talk with him about including others than just me and you.” Logan tells me.
That did make me feel a little better. She knows the T-shirts are our thing, and this was a perfect excuse for her to get in on it. Ugh! I’m still hurt. I don’t know why he didn’t say anything; he had plenty of time to say something.
Logan bumps my shoulder again, breaking me out of my thoughts. “You want to be my partner? I mean, I don’t have a matching shirt or anything with our faces on it.” He smirks at me. “But I’m a kick-butt partner. You know I am, Riv.”
“Sure, but I need to change out of this shirt. At this point, it will bring us bad luck. God knows we can’t lose to her.”
Thinking of that, I start to walk off towards the guest room where all our stuff is so I can change. I turn around. “Save me a seat by you, Logan.” I start walking off and turn again. “Away from Melissa, even if that means away from Auggie.”
~~
Everyone has a plate and is seated, enjoying the food. Aunt Connie gets up. Everyone knows what is coming. She starts, “SoI want to thank you all for coming today. We are so grateful that you are here,” she continues, but I tune her out. Logan and I are currently sitting at a table with Ellie and my little brother, Brock.
Melissa is sitting next to Auggie at another table. He keeps looking over at Logan and me, but I don’t care. I’m still mad. Even though he is her partner, he is choosing to hang out with her. I know it's probably because he feels guilty for not telling me, and he’s afraid to come over here. I don’t care. He should be scared. I feel like he’s choosing her over me.
Logan bumps my shoulder, and I scowl at him. “Um, it’s your turn,” he says.
I look around to see that everyone is watching and waiting for me to answer. I know this is the grateful portion of the day. Aunt Connie and my mom are big on gratitude. They are constantly shoving it down our throats. I knew this was coming, so while I was changing my T-shirt, I was planning what I would say. “This year, I’m grateful for my sense of humor.”
My mom gives me a pointed look but doesn’t say anything. I know I will have to answer to her later. I know they wanted to hear how grateful I am for my house, parents, siblings, or even friends, but I was very childish today and didn’t want to play along. Yes, I am very grateful for my sense of humor. I’ll need it to get through today.
~~
Shortly after everyone is finished eating, all the guys go outside. It is surprisingly nice today, so Uncle Eddie has started a bonfire in the backyard. I help my mom and Aunt Connie clean up. My mom starts, “Riv, what’s going on?”
“What are you talking about?” I ask her in an overly chipper yet sarcastic voice.
“Riv,” my mom scolds.
“What? I’m helping you and Aunt Connie clean up after everyone. I’m getting ready to take out the trash. What else could be going on?”
My Aunt Connie just shakes her head. “You’re not stupid, River. You know what your mom is asking. Usually, Auggie and you are attached at the hip.” She gives me a knowing look.
“Aunt Connie, you’re not stupid. You know the answer to your question.” I give her a mocking look. “Besides, it’s really not even about that.” I take a deep breath to get through this questioning. “And thanks, I heard it was your doing. I don’t get much time with him, Aunt Con, and you push Melissa on him. Do you hate me?”
Aunt Connie grabs me and stops me from taking out the trash. “First of all, I did not push Auggie to be her partner. All Eddie and I discussed with him was that sometimes, when Logan, you, and Auggie get together, you don’t let anyone else into your group. We said that maybe he should include others. You talk about not getting to spend time with him, but you have been avoiding him all day.”
“I haven’t been avoiding.” I stomp my foot and cross my arms. “When was the last time you helped us clean up?” She tilts her head and raises her brows. I continue, “Well, you know what? It’s been fun, but the trash isn’t going to take itself out.” And with that, I grab the trash bags and storm out.
They both know how I feel about Melissa. I bet both knew this was going to happen. It’s not like she just asked Auggie to be herpartner. Or maybe she did. But how did she already have shirts made?
Aunt Connie is right about avoiding Auggie. I’m just missing out on the short time I have with him. I don’t mind sharing him with Logan, but sharing him with Melissa? Ugh.
I put the trash bags in the trash can and walk out to the trampoline. I need to think.
Nobody is currently on it, so I lie down, look up at the sky, and watch the clouds drift by. I can hear all the other kids playing in the distance and the parents by the bonfire talking.
