Page 12 of The Curve
The Swift family sound like the ideal we all yearn for. At least those who don’t have anything resembling it. They sound playful, and the way Atticus described his parents, loving. It’s not very often you meet someone our age who loves hanging out with their family. It’s awesome the grandparents live on the land where his parents do, in a separate small house on an adjacent acre.
We talked about our dating history and habits, just like friends would. And there was a comfortable telling as if neither of us were lusting after the other. He called himself a dating whore, which to me means he’s a whore. So I said it. He laughed then denied it. Said the rag magazines exaggerate the facts every time he speaks to a girl.
We’re such opposites in many ways. I don’t date. He didn’t believe me at first, said it was impossible for a woman who looks like me not to have men vying for my attention. I told him I didn’t deny that. I denied dating. I’ve purposely chosen to devote my life to Charlotte, which threw him, I could tell. It’s hard for people to understand my choice when they’re young like me. The older folk always seem to understand. I think that’s because they have a wider vision of what real love entails. Sometimes it’s sacrifice.
All the stories are swimming in my mind as I wash my hands and check my reflection in the field bathroom mirror. I pick out the blade of grass sticking from my hair. Too bad it isn’t there because we were rolling in a passionate embrace on the hill.Stop it!
As I exit the door I see Atticus talking with Mallory and another young girl. She’s tall and lanky with dark curly hair. All three are laughing.
“What did I miss?” I say, walking up to the group.
“Oh Mom, it was so funny. This little kid just asked Atticus for his autograph then realized he wasn’t the player he wanted,” she laughs.
“And then…and then he made the worst face,” the other girl says mimicking a disappointed expression.
Atticus is getting a kick out of the girls’ laughter. “That kid’s gonna give me a complex! And you two think it’s funny?” he teases.
“Hi! I’m Mallory’s mom,” I say extending my hand to the girl.
She takes it and shakes without hesitation. “Hi! I’m Paige. Nice to meet you, Mrs. Bay.”
“Call me Charlotte.”
Atticus takes my arm. “This is Brick’s niece. She’s the prankster of the family. But we kinda like her.”
“Oh. Well I’ll be sure to watch my back.”
“Mom, can Paige and I go over to the games? Please!”
It shocks and thrills me that Mallory has made a friend. “Sure. I don’t see why not. Do you need some money?”
Atticus waves his finger. “No. Everything is free. They don’t need any cash for the games or food. But Paige, make sure you behave yourself. Don’t lead this one down your path. I mean it.”
She gives him a sweet-as-punch smile and an innocent look. “Me?” she says.
“Uh huh. You. Go.”
The girls turn and run off toward the carnival games and rides.
“Are you having fun?” he says.
“I am.”
“Want to have more?” His lifted eyebrow punctuates the question.
What a bad boy. My only answer is a half-smile I can’t hold back.
“Let’s go on a couple of rides. What’s your favorite? Ferries Wheel? Carousel?”
I think about it for a moment, knowing neither of those would be good for keeping us as friends. Those are lover’s rides. “Bumper cars. That’s my favorite.”
I get a stare in return. He’s sizing up my answer and deciding on his own. “Okay. But no promises I’ll be gentle,” he says with a naughty grin.
“Good. Me either.”
I think he liked that one.
There’s a line for the ride and most of the people waiting are kids. But we don’t mind. Seems we never run out of conversation.
