One Wish For Summer

Chapter 2

Sitting in the living room I had my mind fixated on what I planned to do. Facing upwards with my gaze directed to the ceiling, the erratic paint patterns mimicking a snake tamer's intoxicating flute music. Finally my concentration was broken by the front door being opened. It was none other than my dad. Actually, come to think of it "dad" might be a stretch. Sure he pays the bills and puts food on the table, but don't dads usually spend quality time with their families? Grabbing a drink from the fridge he turned to me.

"How was school?"

"Well it-"

"Make it fast, I'm only here for few minutes then I'm off to work."

"It was fine." I replied. Completely deflated I felt no need to start rambling on about what's been happening lately. My father, the man who puts work above all. He slaves away in a corporate office all day then comes home only to get ready for a second job as a security guard for the local bank. If he's not at work he's sleeping; I'd assume that's all there would be time for if you work two demanding jobs like he does but would it be selfish to ask or a little attention once in a while? For us to just sit and talk.
Just like that, as soon as he gets here he's already gone. All alone again I resume my thinking. The longer I sit here just thinking is the less time I'll have to do what I thought of. With hours going by and still nothing I decided to just go to bed early.

"Tick" "Tick" "Tick"

I jumped out of bed to the sound of ticking at my window. Peering outside I saw Kaia. Her face was mere inches away from mine and she was in tears. Pulling her inside I ushered her to the sofa while I went to start some tea.

"What's wrong? What happened?"

"Snff snff, Brad really didn't like that I kept the mouse."

"Is that all?" "I told you he had problems."

Shakily she took a sip of tea. The tears had stopped flowing but she was clearly still shaken up. Taking a deep breath, she continued...

"We've been arguing more and more lately." "He's becoming more distant than usual and barely ever speaks to me." "Worst of all he seems to have a problem with my guy friends, who by the way he doesn't let me see or talk to."

Honestly I wasn't surprised hearing any of this. I've known him to be that kind of person and I'd hope he would've changed. The constant arguments, jealousy and anger over nothing, it all made him who he was. The part that hurt was the fact that he did all these things to Kaia of all people. I'm not saying she's some sort of angel or the queen of England but she's such a kind soul. I've seen her put a lot of effort into making thier relationship work and clearly she cares about him. I felt her grab me by the arm.

"Sometimes I wonder what would have been if I had returned your affection." She said, looking directly at me.

"It's not the time for that right now, Brad needs your help if he's ever gonna change. Make him realize that the person he's supposed to change for is more than worth it." I rested!y hand on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring look. We finished our tea and she made her way back out the window. Before she left she gave me a huge hug and thanked me for being here to listen. I smiled and went back to bed. It came as a shock to me that she's thought about what could've been. I was almost sure she didn't feel the same way I did, but it got me thinking. Change. Was there anything Avie didn't like about me? Something I do or say that she isn't too keen on? Was there something she liked but never said? I had gotten my first idea towards giving her the best possible summer.
In the morning i was still wondering about Kaia. To see her going through so much and for no good reason resonated with me so I decided to pay her a visit. Already familiar with the family I was basically treated as a member myself. From the days when I used to walk Kaia home her family took a liking to me especially her grandma. Quick-witted and full of energy for someone over sixty she never fails to join me in cracking a few good-natured jokes. She was also the first to catch on to me having feelings for Kaia and to this day she's still not fully trusting of Brad. Being completely honest no one in her family really took a liking to him. Personally I used to think he was a good friend but I'm not sure what's making him change as of late. Approaching the gate I was greeted by Kaia's younger brother Rory. With a big hug he smiled and looked up at me.