Sweet Little Lies

Ch. 1 Prologue

Prologue

I watch as Ajax wades in the waist deep water, making his shirt cling to his body. We've known each other our whole lives, but every time I look at him I'm awed by how beautiful he is. I quickly look away before he notices me watching him again. When he does catch me, his bright blue eyes stare straight through me and I end up blushing and usually stumble over my feet.
Fishing with my brother and Ajax has been a tradition since I was eight and old enough to keep up with them. We always come to the same fishing hole every summer. However, things are about to change. I just graduated from high school and I'm going to live with my aunt in Flagstaff, Arizona. I'll be starting my accounting degree at Northern Arizona University this fall. It's not too far from Montana, but it's still going to be a huge change.
Lost in thought I cast my line. I don't want to think about not being here. The only good I can see coming from this is that my brother won't be watching my every move. It started in 6th grade, when Bradley Martin asked me to be his girlfriend. Since then Dan and Ajax have made it impossible for me to date. They threaten or beat up guys that show an interest in me. Not that I really care. Ajax is the only one I want. You could say I'm waiting for him. They way he looks at me, I think he wants me too. He's three years older than me, but that doesn't matter. I know Ajax is my one and only, now if only he'd do something about it!
I realize the boys left me completely alone and I reel in my fishing line. I secure the hook to the rod and walk to the third bend in the river. When the fish aren't biting, I know the boys try their luck here. I see them sitting on the river bank and creep towards them, hoping to scare them.
When I hear my brother growl and ask angrily. "So, you have no interest in her?"
"In Harper? You've got to be kidding? Hell no, she's like my kid sister." Ajax replies, almost disgusted.
"I think Jeremy is trying to start shit." Dan complains, shaking his head.
"You know me better than that." Ajax, mutters.
"Yeah, you're right. Sorry."
Ajax shrugs and my heart breaks. I lean against the tree I'm hiding behind and wipe my tears away. I can't let them see me like this. I move quietly and walk back to the first fishing hole. I'm such a moron. What was I thinking? Ajax can have anyone he wants, why would he settle for me? He wouldn't. He has everything, looks, money, and he's funny. I've made it all up in my head, simply delusional. All wishful thinking, as Ma would say. I'm too young for him, obviously. Kid sister! Ugh!
I hear them making their way back to me ten minutes later and put my fishing pole on the ground. I strip down to my swimsuit and dive in the water, hoping to hide my tears. "Harp, you ready to go back?" Dan asks.
"I'm going to swim a bit longer."
"Alright, be home by five." He replies, sternly.
"What happens at five?"I question, suspiciously.
"You're leaving for four years. What do you think Ma's planning?"
I groan and slap the water, great. "Fine, I'll be there."
"You're such a brat. It's a party for you, try to be a little grateful." Dan scolds.
"She's never liked being the center of attention." Ajax smirks. I ignore both of them and float on my back, the water drowning out their voices. I don't want to be teased by them and the words 'Kid' and 'sister' keep echoing in my head.
After another twenty minutes of floating, I stand up and start walking to the riverbank. I climb out and put my clothes on over my wet swimsuit. I walk back to the farmhouse ready to fake a smile. No one will ever know how hurt I am.
I walk through the back door, Ma is cooking at the stove. Her hair and makeup done perfectly. "Sweety, I know you don't like parties, but-" She said turning to me with a wide smile. "We're having a going away party for you!" She says, excitedly. My mom lives to throw parties, I love that it makes her happy. I just wish it made me happy too.
"Thanks." I smile back. "I'll go get ready."
I walk past the living room where Ajax and Dan are watching some hunting channel. I try not to look at them, but I feel it. I feel Ajax's eyes on me. I look over to him, knowing what I'll find. His eyes meet mine, but instead of sharing the same intense look, I quickly avert my eyes and walk up the stairs to my bedroom. I shut the door and lean against it. One more day, just one more day until I can breathe again.