one summer at the lake house | #Wattys2016 #tbpa2016

IV. her

h e r  t h u r s d a y;

I thought it was strange how comfortable I was with Edison so quickly. Though my guilt nipped at the back of my mind telling me I was wrong, it was hard for me to believe. Yes, I was in a relationship. Yes, this was one hundred percent morally wrong. But I also knew that what I had with Edison was right.

   He was real.

It was in the way Edison cared, in the way he took each bit of me into consideration. He treated me like I was a fragile piece of china. Though his fear to break me was evident he didn't shy away. At least not nearly as much as he did previously. As if there was a wall surrounding him, it had finally crumbled. He smiled bright and laughed loud, something I would've never expected from that shy boy with his guitar on the dock two days ago. Edison, this Edison, was someone who deserved much better and even though he knows that, even if he doesn't show it, he still chose me.

   Self destructive Logan.

We spent two hours out on the lake; swimming and talking. He asked me to spend the afternoon with his family and I agreed, not allowing myself to hesitate. I kew we'd be swimming but I still went back to my own cabin to freshen up.

I grabbed my denim shirt as I started to leave, Dillion grabbing my leg. "Where are you goin Lo?" He pouted, his bottom lip pushed out and his bright eyes large with disappointment.

"Awe booger I was going to go on the lake with Edison. Is Pop not taking you out today?" I asked, slipping my arms into my shirt, leaving it unbuttoned. I knelt to meet the gaze of the small blond.

He shook his head with tears welling in his eyes and as if on cue Pop came up behind him. I glanced up at him as I stood, my hand still placed atop Dillion's head.

I smiled at Pop who looked utterly exhausted. When I wasn't with Edison or preparing meals we spent our time on the lake and I could tell it was getting to him. "I'll take Dillion with me. I'm sure the Bakers' won't mind just make sure you relax" –I leaned in kissing Pop on his scruffy cheek– "love you Pop."

"Thanks Lo. Love you too," Pop said and I could tell he was extremely grateful. A three year old could be an absolute hassle sometimes and he knew I was really good with Dillion. His thumb grazed over Dillion's cheek, "Love you Dill pickle," before he turned to go to his room.

   "Love you Pop!" Dillion called, a toothy grin on his face.

The toddler waved to Pop before I lifted him off the ground. I snagged our lifejackets from the patio railing as we walked out. I glanced over at the water and Edison's family was in their white speedboat waiting at our dock. I hurried down the stairs with Dillion and onto the dock. "Sorry we've got company," I told them with a grimace, I was imposing by bringing Dillion. He could definitely be a handful.

Mrs. Baker shook her head saying, "Nonsense the more the merrier! Welcome aboard private!" She finished off speaking to Dillion. He hopped into their boat joyfully. He recognize Mr. Baker from fishing along with him and Edison.

I climbed into the boat and grabbed Dillion. I placed him in his lifejacket before I let him scurry around the boat again. Edison sat beside me, uncomfortably close for some but for me it was nice. His hand slid to find my own and a small smile crept onto my face.