When Summer Becomes Winter

Chapter 5: Discussing Birthday Plans

Spring 19

I finished the last sip of my fruit ole, grinning from ear to ear. I was still delighted over the fact that I didn't have to go to school today! Weekends were the best! I stood up from my seat in the dining room with a spring in my step, heading back to my room to try and find an outfit for the day.

I needed to talk to Dorothy and Barrett about something and asked for them to meet me at the pier on the east end of town around noon-thirty, which is around the time Dorothy has her lunch. I had to look somewhat nice for today, considering I was going to be discussing something about their son's birthday.

I blushed deeply. I wanted to throw Leonel's party with no supervision! For a reason too, but...I couldn't tell Dorothy and Barrett the reason. So I made up a reason that was far from the truth but still pretty convincing.

I pulled out a peachy-colored, flowy crepe fabric dress; the skirt was just below the knees. I found this to be acceptable, considering I am going to be talking with Dorothy after all.

I slipped the dress on, putting a pastel green headband over my head. I decided to skip the makeup and other accessories. I didn't want to overdo it.

Glancing over at my clock to a quarter past noon, I inhaled deeply. Looking at my reflection again, I nodded. Slipping on a pair of beige sandals, I headed out of my room and down the stairs. I checked myself over again, making sure there were no rips or snags in my dress before I headed out the front door of the farmhouse.

-

Barrett was already waiting at the pier with his back turned, staring at the water as I furrowed my brows.

"You're a little earlier than expected." I said as he jumped a bit in surprise, turning his attention towards me.

"Well, it is a weekend. I don't have much to do today." He said as I blushed slightly.

"Point taken." I replied.

"So, what did you need? Are you having trouble with any of the lessons?" He asked as I shook my head.

"Ah, no. It's nothing related to school. I'll let you know as soon as Dorothy arrives." I said as he gave an upward nod.

"Good, because if it was related to school, I'd have you and Leonel meet me at the academy instead of here." He said as my eyes widened.

"Is Leonel not doing well?" I asked in shock as Barrett blushed slightly.

"It's not that he's not doing well. He's doing great! But I've noticed he is struggling a bit." Barrett sighed.

"He has a bit of a short attention span, not as bad as Roy, but it's still there and he'll go off in his own little world. And his writing is..." Barrett shifted as my eyes widened.

"W-what about his writing? Is it still messy?" I asked.

"It's very messy. Almost illegible. And when he was little, you were the only one he would play with, though he is getting better about socializing now. And every now and then he'll fidget in some way." Barrett crossed his arms.

"I sometimes wonder if maybe it's because I wasn't there enough for him." He blushed slightly.

"Sorry, I probably shouldn't talk about my problems to you. You're probably going through enough at your age." He smiled slightly as I looked out at the sea in concern.

Leonel's my best friend! I can't believe I never realized he was struggling! However, he never acted as though he was struggling. And when he was stressed, I just figured it was because our age right now was awkward and weird. Leonel never could put into words his emotions, so I always guessed how he was feeling.

I started to think back on our childhood; as long as I've known him, his fingers move in some way when he became anxious or he would sway slightly when he was excited or happy. I've also noticed he doesn't make eye contact whenever he talks. My best friend was weird in more ways than one.

"Ah, hey, Barrett?" I asked. I heard him reply with a 'Hm?' as I continued, "Leonel...I know that he does the finger thing and the swaying, but do you know why he does that?"

"I'm not sure. He's always done it though, and I thought he'd grow out of it, but he didn't. But I'm not too concerned about it." Barrett said. However, the look on his face said more, but before I could ask.

"Oh! Honey! What are you doing here?" Dorothy asked as we turned our attention toward her.

"Clara apparently wants to talk to both of us." Barrett said as Dorothy tilted her head to the side.

"Oh? About what?" She asked as Barrett shrugged.

"We were talking about other things, so we hadn't gotten to that part yet." He replied as they both looked at me. Or at least, I think Dorothy's eyes were on me as well? It was hard to tell with her bangs in her face.

"Well, I...have an idea for Leonel's birthday party!" I began.

"Go on." Barrett said, crossing his arms with his brows furrowed suspiciously. I suddenly became nervous, but...if I wanted to give Leonel his gift...

"I was thinking...of having it at the entrance of Blessia! The monsters never venture outside of the dungeons, so we wouldn't have to worry about them at the entrance. And we could make it a swimming party! Everyone can bring their swimsuits."

"Oh? That sounds nice." Dorothy said as I blushed.

"But here's the thing...I think we should be allowed to grow up. No supervision. If need be, someone can check our bags for anything and pack our refreshments...but we need to have a taste of freedom." I said as I noticed Dorothy frowning; my heart started to pound. I probably shouldn't have gotten my hopes up.

"Actually, that's not a bad idea." Barrett said with a smile, Dorothy's mouth gaped open as her head turned towards her husband.

"Barrett!" She scolded.

"What? You can't protect and shelter him forever! He needs to grow up, Dorothy! He needs to have a bit of freedom! I think this is a great idea! As soon as we do a bit more planning, Clara can ask if he wants to have his party there with none of us around." Barrett said as Dorothy blushed.

"You're right. But if anything happens, get on the ship as fast as possible. There's also some flare guns on there if need be." Dorothy said.

"But don't shoot each other with them! Ah, though I know we don't have to worry about you kids." Barrett began sternly before becoming nervous at the last bit when he noticed Dorothy shaking.

"Anyway! We can do more planning later. I'm sure Dorothy needs to eat before her lunch break is over." I said as Dorothy's shakes became more intensified.

"I-I don't think I can eat now." She said as Barrett sighed.

"Eat, honey! I'll force-feed you if I have to because I am not going to let you pass out like you did that one time!" Barrett scolded as Dorothy blushed. I had no idea that Dorothy passed out once. I kind of wondered what caused her to not eat to the point of passing out, but it probably wasn't my place to ask either.

I gave the couple a wave in farewell as Barrett led Dorothy back to the clinic, probably to make sure she at least eats something.