Summer with the Bertram Brothers

s i x - k i s s

The next day, the sun disappears behind the clouds. Outside, it's grey. But the humidity stays in the air. 

Winnie and I sit on the rocky fence of the parking lot, facing the beach. There are less people around, since the forecast predicts rain. I'm explaining to my best friend how come I'm feeling low.

"Eva's changed. She's so bitter now." 

Since dad died, everyone's bitter. I never tell her about me and Rico... which is where Eva's anger originates from. I don't want her to hate me as well.

"It's too bad," she says.

I shift a bit, feeling uncomfortable, as I get flashbacks from yesterday.

"So how's your dog?" I ask, turning the subject away from me.

"She's fine now. It's because she was drinking from the toilet, apparently."

I snort laughing. She joins me.

I then hop off the pillar and dust off my pants.

"Let's go in the farmer's market," I lead. 

She nods and climbs down. We both walk and talk. Really, I want to go pay Doyle a visit to tell him about mom. She's been in bed since we got here. She didn't even wait for his fish to cook. She went straight to bed. 

As we stop by my brother's fish store, I see Trim in the distance walking with his friends. I quickly push the door and get inside. Winnie taps on the fish tanks. Doyle and his worker look up at us. He smiles.

"How's it going?" he says, after helping customers. 

I stand beside Winnie and hold my hands behind my back and shrug. Winnie lights up.

"Hi! I'm great!"

I look at her happy expression. I wonder what it is that makes her so happy. Whatever it is, I need some of it.

"Um, Winnie? Go check if the clothing stores are open," I say. She spins and dashes out of here. I look back at my brother, "She hasn't gotten out of bed today."

"Who, mom?"

I raise my brows as a response.

"She's tired, like you said, I guess."

"But she could at least get up and do something... like eat and go outside..." I cross my arms.

"I'll go to the house later," he brushes. 

He sniffs air in his nose hard. I frown and let go of my elbows.

"You have a cold?"

"Huh? No," he answers.

"Sounds like you're catching a cold," I say, coldly. I take a step backwards towards the exit, "You should get that checked."

He understands the tone in my voice, as I notice his face fall. I pull the door out of my way and walk out casually.

In no time, we catch up to Trim's group. Winnie waves at them and greets everyone. Trim and I make eye contact. His curly hair blows a bit in the wind and his green eyes land in mine, as he grins. I give him an awkward smile and I look elsewhere. I can still feel his eyes on me. I feel my face heat up. Winnie did all the talking, thank goodness. We then separate our ways, and I'm finally able to breathe. The sudden turbulence in my stomach dissipates.

"Hm, I'm in the mood for sushi," Winnie shines, as we pass the sushi palace. "What about you?"

She turns and looks at me, expectantly. I'm too busy looking back...