The Sun, The Moon, and Their Stars

39 : Play

Benjamin

Kim told me to be here at two, and it's one forty-five on my watch when I ring their doorbell. It's hot outside, and thankfully, she opens the gate seconds later.

I remove my cap when I step inside. At the same time, I take in the fact that she's wearing a white shirt and denim shorts. But I tell myself not to stare, not to stare. So, I fix my hair instead.

"You're a little early," she says.

"Yeah, well, there's nothing else better to do."

And I'm also trying to make a good impression on her brother, of course.

She leads the way to their door, but Kelvin opens it before she does. Kim steps back and stands beside me.

"Nice shirt," I tell him soon after I notice the logo on his black t-shirt.

"You listen to The Strokes?" he asks.

"Of course."

Truth is, I only started listening to the band after Kim mentioned two months back that they're her brother's current favorite. Though I wouldn't add them to mine, I enjoyed their music. I figured it would come in handy at some point.

And I was right, as Kelvin just offers me a hand to shake and lets me inside their house.

Their living room is a bit dark. Although there's light coming from the window facing the veranda, and from the side looking out the garage, the furniture cancels it out. The couch and the chairs in front of the TV are brown, even their curtains are a darker shade of orange, bordering to brown.

There's a large bookshelf that divides their living and dining area. It's full of old thick books and a set of encyclopedias. I'm certain that Kim's not responsible for that arrangement 'cause frames and other figurines are blocking the titles on the spines.

Kelvin sits on the chair facing the door, and he points me to the couch. I'm on the side closest to him, and Kim sits on the other end to my left.

"So," he leans forward and drops his hands on his knees, "you're the hero who brought the school to the nationals," he says to me.

"Uhm, I wouldn't say it like that. We were a team, so."

"Right," he nods. "Was Mister Ramirez also your head coach?"

"Yes, he was."

"Is he still driving around with that old bug?"

I nod.

Kelvin laughs. "Did he also tell you those jokes about that car?"

I look down and laugh as well, as I recall one of those stupid jokes our teacher shared when we were on breaks from analyzing word problems.

"I like him," Kim says. "He's the best Calculus teacher."

She's totally innocent.

"Yeah, but," I say, "his jokes were...they're um...probably best if you don't know." Because they're either outdated or lame, if not green.

Kelvin turns serious and lifts his chin a little. "You're also going to Nat. State, right?" he asks me.

"Yes."

"Are you also going to stay at the freshmen-only dorm?"

"No. My family's moving to the Metro after this summer, so... I'll be staying at our new place."

He levels his eyes with mine. "You're leaving the town?"

I scratch the back of my head. I'd rather not use that word for it sounds permanent.