I Know Places / b.s.

Trois

A week went by until I saw Brad again. Beth and I were in Jeremy and Kira's house, sitting at their kitchen island listening to Kira tell us about this puppy she wants to adopt. Hanging out with them gave me the opportunity to take a break from worrying and being sad.

Kira and Beth do most of the talking, but I listen and give small responses. My social side was one of the many things lost in the wreck.

"Hey," Brad said, walking into the kitchen wearing nothing but a pair of basketball shorts.

Beth and I furrowed our brows. Kira shook her head, looking a little annoyed at him. Clearly, he wasn't taking my advice from last week.

"Where's Jeremy?" Brad asked, opening the refrigerator and taking out a water bottle.

"He went to the store," Kira said. "Are you planing on doing anything today? I feel like you never go outside."

"I was outside last week," Brad scoffed.

I laughed a little, shaking my head. Beth glared at me, but I rolled my eyes at her. Brad glanced over at me and gave me a smug look.

"Hello, Olivia."

"Hey," I said.

"You two met?" Kira asked.

"Yeah," Brad shrugged.

Beth looked at me with curious eyes. I looked away from her, not wanting to see her knowing smile.

"There is nothing to do around here," Brad whined, "I swear, I'm stuck in a world with shitty wifi and awful cell reception."

"Welcome to Brighton Lake," Beth said.

-

I laid on the pier like usual, my legs dangling off the side. My arms rested beside me and my eyes were closed as I felt the sun beaming down on me.

There were footsteps coming towards me, but I didn't bother to open my eyes figuring it was the only person who didn't want to be here as much as me.

"Hey," Brad said, "are you ever not here?"

"No."

I opened my eyes and saw him laying down beside me. He sighed loudly, staring up at the bright blue sky for a moment before looking over at me.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"I'm bored," he said.

I rolled my eyes, "keep yourself busy - watch tv, go for a walk, go swimming-"

"I've been here for almost two weeks and I have only seen you with Beth," he mentioned, "I'm curious... you never really told me why you're here."

"I'm here to visit my aunt," I lied.

"Lie."

"You are so annoying," I sat up and scoffed. "I swear, every time I finally relax, you pop up."

He chuckled, "and I have a bad attitude?"

I shook my head. He sat up and rested his hands in his lap. There was silence between us but it didn't seem awkward or rushed. Brad took a deep breath and ran his hands through his silky curls.