The Gallagher twins

~• 13 •~

I was packing my bags. Turns out Lauren had changed my dad's mind and we were going on vacation (we love you, Lauren). I was packing two floral beach dresses, shorts, t-shirts and my beautiful black converse. Oh, and a hideous bathing suit that looked like a burkini.

My dad and Lauren rented a cabin for four, I was voting for Ryan to sleep on the couch. But the best part wasn't that, the resort also offered a tour. They would show us the restaurants, pools and entertainment areas (bars and casinos).

—There are 8 billion people on this damn planet, and you think of inviting that carrot hair?

They were talking in the hallway. Ryan sounded irritated and it gave a lot of laughter because he spoke in a high-pitched voice.

—Let me go, I told you, you won't convince me. And stop yelling in my ear or you'll make me deaf.

—You're unbelievable! You do it on purpo...

I came out of my room, ready to find out what they were arguing about.

—Excuse me, but it's 6 a.m and I didn't sleep well, could you please keep it down?

—You —Ryan pointed at me—, what would you do about it if your brother invited your ex-boyfriend over without asking first?

I looked at him, serious.

—Ryan, I don't have a brother, let alone an ex-boyfriend.

—It's just... Why am I asking you?!

The boys were already dressed. Their outfits were comfortable and appropriate for the situation. They wore a somewhat aesthetic style, they even looked like they were taken from Pinterest. They were both wearing shorts. What calves.

We went downstairs at the same time, them behind me. Me and Aidan carried our bags while Ryan dragged his down the stairs. Yes, he was like a kid trapped in a teenage body.

—Good morning guys —announced an animated Lauren—. It's a good thing you're coming down, because we've got to get going.

I was so excited. I don't think I had ever gone on vacation with so many people. In fact, I had never been on vacation before. We got out of the car to have breakfast at a gas station.

 —Choose a drink and something to eat. We might starve to death along the way. That girl's house is a little far —my dad said.

I headed to the refrigerated aisle to grab a juice. Sometimes it's hard for me to process and take hints, but I could barely tell that "Carrot Hair" and "Girl" were the same person. And as I switched to the cookie and fry aisle, I bumped into someone. I didn't remember how much taller Aidan towered over me until I raised my head. His bright gaze hypnotized me.

—Excuse me —he said before grabbing onto my nonexistent waist and pulling me out of his way. Oh, I think I got goose bumps.

When I got to the hallway I didn't even remember what I wanted, so I grabbed anything. I walked by inertia, I was like in a trance. A mini shiver ran down my spine.

—Hey —Ryan yelled at me.

—Huh?

—Can I have some of your cookies? —And when he saw that I didn't reply, he added—: Please, they're oatmeal and they're my favo....

—Yes, when we get in the car.

That Aidan took me that way made me uncomfortable. It was one of those sensations that stings your whole body and leaves your mind blank. Fear, terror, panic.

—Daughter, get in the car! —my eyes went to the vehicle. Everyone was inside.

I trotted over, feeling like a runner. When I opened the door, Ryan had tremendous puppy dog eyes.

—We're in the car. Give me the cookies.

—You can eat them all. I don't like them.

—Then why did you take them? —Aidan's brow furrowed.

Ah, I don't know, I don't know. Ask her, ask your grandmother.

—They looked delicious, but I don't feel like it anymore —I lied.

For the next ten minutes I cursed myself. Blessed oatmeal granola cookies. Now my tummy was growling and I had nothing to eat. The further we went Aidan got happier and Ryan got heavier. Suddenly, we passed a gate and entered what looked like a residential neighborhood. The houses were quite nice, if not beautiful. We walked a few blocks until we came to a two-story house. In the garden stood a girl with a suitcase on her side and a backpack over her shoulder.

Aidan rolled down the window with mind-boggling and disturbing speed.

—Hannah!

Aidan's scream woke Ryan, who had fallen asleep on my shoulder. Ryan looked at me, startled. He realized what was happening and for a moment I saw Mrs. Lety saying, "I don't want it to come." It was extremely funny. To this day I remember it at night and laugh.

Before we went in, the redhead greeted us. On the way in she was talking to Aidan. There was no interaction between her and Ryan.

—We lived there before. We were Hannah's neighbors.

—Don't you miss living there? —I looked out the window. All the wind was hitting my face.

—Nah. I like your house better.

—Why? I mean, if I had lived in one of those I wouldn't prefer my house.

—I don't know, maybe because you're there.

What?

—But before you also had company: Aidan. And, well, you are men and you understand each other.

—But living with a woman, apart from my mother, is a new experience.

—And what do you think of this new experience?

—I like you. And your dad is very funny. And in this new school there are very pretty girls.

—Fuck you —I said about the last thing. He laughed.

The next half hour we were yelling at people out the window. Lauren watched us and scolded Ryan when he said vulgarities to people.

—Ryan Aleksander Gallagher! —his mom scolded him from the passenger seat. I hadn't noticed, but she had much nicer hair that day. It was quite straight.

—Fine, fine...

As soon as we arrived we all got out of the car. I admired the beach. Beautiful scenery, adorned with shirtless guys. Lots of pecs on display, cover my eyes.

And yes, I think what little dignity I had was lost on that beach.