Memories

Chapter four

A/N: the picture is some cover art-ish stuff that I printed off the internet and traced/tweaked. Credit goes to the original artist

*** https://plus.google.com/+CateHavershamImpala67/posts/LfUEv7kc8cp visit here for a poll for a visible representation of Rhynn ***

*** https://plus.google.com/+CateHavershamImpala67/posts/SzsiUJf2Kyi and here for a visible representation of Brett ***

*** https://plus.google.com/+CateHavershamImpala67/posts/VCVbMaaPiAG and here for a poll on the ship name***

"So, I was thinking the other day, why don't we name the hill?" Brett asked one day, having called before school.

"It's a cool idea." Rhynn responded, rummaging through her drawers for something to wear. "What we're you thinking of naming it?

"What about Weathertop?"

"Like from The Lord of the Rings?"

"Exactly."

She shrugged, unseen to the boy. "Could work. It's actually a cool idea. Have you read those books?"

"Yeah, in third grade."

"I read 'em in fifth. Well, I read The Hobbit before second, but I couldn't focus on The Fellowship until I had definite designated reading time. Of course, my dad gave it to me one of the last summers he was home for the whole summer, so I was more focussed on him that summer, but whatever."

"... Oh."

"What?"

"What?"

"That was a pensive 'oh', what's wrong?"

"Nothing, just... The summer of your fifth grade year was the last time your dad was home for an extended period of time?"

"... Yeah, I guess so. Guess I hadn't thought about it. Huh."

"How do you not think about it? ... if you don't pardon my asking?" Brett winced, realising the question had probably been rude.

She shrugged again. "I dunno. Just don't, I guess. I mean, I always look forward to when he comes home, but I've just gotten used to him not being around, I guess. What about your old man?"

"What do ya mean?"

"Well, didn't you tell me that he walked out on you and your mom?"

"... Yeah. When I was eight. Left me, took my little sister."

"Do you think about him?"

"Sometimes. I guess I think about Rosie more."

"Your sister?"

"Yeah. I mean... My mom totally blames me for Dad leaving... Ya know? And I've always wondered... If he hadn't taken Rosie with him... Would Mom have treated her like she does me? I mean... The kid was only two. I keep wondering... is it better he took her, or would she be better off here? Would I be better off here if he had left her? Would I be worse? It just isn't something you forget easily... Ya know?"

"... Yeah. Yeah, I guess I just don't think that way."

"And that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Thinking differently is good."

"Yeah, I guess."

"Hey, I didn't ask to make you feel bad, I was just curious."

"Yeah, I know. You're fine, man. No worries."

"You sure?"

"Positive. Hey, listen, you wanna meet up for ice cream and coffee sometime this week? There's some stuff I wanna talk over with you... In person."