Nobody | Danny Walter

Lake House Blues

Every year before it gets too cold or when it gets warm enough, Dylan invites people over to his lake house for a party. The one perk of being Cole's twin is being automatically invited to these things as a designated driver. Most of the time I decline, but today I've decided to go. I promised myself I'd try to be more engaged in social activities and this way I can be a fly on the wall to watch all kinds of behaviours tonight.

The party starts during school but I luckily have a spare, so I'm not worried about cutting class. What I am worried about though is lying to Mom and her figuring it out. I may be a good actor, but I also have a strong conscience. We'll have to wait and see which one wins out.

"Hey Mom, I have drama club after school today and then we're gonna to Monty's. So I'm gonna miss dinner, ok?"

"Ok honey," she quietly replies as Cole walks over.

"I'm working late at Tony's," he says leaning over the counter slightly before looking back at me as I get milk out of the fridge. "So I'm gonna miss dinner as well."

"Wait, really?" Mom asks curiously, suddenly intrigued by the coincidence. My pulse spikes, worried Cole has given us away when a loud cracking noise rings out. Everyone looks at Parker who is looking at the shards of Jackie's teapot she accidentally knocked into the sink. I sigh in relief, Mom's attention completely focused on Jackie's hurt feelings and telling off a grumpy Parker instead of investigating the lying twins. Parker storms off while Jackie exhales deeply, trying to keep her composure. Mom takes a moment to gather her thoughts.

Five pairs of eyes are glued to the women of the house, waiting to see their next move. Mom clears her throat. "Ok everybody, we need to be outside in 15 minutes, so let's go."

———

The school hallways are decked out with posters and banners supporting the school football team, the Bighorns. There are cheerleaders everywhere. No matter where you look, there are reminders of football. I can nearly hear Cole's teeth grind as he walks beside me.

"The amount of money this school spends on football..."

"Look, there's like maximum two games till the football season's over then the hallways will be free and clear," I say as we pass Paige, her eyes locked on Cole. "Well, mostly clear."

"Just gotta make it till lunch."

I pat him on the back and reply chirpily, "That's the spirit."

———

The day passes quickly, flying by until I have to wait for Cole to finally show up at the car to head to the party. He's taking forever, but I can see why when he enters my view. We're no longer going to the party as a duo. Jackie nervously smiles at me, probably feeling awkward about skipping class. Her arms are crossed but the way she's gripping one arm makes me wonder if there's something else underneath the surface.

We get settled in for the drive, it's not too far to get out to the lake house, but it feels longer than it normally does when the car is completely silent.

"So..." Jackie's voice breaks the silence, "what kind of party should I be expecting?"

I look over to Cole to signal for him to answer.

"Mostly everyone hanging outside with a couple beers. Someone may stupidly decide it's still warm enough for a swim. The girls will normally stick together until one of them decides to hook up. Last time Dylan challenged me to a handstand comp. He was so cocky about it but because I wasn't as drunk as he was, I managed to hold it for a few seconds. He immediately came crashing down as soon as he tried his."