A slow fall

Chapter 12 - Lucas

    With the sloth teddy in hand I set out to find my family again. Last I saw them was by the food, Dad grilling Mr Myers about the flavouring of his chilli, and Mom and Aunt Michelle eying up the cake stalls.

I wanted to turn around and talk to Caleb some more. I wanted to man up and tell him I chose the sloth because he wanted it, but that felt sappy and clearly I lacked any social skills when it came to him.

Would I've come across as a bit of a creep?

"That is one big ass sloth." Amare chirped as she walked towards me, seemingly appearing out of nowhere. "So, let me get this straight, you left me all alone with the parents so you could win yourself a teddy?"

"Of course not." I scoffed.

Who wants a teddy this big anyway? He was the size of my torso, with arms and legs that dangled.

Okay, maybe he was a bit cute. And really soft.

So, I might understand. Still, he was a bit over priced, even with Caleb giving me a few games for free.

"Okay, then explain."

I had nervous habits, the shifting of my feet an obvious one. I also wasn't really able to lie. I couldn't hold eye contact or I'd crumble, either confessing everything outright or just laughing awkwardly until I caved.

Everyone also knew my tells, so even if I did manage to hold it together, I was always caught out.

That's why I always ended up getting us into trouble as kids. I was the easiest to crack.

Still, I tried to play it off. "I went for a walk and ended up in front of a stall, you know, since it's a fair and all. So, I thought why not win myself a prize? Self-care and all."

"Lucas," her stern voice made me nervous, "look at me."

"I am." I was not.

"Lucas."

"What?" I finally moved my gaze to meet hers. Her eyebrow was raised in question as she stood, arms crossed, analysing me.

"What aren't you telling me?" When I failed to respond, she looked around, her eyes darting across the game stalls behind me. Unfortunately for me, the stalls seemed to have different prizes. "Is that Caleb in the stalls with the sloths?"

"So what if it is?"

She just laughed. "God, you are so obvious."

"Am not."

"Are too. Now tell me, since you went out of your way to go see Caleb and spend who knows how much money to win a stupid sloth teddy, what's going on with you two and why doesn't he have the prize?"

"Becuase I want it."

"No you don't."

I fumbled for a minute, "But, what if I do?"

"Do you?"

"Besides the point." Was I pouting? "I only stopped by to say hi."

"Exactly the point, idiot. I'm guessing you stopped by to flirt and cute little innocent Caleb was oblivious, so when you won the sloth you felt too awkward to give it to him."

"I did not go over to flirt."

"Lucas."

"Just to have a friendly chat."

"Lucas."

"Two bros hanging out and having fun."

"Lucas."

"What?!" I cried.

Her intimidating stare sent shivers down my spine. "The truth," when I hesitated she demanded, "now.