Many Chance Summer

Family are your Worst Enemies

Upon waking up to bright, blue skies and besides my best friends, I just lay in bed and watch TV. My parents will be here by Sunday. I really miss them. I thought going away for the summer would give me some freedom and I'd really enjoy it, but I miss my family. I miss my parents and my sister, especially now. We share a lot with each other, including excitement my and encouragement, so to not receive and give those gifts is kind of hard for me.

     "What are we gonna do today?" I ask myself. Kendra got up a little while after I did but we've stayed in bed. Caressa is still sound asleep.

     "I'm kinda tired of the lake, you know." I crunch up my nose. "That sand getting in places you can't reach. It's like a bad breakup. It just stays with you, hiding. Two weeks later, you find remnants of it in your hair or at the bottom of your tub."

     Kendra eyes me.

     "Is there something you're not telling me?" Kendra asks, crossing her arms over the chest, glaring at me.

     I laugh.

     "No."

      She narrows her eyes at me.

     "It's just a beautiful day and I..." I pause. "I old my parents."

     Kendra gapes at me and looks like he's about to shoot up but takes her time instead. When she's in a sitting position, she speaks.

     "You did?" She looks down at me sitting side her and  holds my face in teen her hands. "Oh, my goodness, Naeya..."

     I see her tears first before my vision is clouded with my own.

     My best friend/sister is crying because she knows the burden I have to carry in my heart, on my shoulders, and over my head because of my rape. She knows that's it been a rough four years for me and I haven't been living it the way I should because I am permanently scarred. She's shared thus blemish with me, this burden. I am the love of her life and the rape broke my heart, but brought us closer together.

      "You've been the most supportive and the best friend anyone coils ever ask for." I sob. "I...I don't..."

     "Oh, my God!"

     "Yeah."

     I tell her about how my dad was shattered by the news, not enraged, and that he and my mom will be here on Sunday.

     "I'm so proud of you."

     "Thank you."

     Caressa stirs beside me and I shove Kendra.

     "Ugh, I need more space."

     "Ugh, I need more space." Kendra mocks me, getting out of bed.

     We get up, dressed, and go to the pool over at the hotel. I text Jamaal and tell him I'll be there for a while and he said he'll text me if he comes.

The pool isn't too packed but there's a good deal of people here. I spot three empty benches side by side and walk over there. I take one, and Kendra and Caressa take the other two. I think Kendra is going to tell Caressa about her and Jamaal.

We put on our sunscreen, deserving curious eyes from both men and women. I imagine instead Jamaal's hands rubbing the protection into my skin. I feel his big hand gently massaging my thighs and breasts.

"Uh, Janaeya?" Kendra snaps me into reality. I open my eyes to her freaked out face. "What the hell? I am not Jamaal!"

We bust out laughing so loud in pretty sure everyone in the whole hotel can hear us.