Summer's Light

Summer's Light (9)

Holy ever-loving shit.

I groaned in annoyance as soon as I stepped foot outside. I don't think I have ever been blinded like I just had, stepping out of my house and into the bright morning sun. Already, I could feel the moisture clinging to me like plastic wrap, almost suffocating me with its thickness. It was going to be hotter than hell out today.

And, why in the fuck, I was still wearing skinny jeans was beyond me.

Squinting, I sluggishly reached into my sweatshirt, that for some reason, I chose to wear on a day like today, and withdrew my pack of smokes. Alex gave me a funny look, but fuck him, I swear to God. If I was going to be miserable on a day like today, then he could deal with my cigarette smoke. Either that, or face the wrath of bitchy Summer on a hot day.

Almost as if on cue, he cleared his throat, "Do you really have to smoke? Now of all the times in the world?"

"I'm failing to see the point in what you just said. I always smoke."

"Yeah," he acknowledged, "But, I mean, we're going to see my mom of all people. Not only are you going to stink, but so will I, and so will my car." He looked at me pointedly while I lit my cigarette. "Let me guess, you don't care."

I scoffed, "Well, to be fair, I don't give a rat's ass about most things. And besides, your mom loves me. Smoke or no smoke."

That seemed to quell him. With a defeated shuffle, he opened the passenger door for me. I resisted the urge to laugh at his corniness. What was I, disabled? I could open a damn door myself. Not to mention that chivalry died with the 1960's. Smirking at him, I got in the car, pointedly making an effort not to exhale my smoke until the door was shut.

Grumbling, he came around to the other side and got into the car. "Women. I swear to all that is holy that I have no idea how to deal with them."

"Oh, please." I rolled my eyes. "Are you forgetting that you are potentially in one of the biggest bands of the times right now? I'm sure you get around."

That made him smile as he shifted the car into drive. "Summer, you're right. I can deal with women. I have no idea how to deal with you, specifically."

"I can't tell if that's an insult or a compliment."

"Take it however you like." On that note, I punched his arm as hard as I could. He whipped his head around to look at me. "Ow, okay. Regardless of if I deserved that or not, that fucking hurt."

"Good," I laughed. "And you totally deserved that."

"Didn't anyone ever tell you not to distract the driver when the car is in motion?"

"Yeah. But, come on Alex. You know me. Have I ever been one to follow the rules?" He shrugged in agreement. I quickly added, "When you look this good, you're bound to be distracting."

He snorted, "Oh, yeah. Oh so humble, too."

"I'm just good like that. You know, perfect, narcissistic, sarcastic, bitchy..."

"Don't forget to add 'occasional asshole' to your list," he interjected.

"Careful. I'm unpredictable. And clearly crazy. I'll hit you so hard, you'll shrivel up inside yourself." I threw my cigarette out the window. Because fuck Mother Nature, that's why. What has that bitch ever done for me? Besides all the cramps, bleeding once a month, cystic acne. Yeah, that twat could go to hell.

With conversation slowed, I took a chance to look out the window. I don't know what I was expecting through doing so. Same boring town, same boring city. Same boring Baltimore. I sighed, wishing I lived anywhere that was remotely interesting. At least there would be penguins if I lived in Antarctica. A bonus to that is there would be no people.

I'd take penguins over people any day.

Almost as if sensing my internal dialogue, Alex glanced over at me, "Something on your mind?"

"Yeah. How much I hate this place. You're lucky you got away when you did." I blurted this out, then immediately felt my eyes widen. The look on his face was one of... hurt? Disbelief? Everything under the sun?

He attempted to remain composed, though his voice wavered when he spoke, "Hey, kid. Don't take this town for granted. There have been many times that I wished I had never left. Sure, the town and city suck. Which, they do. But, the people. That's what I miss the most."

"You have to say that, though." I countered. "Your mom lives here. Of course you miss the people."

He pulled into the first available parking spot he saw. He pulled in pretty quickly too. I'm sure glad I threw my cigarette out already, because if I hadn't, it would've been burning a hole right into my fucking pants. I watched him as he turned the car off and unbuckled.

"Summer, that sentence is faulty. You don't think I missed you too?"

I almost choked, "Um, what?"

"I never forgot about you, you know."

I felt tears beginning to brim. All too suddenly, I found a piece of lint on my jeans that was surprisingly interesting. I kept my gaze down. What the fuck, Sum? Why get all mushy and heartfelt now? Of all the goddamn times, you pick now.

Luckily, again, as if sensing my reverie, Alex smiled, "Hey, kiddo. Let's talk about this later, alright?" I nodded in agreement. "Look, there's my mom now." I followed his gaze with my own. On cue, an adorable women in her early 50's was standing outside of the Denny's we had chosen for breakfast. I recognized her almost instantly.

I sneered, "A fucking Denny's? You're rich now, and you still choose to eat at fucking Denny's?"

He laughed, "Hey, what can I say. I'm a sucker for breakfast, no matter how cheaply made or soggy it is. So, you ready?"

Swallowing my nerves, I gave one curt nod, and opened the door.