MARIEL

PART 3 Ch. 1 Section 1 Best Friend

July 10th, 2013

Chicago, Illinois

"Dude."

"Hmm?"

"Just look at her, man. Look at her."

Mariel followed Gabe Donovan's gaze. They both sat at the edge of the Donovan lakefront pier, shirtless and clad in brightly colored swimming trunks. Both boys, aged fourteen, swung their feet above the sparkling, sunlit water. It was warm with a slight breeze, and the water was a little cool for swimming, but their bodies easily adjusted to the temperature.

"Do you see her, dude?" Gabe persisted, cocking his head.

"Stop staring at her," Mariel said with agitation, but he couldn't help but watch the beautiful young girl as well.

Peacefully, without a care in the world, thirteen year old Esther Caravan floated on her back in the small body of water. The sun beamed down upon her toned body and purple bikini as she floated, gently gliding her arms up and down in the water. Her long brown hair waved smoothly under the water's surface.

"I can't help it," Gabe said, sitting back on his hands and dipping his toes into the water. "I really wanna kiss her."

Mariel pursed his lips. His heart increased at the thought of someone else, much less his best friend, kissing his other best friend. "That would be weird, and she'd probably slap you."

"Hey, now. I'm attractive. I got game."

"You got homework and chores, that's what you got." Mariel mirrored his friend, leaning back, and kept his eyes on Esther. "I'm surprised you were able to convince Mr. Caravan to let her come over here."

"Oh, well, he doesn't know you're here. That's why." Rhythmically, Gabe beat the edge of the pier with his fingertips. "Any suicidal shit lately? You know, since the attempt at Mr. Caravan's house?"

Mariel bit his lip and shook his head. Ran his fingers through his hair. "No." It was a lie, however. He'd had more thoughts of suicide, especially since the humanoid haunted him day and night, but it seemed every opportunity he had to die he simply... wouldn't. And, he didn't understand why.

"Good." Gabe slapped his friend on the back. "I'd be pretty sad if you died, man. You're my main squeeze."

"Please, please don't say that, it's weird."

"What, 'squeeze'? Do you think weird things when I say, 'squeeze', Mariel?" Gabe laughed and returned his attention to Esther. "Speaking of squeeze - have you ever done anything with a girl?"

Mariel's face went hot and he scowled. "Why are you asking me this?"

"Because. I wanna talk about it. Have you?"

"No." Mariel's eyes followed Esther as she flipped and doggy paddled in the water. He'd thought about doing things with a girl... but only with the girl he saw in the water. It made him feel guilty, and he couldn't talk to his Dad about it. Plus, Fr. Jerome wouldn't understand, being the old, gay priest he was.

"I have," Gabe said, proudly. "Recently too. Girl at school."

Mariel tilted his head towards his friend. "Oh?"

"Yep. During lunch. We went to the track and I made out with her. She had this piece of candy and she wanted to share it with me, so she popped it in her mouth and passed it to me. It was really hot, man." Gabe bit his lip with the memory.

"That's cool."

"Yeah, then she let me touch her boobs." He gestured with his hands. "First boobs I ever touched. Are you even listening to me?"