Secrets

✖️ Control ✖️

"It is our attitude toward events, not events themselves, which we can control. Nothing is by its own nature calamitous – even death is terrible only if we fear it." – Epictetus

~ 1 ~

At first she thought of it as a crush. But then, before she realized it, it had become an obsession. She couldn't get him out of her head. His light gray eyes that always seemed to find her. His deep voice that always says her name. That smell of whiskey and cigars,  his signature scent. A single touch from him made her entire body react. Yes, she was obsessed. But, this obsession, this craving , soon it would devour her.

"Scarlett! Did you fill the coolers?"

"Yes, dad. The food is ready to throw on the grill too."

"Get the door Scarlett. They are here."

"It's always the same people. Why can't they let themselves in?"

"Maybe it's someone new?" Her father said popping open a bottle and starting the grill.

She opened the door to a blond haired big breast  Barbie.

"Hi! I'm Tanya."

"Ok?" Scarlett didn't try to hide her attitude. "You do know we don't have a pool?" The Barbie was  dressed in a hot pink bikini top and booty shorts.

"Oh silly me. Liam said it was a barbecue."
Liam? Hmm? Is this my Uncle's type? Young, blond, and fake?

"Sorry wrong..." Scarlett got cut off by her dad.

"Tanya? Liam mentioned you. Come on in. Sadly, you are the first one here. But, beers are in the cooler. Make yourself comfortable. I'm sure everyone else isn't far behind." Scarlett held a fake smile and slammed the door behind them.

Her father was right. Not long after friends and family shuffled into there three bedroom two bathroom house.

"Hi Aunt Val!" Scarlett opened her arms wide.

"Sweetheart! How old are you now? You are looking gorgeous."

"Dad's out back." Scarlett said trying to cover her red cheeks.

"Don't be shy. Are there any boys in your life? Hmm?"

"No!"

"Girls?" Aunt Val said with an excepting but questionable look.

"Stop that! I'm focused on school. That's it."

"Sure dear. I was sixteen once. Then your cousin was born."

"Sounds like someone didn't use protection."

"Oh yeah? I know that look too." Scarlett's heart fell down to her stomach.

"W-what do you mean.?"

"I won't pry. But, something or someone is on your mind." God, how is my Aunt so perceptive. Scarlett tried to laugh her way out of this one.

"No. You got it wrong."

"Mm-hm."

"Drink! You need a drink." Scarlett took her out to the backyard.

Scarlett took a huge sigh of relief as she sat in a beach chair off to the side of the yard. The bitter sweet taste of whisky eased her tense mood. She watched and she listened. Her dad stationed at the grill with a small crowd talking about fishing. Another small crowd talking about camping trips. Then there was Tanya and her crowd. She flipped her hair showing off her newly painted nails. Scarlett couldn't help but snicker.