ḾṎᕍ⁅ᖇṈ ℄Ṏv⁅ | The Lost Boys

ᏨᏲᾀᑬt⁅ᖇ ᖴḭv⁅

⚠️Warnings: sexual innuendo and thoughts?⚠️

Mom is anxiously awaiting us at the edge of the boardwalk. She greets each of us with a hug and a kiss. "Where's Sam?"

"Home," said Michael. "He's beat."

"Okay." She eyed Michael's bike. "How did you handle the ride over?"

I scoff, "At least he didn't crash this time."

He shoves my arm. "That was totally your fault." I stuck my tongue out at him.

"Well, I'm starving." Mom rubbed her hands together, smiling. "What do you say we go out to eat? I saw a great place down there"

Michael shrugs, cutting her off. "I think I want to look around a bit."

Mom's smile falters ever so slightly. I don't think Mikey notices, but I do. "Okay."

"I'll meet up with you later," he says, then disappears into the crowd.

Breathily, Mom laughs. She wraps an arm around my shoulders and gives me a squeeze. "I guess it's just you and me, kiddo."

I wince. God, now I feel like an asshole. Briefly, I debate on not doing what I originally intended to tonight. I could always come back another day. It's not like the store was going anywhere.

But I knew that my peace-loving, ex-hippie of a mother would whip my ass if I put off something you really wanted to do.

"Actually," I say, "There's a bookshop around here. I'd like to check it out if I can? I saw it last time and didn't get the best look at it."

"Sure. I think I'm going to head home. Are you okay riding with Michael on the ride back? I know how you feel about ..." She gestured to the bike.

I cringe at the offending metal. "I'll manage. Thanks, mom."

"Okay, honey. Have fun, but don't come home too late. It'll make me feel better."

"Promise."

She waves goodbye, heading for the Land Rover. I square my shoulders and head back into the masses. I know it's across from the video store, but I'm  not sure how I got there.

I begin my journey, but after wandering aimlessly for nearly thirty minutes, I give up. Getting lost was not on the agenda tonight. I walked back the way I came, taking note of the familiar shops, before making it out to the parking lot. Luckily, Michael's bike was still there. Otherwise, I would've been screwed.

I waited for a while, leaning against the Death Trap (a name I'd affectionately given it a few years back), resting my feet. When I saw Michael heading back, I hopped up, prepared to call out.

That is until I saw him with a girl. "Shit."

I looked around, seeking out any place I could hide but found none.

Michael's puppy dog grin diminished when he saw me. He looked different. He was wearing some kind of leather jacket, the tag still sticking out from his shirt sleeve. He'd even combed his hair back. He eerily reminded me of an off-brand version of David and his gang.

The girl with him eyed me warily. Michael rubbed the back of his neck, looking between me and her. When they came within a couple of feet from me, he stopped.

"Star, this is Rowan. She's my younger sister."

I offer a wave, then turn to my brother. "I'm so sorry, I had no idea you'd have company, and Mom ... took off, and I'm ... I'm sorry."