Summer

The Bradfords

It's Kevin Bradford.

Ah, Shit. Here we go again.

I looked back at the picturesque view trying to act oblivious of the commotion that was the arrival of the Bradfords.

Okay Charlie, just pretend that you didn't see and hear anything. Just keep it light and breezy. As long as no one notices me, which is beyond impossible, I don't have to force myself to be within the breathing distance of that guy.

"Is that Charlotte?" I hear Lily say. Focus Charlie. Focus on the amazing view in front of you. Remember to keep it light and breezy.

"Why yes, Lily, that is indeed my retarded little sister Charlie, sitting on the beach, waiting for his dear prince charming that is in the form of Kevin Bradford." I hear Colton reply. I groaned. That son of a bi... wait, no, she's my mother too. That stupid idiot better not turn up the switch on Lily's head as early as now.

Lily giggles and claps excitingly in response. Too late, the gears in her head are turning. "Shall I call upon her dear Prince charming and tell him to get his pumpkin carriage and come pick her up?"

I closed my eyes trying to blur out their conversation. Light and breezy. Focus. Pretend you don't hear anything. It's fine as long as they won't call your name. Act normal.

"Hey Charlie!" For the love of God, please forgive me because I might lose a brother tonight and it's not gonna be by accident.

"Charlie!" Colton singsonged. "I know you can hear us. Stop pretending and give the Bradfords some love. Especially..." He paused and continued with a high-pitched girly voice. "That devilishly handsome Kevin." He finished with a squeal.

I breathed in, trying to calm down cause I think my head is about to to explode from all the crap that's coming out of Colton's mouth. I stood up and dusted off the sand on the back of my pants. If only removing a brother from your life was as easy as dusting off sand. I put a smile on my face and went straight to Lily.

"Charlie, dear! I've missed you a lot." Lily gave me her infamous, bone crushing, bear hug. And it's tight. Too tight. "L- ily." I can't breathe. Must breathe. "Ai..air." I gasped when she finally let me go. I kissed her on the cheeks and glared at my stupid brother.

"I miss you too Lily but I miss your chocolate chip cookies more." I teased. I've tasted a lot of cookies but Lily's homemade chocolate chip cookies are out of this world! I don't know what she puts in those but I'd like to think that Lily's hands are just pure magic.

"You know who misses you more than how you missed my baked goods?" Wow, that's a lot of missing. My face must have looked confused because Lily laughed and I saw Colton mouthing the word 'moron'. "It's Kevin dear, Kevin missed you a lot. He's looking forward to making more memories with you this summer." I scoffed. Lily wiggled her eyebrows and I teasingly rolled my eyes.

"Lily," I sighed and dramatically held her hands. "I love you with all my heart and you know that, but your son and I just don't click. That's just not gonna happen." Colton was about to open his mouth but I cut him short. "And no, Colton, not in another universe and not in any other lifetime either." I mouthed the words stupid to him and he suddenly called for Kevin and went inside the Bradfords' house looking for him.

"Colton, what are you doing? Wait!" I whisper-shouted.

"Darling, you are gravely mistaken." Lily patted my hands, pulled her sunglasses up and stared at me smugly. "When Lily Bradford puts her mind into something, you best believe that she will do everything in her power to make those wishes come true."