Page 8 of Ask Me To Stay

It only took a few hours, and then were standing out front. Dad had loaded the snail, and Mom was staring up at the front porch. “Alright kids, go stand on the stairs.” Mom took a picture every year of us. I was hoping that we’d eventually be too old, but I guess that year hasn’t come yet.

“Seriously.” I sighed as I turned and trekked up a few steps. Jack groaned as he followed suit.

“This is so dumb.” Jack crossed his arms as he turned and plastered on a fake smile. After the camera clicked, he huffed, and stomped down the stairs. “I don’t get why we have to leave. This is stupid.”

“When you’re old enough to get a job, I’ll split the cost with ya, and we’ll rent it for a week.” I tossed my arm around his shoulder, and he looked up and grinned.

“Deal.” He held his hand out. We climbed in the backseat, I put my headphones on, and watched our beach grow smaller as we drove away.

ooooooooo

When we pulled up to our house, Aimee was waiting on the front steps. She jumped up, and raced over as soon as I opened my door.

“What are you doing here?” I laughed as she flung her arms around me.

“I knew you were coming home today. My mom dropped me off on her way to the store. Tell me everything. How was the party?” She giggled as we ran up to my bedroom. I closed the door, and then sat down on my bed.

“It wasn’t the week I was hoping for.” I flopped back and dropped my arm over my eyes.

“Did you go to the party?” She bounced beside me before lying down and mimicking my pose.

“Yeah. I went. Turns out the guy on the beach was setting me up with his brother. You remember Russ, right?”

“The guy that thought farting was funny last summer?” Aimee’s head rolled to the side.

“He was the brother I was the date for.” I groaned.

“Wait! Who invited you then?” She sat up in surprise.

“Russ’s older brother, Casey. He’s been away at college the last four years, that’s why you haven’t met him. It’s why I didn’t know it was him. He’s changed. He’s hot.” I sighed.

“Like hot, hot?” Aimee grinned.

“Like I wanted to fake drown, have him save me, and make out with him when he did mouth to mouth.” I let my eyes flutter closed. “Never going to happen. He’s getting married.”

“What? I thought you were making progress.” She turned to face me, and pulled my arm away from my eyes.

“Yeah, well, I thought so too, but no. He’s marrying Corrine,” I grumbled. I hated her just because he liked her, make that loved her. I wanted to shave her head, and put eye drops in her drink. I wanted to make her as miserable as I was.

“He’s dumb. He should have seen what a catch you’d be.” She smiled.

“Thanks.” I laughed lightly.

“Wanna go down to the softball field and watch the guys play? I think David and his friends will be there?” Aimee giggled. “He’s no Casey, but he’s ok.” She shrugged as she stood.

“Sure, let me tell my mom we’re leaving. No sense in getting in trouble at the beginning of summer.” I laughed as we headed downstairs. After informing my mom that I’d be home by dinner, Aimee and I started walking to the park. It was about fifteen minutes away, and gave us just enough time to come up with an excuse to watch the boys play.

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