Thirteen Summers

four

Content Warning: Themes of bulimia are mentioned in this chapter. I will put an asterisk (*) to notify readers of when this happens. If you struggle with an eating disorder, please do not read ahead past that symbol for your own mental health.

C A L E B

I glanced at my twin sister, who stared at me fascinated as I did some basic tricks. It intrigued me to see her like this, usually she had a blank face on her, sometimes a sad one and she was so quiet, so very quiet. Cameron didn't show it but I think he was worried about her. He spoke to me after lunch and thanked me for inviting her out and asked me to keep a close eye on her.

We were waiting for my best friend, Reece, to show up so in the meantime, I got myself warmed up and skated around a little, Josephine watching my every move.

I stopped and flipped up my skateboard, showing off a little before making my way to my sister.

"Josephi- Josie." I started, looking down at her where she sat. "Can I call you that?"

"Yeah, no one actually calls me Josephine other than you guys.." She nodded, lightly laughing.

"Oh, shit. Sorry." I apologise, scratching my head awkwardly to which she just nodded. "Anyways, I'm gonna teach you a few things so let's get you warmed up."

"Huh?"

"You don't think I brought you here just to watch us skate, do you?" I reached a hand out to her, she grabbed it to help pull herself. "It'll be fun."

After she warmed up, I helped her put on the things I'd brought for her to wear which were wrist guards, elbow pads, knee pads & one of my old helmets and then we got started.

"Okay, now do it yourself this time."

I watched her hesitate and look around at the more experienced skaters, I tugged her hand to turn back to me.

"Hey, don't worry about them. You're good, let's go!" I encouraged her and she started to push along, a nervous look on her face.

A wide smile appeared on her face as she gained more confidence.

"You did great." I grinned, giving her a high five.

Her shy nature disappeared nearly completely as she practised some more, I think she just needed help getting out of her shell. Josie was full of glee, that was until we both heard someone yelling my name.

Reece's figure became bigger and bigger as he skated closer towards us then came to a stop.

"Sorry, I got held up."  He apologised and then nodded towards my twin, eyes slightly wide. "So, this is her?"

"Yup, the baby sis." I joked, I look to see her narrowed eyes set on me. "Reece, meet Josie."

"You alright?" He greeted with a smile, in typical Reece manner.

"I'm okay, thank you." My sister answered nervously, glancing at him briefly. "How are you?"

J O S I E

"Good." Reece nodded, his straight teeth gleamed as he spoke.

I looked down and suddenly put all my interest on the knee pads I was wearing, as the two spoke.

"-so, that's what I've been teaching her."

"Can I see?" Reece asked, I didn't register he was talking to me until it went quiet.

"Huh?"

"Caleb said he taught you some stuff, show me."

I blushed at his forwardness but shook my head, "I'm kind of bad.."