Salmon (COMING BACK 2021)

2

"Everyday?" Pirate asked. He was video calling me while eating breakfast, "Really River?" His spoon was inches away from his mouth as he questioned whether I was being honest.

"Yes! Everyday!" A field trip of children turned to my loud outburst and I cringed. "Every morning he says hello."

"Well was it like a hey, hello, or hi?" Pirate asked as if it was a huge difference. Apparently it was.

"He says hey. What does that mean?" I grew nervous and leaned closer to my laptop screen.

"Well. A hello is formal like that's like strictly business, a hi is like what you say to the coffee maker person at Starbucks-"

"A Barista."

Pirate rolled his eyes at my interruption, "Yeah but a hey is like casual and cool like," Pirate pushed his hair into his face and flipped it, "Hey."

I laughed at my cousin. "That's not even the best part. You know Grandpa Ludwig's chair?"

"The one that has been permanently attached to the surface of the earth?" Pirate ate a spoonful of his cereal and scoffed.

"Yeah. So that's like our meeting spot. Like during breaks we go and talk?"

"You? Talking?"

"Okay well he talks mostly. I talk too a bit."

"River." He deadpanned and I looked down.

"Okay so he smokes cigarettes and I sit there but we sit next to each other."

"He smokes cigarettes? Jesus how old is this guy?"

"Twenty." I mumbled against my palm.

"River he's too old for you, your parents would never allow it. Plus smoking is disgusting."

"I'm turning eighteen very soon, and plus you used to smoke!" I defended myself. I didn't like the way Pirate was talking to me--like I was some child.

He rolled his eyes and waved his hand as if he was dismissing what I said, "I was going through a phase when I was hanging out with that cute art major dude, it's all in the past." He took another bite of his cereal and sighed to himself, "God I wish I could get a refund for all those city museum shows and American Apparel." Coming out of his haze Peter focused on me. "River just make sure he isn't taking advantage of you." Pirate said seriously, he weakly smiled at me and then changed the subject. "I'll be there for your birthday party and I want that Salmon boy there."

"I'll try," A door slammed shut and I heard my father's whistle coming closer. "Pirate I have to go, bye!" He waved goodbye before ending the video call.

"River are you ready for your harp lessons?" My dad was in a good mood, twirling his car keys around his pointer finger. I nodded quickly and put on my jacket.

We were at my father's truck and my hand was on the passenger door waiting for the click, "River want to learn to drive?"

I was stunned, "What?" I stammered. I couldn't believe he asked that. This was so out of his character. He clicked open the car doors.

"I thought you were turning sixteen?"

I sighed, suddenly feeling drained at the fact I had to tell my own father my age, "No dad. I am turning eighteen next week." I slid into the passenger seat, slammed the door and rested my chin in my hand for the entire ride. He was getting better at hiding his drunkenness. Could have fooled me. I watched him carefully as he drove me to practice buzzed.

"River you're improving. I can't wait to hear your piece for the town fundraiser!" My harp teacher gave me a pat on my back that traveled lower making me feel nauseous and my skin crawl.