The Summer of Us

seven

"Last night was so fun! We have to do it again sometime!" Alex squealed, taking a seat in a booth at a small café she suggested we'd eat at.

"Pipe it down before you wake the whole town." I took a seat next to her, only kidding.

"I didn't even know this was even open this early," Johnny got the seat next to the wall. "What're you guys getting?"

"I'll just have a muffin." I divulged, glancing at the menu in my hands.

"I could go for a bagel." Brennan shrugged, putting the menu down on the table.

"I'll have whatever Annie gets." Johnny grinned at me and my cheeks turned pink. I was blushing right in front of him and I quickly covered my face so it wouldn't be noticeable.

"Don't be a copy cat now Johnny," I leaned my arm against the table. "The only person that I like who can't think on their own is Brennan and that spot is occupied."

"Hey!" Brennan yelled at me, trying not to be loud.

"Shhh!" The girl behind the counter shushed Brennan, putting her finger over her mouth as he turned bright red.

"Hey lady! Is that the sound of me dragging your body bag or?" I bellowed and the girl gave me a dirty look. "Get us some food already would you?"

Alex and Johnny burst into laughter, uncontrollable laughter that is. Brennan was used to it and it kinda embarrassed him when I told people off but I couldn't help it.

"Thanks." Brennan half smiled.

I winked at him. "No problem buddy boy." I snickered.

Johnny smiled at me again and I looked down at my feet. I don't know if he thought I was funny but for some reason he couldn't keep his eye off of me. I noticed Brennan, he fumbled with his fingers and looked away from the group. Everything just seemed so weird.

"I'm gonna go now," Brennan gulped. "Bye guys. I'll see you around."

"Why ya' leaving?" I furrowed my eyebrows. "You didn't even eat yet."

"I'm going to eat at home with my sister and my brother. I haven't seen them in a long time. See you guys around. Bye Annie." Brennan got up from his seat and waved to us.

"Don't think I'm paying for you bagel," I brought myself to my feet and went after him. "What's the matter with you?"

"I told you already Annie," He opened the door, letting the cool air in. "I need to see my siblings to check if they're okay."

"Mhm," I crossed my arms. "You've been acting really weird lately and I'm determined to find out why."

"There's nothing wrong." He responded – clearly lying. "Everything is fine Annie."

"If you say so but don't come crying to me when you're not having fun. See ya Brennan," I stepped aside, letting him walk out.

"What was that all about?" Alex asked me; I shrugged, knot knowing what to say.

"I don't even remember. Frankly, I don't even care." I sighed, sitting back down.

"Oh," Johnny broke the silence. "He's probably tired. I mean, it is like seven in the morning."

"Yeah," I agreed, getting up when I heard the lady call out the orders. "I got it."

"Thanks Annie" Alex simpered. Johnny did the same, leaving me turn red again.

The lady that I once told off, handed me a whole tray of their food. All Alex got was a coffee, gross, and Johnny got some type of muffin.

"Thanks for taking me here but I really should go now. My dad is probably up or at least trying to sleep off a hangover. Who knows but I gotta blast out of here." I took out a five dollar bill out of my pocket and threw it on the table.

"Bye Annie." They said in unison and I waved goodbye to them as I pushed open the door.

—

I slowly opened the front door, hoping not to get caught of course. My dad seemed almost impossible to get by and this time I had to be sneaky. Noise was coming from the kitchen and I could hear the sink running and Brennan's sister talking.

"Those were great waffles Mr. Leblanc," Katie chirped from the kitchen.

"Thank you Katie," My dad thanked her. I could just picture his cheesy smile that he gives everyone.

I didn't know where Brennan was and I was sorta curious to find out. I tiptoed through the living room to get to the staircase and then I heard Hayley.

"Hey Annie!" She had a smug look on her face like she got me into huge trouble or something. I covered my mouth with my finger, telling her to shush.

"Annie!" I heard my dad holler and I squinted my eyes.

"What do ya' need old man?" I cocked an eyebrow.

"Where were you? I was worried sick! You can't just leave my house when you want. There are rules!" He walked into the living room from the kitchen, shouting at me.

"Hey dad in case you haven't noticed, I don't do rules. I live life the Annie way instead of cheating on people and moving to some paradise eight miles away from home." I snarled, running up the stairs.

"Annie," He stuttered.

"Don't talk to me," I lashed out on him and darted into Brennan and I's bedroom.

"Annie? Is that you or am I imagining things?" Brennan laughed slightly.

"Not in the mood," I exhaled deeply, taking a seat on the floor. "My dad's being a jerk again."

"He's just trying–"

"Shut up Brennan. You're my best friend, you're supposed to agree with me. That's the rule," I sank my face into my palms. He's supposed to be the one that understands me, not support the one who doesn't whatsoever.

"I know Annie but on the bright side," He paused. "your dad said we can go to the movies or something. Unless you have plans with Johnny and Alex."

"I'll go I guess. I'll invite them," I pulled my phone out of my pocket.

"I was thinking it could be maybe just us this time?" Brennan raised his elbows.

"You're kidding. The more the merrier dude," I hit him on the chest with the back of my hand in a friendly way.

"Yeah, silly me of course. Always making those jokes," He tittered.

"I'm going to go get ready. Be right back in ten minutes," I waved. "Oh and Brennan?"

"Yes Anne?"

"Try not to get all flirty with Alex this time," I winked before walking into the bathroom.

—

I MUST BE STOPPED FOR THE ENDING OMG HAH
also I'm so happy that the family announced their last name ah now I can add them into my stories!
:)
- meg