Fifteen

Chapter 6: Brave

Avery Williams stood still as he tried to focus on the water. The smell of chlorine always had a calming effect on him. He could never explain why, so whenever asked by reporters or coaches he just shrugged and smiled.

The Mountain Pointe High School Athletics wing was definitely going to be missed. The Olympic sized pool was a school staple and many of Avery's nationally recognized awards hung on the wall. Coach John and his fellow teammates brought such joy to the sport, which he couldn't guarantee would continue if he pursued it outside of high school.

His parents were beyond shocked that he was not joining Texas University's Swimming and Diving team. They knew how much he loved being in the water, but he couldn't risk joining a team he hated and end up resenting the sport. Avery was so lost in thought that he didn't hear the footsteps behind him.

"Are you going to swim or just stand there with that stupid look on your face?" Melissa asked as she smiled down at her older brother. Avery was snapped out of his thoughts and back to the Aquatics Gym. "I have been swimming, ugly. I'm just taking a break to..."

Melissa interrupted him, "take in the scent." She whined as she pinched her nose and gagged. "Oh, quit being dramatic! You love the pool," Avery teased as he splashed her feet. "I will cut you!" Melissa shrieked as she jumped back in time to dodge the attack.

"What are you doing here, Mellie?" Avery asked as he sat on the edge of the pool dangling his feet in the water. "Can't a little sister spend time with her big brother without being questioned?" Avery laughed at her failed attempt at being sweet and shook his head no.

"Ugh, fine. Mom wanted me to check on you before you head to Austin tomorrow." This was the conversation Avery had spent the entire month avoiding, but had to commend his fifteen-year-old sister for ambushing him at his serenity spot. Avery's laundry list of personal things to do and tidy up was getting smaller as school approached, but three major things remained unchecked.

What was going to happen to their house? Was Mellie going to be okay living with Aunt Jayne, Uncle Mike and their younger cousins who were 1-year old triplets? Would Mom and Dad feel abandoned and alone? Was I being a selfish asshole for leaving?

He let out a deep sigh and Melissa could tell just how much her brother had on his mind. "AJ, you can quit it with the superhero complex! You worry way too much and for absolutely no reason!" She huffed giving into the calm waters. She took off her tan wedges, grabbed a nearby towel to lie down before sitting and dipping her feet in.

"I'm so ready to start my sophomore year! I am definitely going to make JV this year and you'll no longer be the hot shot athlete in the family," Melissa laughed splashing her brother with her feet. He was certain that she was a hippie in another life. He could never understand how calm she always managed to be despite any circumstance. He secretly envied her for that.

When their dad first started experiencing the health risks from having diabetes and being obese Avery was devastated. His dad was the life of the party wherever he went and everyone knew it.

He was always present at his swim meets and Mellie's cheerleading competitions, but after they amputated his left foot the summer before Avery's sophomore year and Melissa's eight-grade year things changed dramatically for all of them.

His mother seemed to have aged 5 years during the first 6 months as she cared for their father. The once happy and chipper Henry Williams had turned into a verbally abusive, bitter stranger. Julie Williams tried to take everything in stride, but Avery watched as his dad's harsh words began to get to her. Her gray hairs seemed to multiply daily, while her once vibrant green eyes began to dull.