Meet Me Past the Stars

Chapter 16

The past few days were gift-bringing and Mom slowly not avoiding me. We pretended like everything was fine as much as possible since Gary was over.

On Siblings Day, I got Willy a watercolor art kit, from the city over past the train station. I've had it in my drawer for about a few months, so I'm happy that I could finally give it to him.

He gave me some tarnished rings, which are my favorite type of jewelry, and a golden necklace with both of our faces in it.

We took care of Mom on Parent's Day. My mom only wants two things from us. Massages and piggyback rides all around the house with no complaints. The only reason we never complain, was because our dad would be the one doing this, the entire day. Its almost like tradition in his honor. Every year she's content with that even though we asked what she wanted in case she changed her mind.

My thoughts go back to James. I wonder how he's doing right now. I haven't seen Randy or anyone. I at least know he's not as stressed, my neck hasn't hurt as much as when that day we were in the woods together.

Today was the first day of tourists coming to town, so it's a bit busier. We made the store look romantic and friendlier than it usually is by placing a lot of roses, and hearts all over the place. We had an area where you could make your own small set of body mist as well. It was meant really for the family audience.

Young girls, who were very kind, asked for my advice on what potions they should use to attract the men they liked. They also were kind tippers as well. Mom split the tip money with Willy, Gary and I.

I would have to admit, that acting like nothing happened in those woods sort of made this holiday season easier than actually being in there.

When the last customer finally left the building, we closed up the shop early. Mom usually didn't do this on the money-making holidays, but I assume it's because we had Gary staying over.

She smiled at everyone, "Since we made over the quota, and -no matter how much this pains me to say this-" she mumbled, "we're closing the shop so you guys can have your fun."

The boys cheered while I kept my face down, still sweeping the remaining dust on the floor.

I felt Mom's warm presence and hand placed on my shoulder. "You can go with them, your foot should be better now since it was only sprained."

I'm sure it's because Mom knows I'll be with Willy and Gary that i wont be 'attacked' like i told her in the story. 

Night was beginning to sit, the sun set leaving its last oranges and pinks in the sky as dark clouds rolled closer.

Willy held one hand in Gary's and the other with the family-sized beach towel as the three of us walked down the cobblestone. I wanted to visit Jaz and her family but when I looked into their bright shop, I stopped at the window to see James.

The hairs on the back of my neck began to tingle, not sure if it was from seeing him for a long time, or because he looked different.

His hair was disheveled, and it looked like he hadn't been sleeping for a long time. He was talking to Mr. Sinclair about something to which Jaz's Dad laughed. William took my hands as we headed over to the beach area.

I wanted them to stop, but my words were covered by the large crowd growing from the beach. Since it was the afternoon, most of the stalls were closing for tonight's fireworks display.

The salty ocean air felt licked my skin as we went closer to the tide area of the beach. The cool breeze caressing against my face and body as I relaxed and lay down on part of the towel we sprawled out.