The Summer We Let Go

Chapter Six

Carter

          There is seriously nowhere to park. Literally. Not a single spot as I drive around the field, searching for a decent space as Tony and Jackie talk in the backseat about whether Sponge Bob or Phineas and Ferb is a better TV show. I personally enjoyed Jimmy Neutron, but I'd really rather not get involved in their discussion. I'd rather find a damn parking spot.

          Gramps huffs beside me, shifting in his seat. "I don't see why we couldn't just park farther away. We could just walk to the fairgrounds."

          "Gramps," I sigh, trying to reason with him without damaging his pride. "You know you can't walk that far; you've got a bad knee."

          "Oh, I'm fine," he insists, patting his knee like the hood of an old pickup that's still managing to chug along.

          "Right there!" Jackie shouts, leaning over Tony to jam her finger repeatedly against the window next to him.

          I jerk the car to a stop and then pull in the tight space between an SUV and a Malibu. I bite my lip, kind of afraid one of us is going to hit a car next to us, but then I figure it's dark and no one will notice a scratch tonight, anyway. "Alright! Everybody got their glow sticks?"

          "Got 'em!" Jackie and Tony both shout.

          Gramps just gives me a guttural sound that I'll identify as a yes. And, as it turns out, I'm the only one that hits the other car as we get out. But to be fair, the person kind of parked like an asshole. So there's that. Even Jackie had the bright idea to grab the edge of the door and use her hand to prevent any scratching. And Jackie's Jackie. She's usually too caught up in looking ahead at what her plans are than the small things, like avoiding the SUV next to us.

          I pop the trunk and shut the door, and Jackie stands off to the side with Tony while Gramps and I pull out a few chairs and blankets. I set up one blanket on the ground for Tony and get the cooler in place while Gramps sets up the chairs and Jackie sprays down an extra coat of bug spray, just to be safe.

          A few cars down, some kids wave around sparklers, laughing and chasing one another. We didn't bring any; it just slipped my mind. Gramps would have held one, but that's about it, and Tony would have probably enjoyed it, but it's kind of sad watching a little kid play by himself. It makes me feel so lonely, even though I'm not the one actually in that situation. Still, maybe it would have been nice to have picked some up for him.

          The bottoms of my thighs already start to stick to the lawn chair, and I probably should have snatched the cloth foldup from Gramps, but he undoubtedly chose it because it's a little more comfortable than this one. Jackie doesn't seem bothered, just bored, ready for the fireworks to start going off.

          She pulls out her phone and starts texting someone. A part of me wants to peek, but a bigger part of me is just worn out from chasing Tony around all day; he was especially excited about going to see some pretty explosions and was practically bouncing around the entire house. I can't say Cassie's lucky to not have to have dealt with that, though, because I know she'd rather be here spending time with him rather than being stuck at work.

          I watch him lying on his stomach, head in his hands as he looks up at the night sky expectantly. What it would be like to be that age again, not having to worry about work or school or what tomorrow may bring. Just what games there will be to play, or what he should color, or what adventure he and his toys need to go on.

          Okay, so he doesn't necessarily think all that, but what more could there be? I should take him on an adventure. I think he'd like that. I don't know where. But we could come up with something; all we need is our imagination. I looked into old kids' games earlier and found a couple he might like. Tomorrow, though. Right now the fireworks are going to be starting any time, and I'd like to see him get excited over it like I know he will.