Was It Always Me?

SUMMER,SUMMER !!!

LEVI

Finally, I've graduated, and school is officially over until January because apparently, South African schools start then, so it gives enough time for me to chill. I'm going to the University of Cape Town to study forensic psychology. I'm so excited that I could pee myself, not actually but definitely hypothetically. I can feel the energy of excitement flowing from my head to my toes, I'm practically bouncing on my way home.

Unfortunately, it's a million degrees out, and I am sweating worse than a witch on the beach. I'm thinking of getting home, changing into my swimsuit, putting some ice in a glass full of Sprite, and taking a dip in the neighbors pool. I'm so happy that they allow me to come over anytime, I just hope none of the kids are there yet because I need the peace and quiet, not the rowdiness and chaos.

But I stop in my tracks because at the house next to mine, in the heat of it all, a man is standing there mowing the lawn. A tall, muscular back with the lightest brown hair tossing in the front soaked in sweat and sweat dripping down his back. His shirt is tucked into the back pocket of his shorts, and he's about to turn around. Was that a tattoo?

"Hey," said the figure. I was confused because he looked familiar, but I couldn't put my finger on where I've seen him before.

"Hey? Do I know you from somewhere?" I said

"Lev, this must be a joke" He must've seen the confusion on my face because the next thing he says is ," it's me, Astor Cohen, you know, your neighbor for the past 10 years."

Then it clicked, the light brown hair, the intense eyes and the scar above the bridge of his nose, how could I not recognize him, maybe because you've been staring at his muscles, i said to myself.

"What did you say?" He asked, confused

"Nothing. I'm just in disbelief. You look different. Your hair is shorter, and you've grown taller. You must be like, what, 5'10 "now? I asked

"6 feet actually," he responded, " talking about different, look at you, your hair is curlier now, and you're much taller too. You don't look so rough anymore."

He chuckled, " I'm only joking."

I replied, " Sure you are, and I'm about 6 feet now, too. And why are you in Mrs Turner's garden? And when did you get back?"

" Firstly, I got back this morning, actually. Yeah, the whole 2 years away wasn't fun anymore, I was homesick and missed everyone.Secondly, Mama offered to Mrs Turner that I would mow her lawn and I'm almost finished. Where are you going?"

"I'm going to my house to cool down and then to your house to swim in your pool because it's cleaner than ours."

"Your dad still never cleaned yours?"

"Nah, he always says he's going to do it tomorrow, but he never does so goodbye. I need to get there before my siblings. Those barbarians."

" Ok, it was nice seeing you. I hope we can do this again."

" Do what again. Watch you mow the lawn in this heat ? I'd rather pass, but yeah, nice seeing you. See ya soon."

He smiled, and my heart fluttered. I missed that smile and that face and everything about him. I basically stomped home out of the anger for allowing myself to miss him. I promised that the day he left was time to get over him because this 10-year crush was getting old.

I still remember the first time I saw him, I was 7, and he was 11. He was the prettiest boy I had ever seen, and I usually found the boys at my school yucky. He was playing with my brother, Francis, and they were kicking the soccer ball right next to my tea party table. I was so annoyed and started yelling at them, Astor felt sorry for me and offered to join my tea party. I said yes and put one of my hand-made tiaras on his head. He was then known as Princess Astor. We had so much fun, and eventually, after his annoyance subsided, Francis joined us. It eventually got dark, and Astor went home, but he left with my tiara, but I didn't mind. The pretty boy spoke to me and took my tiara. My heart sang for days.

That was the day that I declared I was inlove and he was going to be my future husband, after growing up, having zero relationships, zero kissing and only 2 failed talking stages, I'm done with men.

After walking around sighing, I changed into my tankini and went to swim. Thankfully, the munchkins weren't around, only my favorite brother, Percy, who was silently reading a book and dipping his feet in at the edge.

"Hallo, wat lees jy?" I asked

"Ek weet nie eens, die boek is 'n gemors." He looked with disgust

I chuckled and waded through the water. It was so chilling, I felt like a mermaid who had just found her waters. It was relaxing and calming to my soul. I felt at peace. Until it felt like I was being watched.