Chapter 7

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I made Josh promise not to tell Grandma what had happened at our camping trip. He swore up and down that he wouldn't.

It was Tuesday and I was people-watching with Daisy as we waited for customers to drop by the kiosk. Just then, I saw Trisha walking with a tall gorgeous guy, who was clearly not Wes. She was in a tiny red hot bikini and was all over him. Daisy wrinkled her nose at them playing tonsil hockey. Eeww..we could almost hear the slurping sounds from way over here. I cringed.

"Well, I guessed she moved on to greener pastures over the weekend." Daisy said with a chuckle.

That night we had dinner at grandma's. She made Daisy, Josh and Wes come. She was going to make ribs. My mouth watered as I imagined the aroma of smoked paprika and slow roast ribs. I would be going straight home with Daisy to help grandma prepare the dinner.

That day Daisy drove us to grandma's. When arrived home, grandma was in the backyard, cooking the ribs. I tiptoed towards her, wanting to spook her. When I was about to say 'boo', grandma said casually.

"It's no use getting me spooked. Go make yourselves useful and make the potato salad in the kitchen. I've already boiled the potatoes." Grandma said without looking over her shoulder at us.

"Oh grandma! You're no fun!" I grumbled as I kissed her cheek and walked into the kitchen.

"Hi Mrs George. Thanks for inviting us." Daisy said as she hugged Grandma.  Grandma smiled as she Daisy back and kissed both her cheeks.

I was busy making the potato dressing and Daisy was cutting watermelons when the boys arrived. Grandma greeted them warmly. Josh and Wes brought flowers and two bottles of expensive wine as well as a huge pecan pie. Courtesy of Josh's mum. She was also invited but couldn't make it as she had a prior engagement. 

Josh clambered in, greeted me and Daisy with kisses on the cheeks. Yeah, Josh's a sweetheart like that. Wes acknowledged me and Daisy with a nod and a kind of a tiny smile. Ok, maybe Wes needs to work on his people skills, but he's getting there.

Josh and Wes helped Grandma with the ribs. Josh carved the ribs and helped serve the food. When everything was ready, grandma called us to eat. We all sat at the dining table. Our eyes widen with the amount of food on the table. It was practically groaning under the huge weight of the food.

We all sat and ate the gorgeous dinner. Everything was delicious. Josh was his usual charming self and grandma was officially in love with Daisy and Wes. Wes was like a different person. He laughed a lot and seemed carefree somehow, less-guarded. He was so broody and serious in school. It was refreshing to see him smiling and laughing.

After dinner, Daisy and Josh were in front if the tv with grandma, laughing at whatever show they were watching. I didn't see where Wes was. I got up and went out to the porch for some fresh air.

Just when I stepped onto the porch, I saw a figure sitting on the steps, looking at nothing. Taking a deep breath, I cleared my throat. Wes looked over his shoulder and gave a small smile when he saw it was me. I went to the porch and sat on the swing about a few feet away from him.

"What are you doing out here all alone?" I asked as I pushed the swing a little.

"Nothing, just getting some air. You?" Wes answered casually.

"Same. Err, Wes..?" I said awkwardly.

"Hmm?" Wes answered as he continued to look forward.

"Erm, I want to apologize." I said uncertainly. Wes turned to look at me.

"Apogize for what?" Wes asked.

"Well, for drenching you with coke and then, err flipping you off. I'm really sorry I did those things."  I said awkwardly. Wes raised his eyebrows and chuckled. Ok, that was a gorgeous smile right there.

"Oh, right. That's ok. But can I ask why you flipped me off? It was actually the reason why I got so mad. I was pissed off that I didn't even do anything to deserve the finger." Wes said as he looked at me, amused. I hung my head in embarrassment.

"I know and I'm really sorry. I panicked and did the first thing that came to mind. It was spur of the moment. I panicked!" I explained and looked at him helplessly.

Wes chuckled as he shook his head in disbelief. He probably thought I was some whack job.

"Yeah, okay. I forgive you. You know you flipped me off twice right?" Wes said as he glanced at me, eyebrows raised. I groaned in embarrassment.

"Yeah, I'm really, really sorry. And I want to say thank you. You know, for not telling anybody about that night?" I said rather awkwardly. I was cringing inside when I recalled how tightly I held onto Wes' arm and how terrified I was.

"Oh, no problem. I get that it's not something you want people to know. I won't tell anyone if that's what you worried about. But, um, you want to talk about it? I mean, you can talk to me about it if you want to."Wes asked awkwardly. I stared at him for a moment and then, without warning, just spilled everything to him. Wes listened quietly. He did not interrupt me even once. It was so easy to unload all my burden to him.

"Wow, you must've been very scared. Lucky that you're ok." Wes said. By now he was sitting beside me on the swing. I was very aware of it. Very, very aware.

"Yeah, it was pretty scary. Err, Wes, can I ask you something?" I asked carefully. 

"Yeah, sure." Wes said as he turned to look at me.

"Why are you so serious all the time? I never saw you smile before either.....err, I mean I'm just asking. You really don't have to tell me if you don't want to." I asked, worried that he would get upset.

Wes was quiet at first. He took a deep breath and looked ahead. Then he looked at me with a small smile.

"I don't know. I guess I never found any reason to." Wes shrugged as he looked at his hands. And then he turned to me with a small smile that didn't really reach his eyes. I felt like he's hiding something, but I didn't want to pry.

"So, you and Josh are cousins. How come I've never seen you here before? I mean, I'm here every holiday. This is the first time I see you here." I said, trying to get to know Wes better.

He didn't answer right away.  He kinda rubbed the back of his neck.
I suddenly felt that I was nosy.

"You know what, you don't have to answer the question. I was just being nosy." I said. Wes smiled a little but didn't say anything.

Just then, the front door opened and chattering voices were heard. Daisy, grandma and Josh came through the door, killing my conversation with Wes. It was getting late and there's work tomorrow.

Daisy hugged me and grandma before she drove off in her car. Josh hugged and kissed me and grandma before he walked home with Wes carrying a truckload of leftovers with them. Wes kinda waved and I did the same.

Once in my room, I thought about Wes. He was nice and shyer than he was in school. I don't know what to make of him. Although I'm happy we're friends. Sorta friends, I think. I guess we have the whole summer to get to know each other better.
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So, Addy and Wes are at least civil to each other now. Hope you like this chapter. Vote, comment and share alright!



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