Hide Your Heart

Month Number 6

Month 6 started on August 1. It was now hot and humid most days which made Tommy miserable. He was short tempered and moodier than usual. He went into a temper tantrum mode when Paul didn't call at his usual hour of ten. 

"Calm down. He'll call." said Pat from the doorway. "Let's go swimming."

"Now?" "It's almost midnight." "I'm hot!"

"Tom, you're miserable and so am I. The pool is cool and soothing. Come on."

Tommy gave in and slipped his shirt off. He was round but not like Eric. Stepping into the water, he sighed. "You're right, it does feel good." "I can barely get into my swim trunks."

"I noticed. I'm seeing you need new clothes." "Tomorrow."

After a couple of hours in the pool, Tommy told Pat he was going to take a shower and try to sleep.

Luckily the next day was cooler with a breeze. The two of them headed out to breakfast before shopping. Tommy had found some shorts and a t-shirt to wear alone with flipflops. His hair was long and thick with a mass of tangled blonde curls falling out of his ponytail. it was now half way down his back.

Pat had noticed Tommy no longer wore his ring on his finger but on a chain. "Is your ring too small too?"

"Yes, it makes my finger swell and then it gets stuck."

The two of them entered the mall where it was cool. "I want ice cream." said Tommy suddenly. "Chocolate and lemon with pineapple and cherries."

"Gross." mumbled Pat as he went to order it. "I hate pineapple and cherry." He ordered chocolate and strawberry for himself. Bringing the two cones back, he handed Tommy his and managed to eat the strawberry part before Tommy grabbed the chocolate and finished it. 

They walked through the mall looking for comfortable clothes for Tommy and also warm clothes for the triplets. "Why winter stuff? It's hot!" asked Tommy.

"They're due in November. It won't be warm then."

"True." 

Tommy found a bright purple scarf for Paul. He picked it up and put it in the basket.

Four hours later they were finished.

"I'm hungry." replied Tommy. "I want Mexican food."

Pat loaded up his truck with the packages and helped Tommy in. He knew a place where the food was cheap but good.