Many Chance Summer

Feared Desire

     I decide to go to the media room of the hotel next door instead.

When I enter into the lobby of Mariotts Hotel, I physically exhale at the cool air piercing my skin. Our motel does not have AC so we've been using store bought fans with the water sprinkler feature, as well as makeshift fans of paper or magazines or whatever we can find that's sturdy enough. It's not been too bad since we've spent our times at the beach, in the water or out at night when the heat's bearable. My thick, tight curls aren't helping the situation either.

"I could really use an ice cream cone right now," I mutter to myself.

     "Ice cream? We have our annual Ice Cream Bash next week Saturday at 6 to help raise money for the hotel, but 40% will go to our veterans near by." Some lady butts in front of me. She's holding a small stack of papers with info about the Bash on it. "Here, please take one. And come join us! It'll be held in the green room on the third floor."

     She smiles quickly before rushing away to catch the next family that walks into the hotel.

     "Sheesh."

     I fold the flyer and put it in the back pocket of my shorts.

     I'm making my way to the media room when my phone chimes.

Made it yet?

     It's Jamaal. I'm actually surprised he's texting me first. My heart beats picks up a little, but I call myself down. I only rely when I've reached the second level of the hotel via elevator. I don't want him to think that I'm easy.

Yeah sorry

     As I suspected, he doesn't reply back.

"Crap, why did I say sorry?" I criticize myself. "It sounds like I had to, was obliged to text him when I got home. Ugh."

     The media room isn't full. Families and couples are out, enjoying their time on the lake, shopping, or visiting close relatives and friends. I think of my sister Petra. How is she doing?

    Just as I'm about to dial her number, she calls.

     "Hey." I exhale.

     "Hi!" She exclaims not the phone the annoying way that she does. "Omg, why haven't you called me yet?"

     "Um, who said I wanted to talk to you?"

     Petra snorts.

     "Whatever. You answered not even on the first ring."

     "Yeah, whatever."

     "Omg, so how are you guys? What're you doin'? Any cute guys yet? Oh, shit! It's mom hold on-"

     I hear rustling then a door closing.

     "I'm fine. We're fine. Just, you know...partying, shopping, flirting. The ush!"

     "Bitch!" Petra whisper/shouts. "Tell me everything right now."

     "There's really nothin' to tell, yo. I mean, we went to this party 'cause this girl I met at the store invited us and we became friends, I guess." I pause. "Actually, now that I think about it, it was weird how we met. Like, she just came up to me-"