ḾṎᕍ⁅ᖇṈ ℄Ṏv⁅ | The Lost Boys

ᏨᏲᾀᑬt⁅ᖇ tᏲᖇ⁅⁅

⚠️warnings: catcalling, sexual harassment, uncomfortable situations⚠️

The following morning was spent unpacking boxes. A part of me felt bad for adding to Grandpa's mess, but he didn't seem to care. Grandpa spent most of his time in that freaky room of his, avoiding the rest of us. It had been a while since I'd seen the old man, so I tried not to take it personally. He probably wasn't used to having company.

I didn't have much to put away in the first place, but I preferred the solitude of my room to the melodrama happening elsewhere.

Michael met a girl, giving his life has a new purpose. If Sam's to be believed, Mikey didn't actually talk to her—just followed her around half the night. Michael was mortified when Sammy shared those intimate details at the breakfast table, earning the younger boy a wack to the head.

Mom thought it was cute, giving her that look all moms make when they believe they are 'in the know.'

"You know, Michael, you might have better luck if you talk to her," she said in her usual gentle voice.

His face went beet red.

"Honestly," i said, "I'm surprised you even got that far."

Michael kicked my leg under the table. "Shut up."

After breakfast was over, the family dispersed into their respective areas of the house. I caught a glimpse of Grandpa peeking his head out the infamous double doors to talk with Mom before I went upstairs to my room.

Mom ducked her head into my room. "Honey, do you want to come with me to the video store? You don't have to hang around the whole time—Michael and Sam are headed to the beach if you want to join them?"

Both ideas are equally terrible. On the one hand, I risk another run in on the boardwalk with those unsavory leather clad boys. On the other, I risk crude surfers and my brother's never-ending agony.

Ultimately, I know the beach is probably my best bet. After I got home last night, mom couldn't stop talking about the kind man who hired her on the spot.

I put two and two together, and I wasn't about to get in the middle of a budding romance.

"I'll go to the beach with Mike and Sammy."

Mom smiles, relieved. "That's great, honey. We can all meet up at the boardwalk after my shift is over and get something to eat."

"Sure."

She blows a kiss and leaves. Her voice travels up the stairs as she tells Michael the news. He groans—probably complaining how his bike can't fit three people, but mom shuts him down, saying he can drive Grandpa's pickup truck.

Michael stomps up the stairs and opens my door.

"Knock first!"

"Shoulda been born first," he shoots back. Michael drops the attitude and drums his fingers against the doorframe. "Listen—we leave at seven. Be ready by then."

"Okay." Michael nods in understanding, then turns away. "—Shut the door!"

He doesn't.

Asshole.

I get changed before seven, having spent all day in my pajamas. I throw on a grey vest top, that used to belong to my mother, and an ankle length skirt. I have no intention of getting in the ocean, but I'd pack a couple of books to pass the time. I comb my short orange hair so I look socially acceptable and headed towards the stairs.

When I get downstairs, both Sam and Michael are packed and ready, wearing wetsuits they got a few years back.

Sam scrunches his nose when he sees me. "Where's your swimsuit?"