Waiting For Summers

CHAPTER 16

Summer before our junior year.

I have to spend the first month of summer in my aunt's house in Arizona. It is a bummer since the four of us decided that we are volunteering at the community center. The three are already doing it. I still have to wait until I get back in town.

Laura is doing art class for the kids. She assists the children in doing arts and crafts and other creativity projects. Paco is doing the story telling, like the one I did last summer while Monica is helping with the dance classes.

"I am volunteering with Allison in the dance class! Can you imagine that?!" Monica reports to us. We promise to Facetime every now and them just to keep me updated. "Do you know she's really a good dancer?"
"She's a cheerleader, duh!" Laura scoffs.
"I know, but she's reaaaaaallyyyyy good," Monica is amused.
"She wants to become a ballet dancer someday. A famous one," I tell them.
"Wow that's awesome. But when are you actually coming back?" Paco asks.
"I don't know. I have been only here for a week. I already miss you people," I reply.
"We miss you too, Jar," Laura replies.

*****

There are nights that we are complete and there are nights that the group is missing one. It is either because Paco is driving Monica on her way home or it is because Paco is driving on his way home from Monica's. Tonight, it is Laura. She has been missing out in our conference calls.

"Well, we haven't told you," Monica says while she is getting her nails done.
"Told me what?" I wonder.
"Oh, they've opened a new summer program for kids," Paco munches on his taco.
"Oh, I heard about it," I tell Paco. "I am just wondering why Laura has to stay behind."
"Oh, she is one of those who welcome the new trainer," Monica paints her nails pink and blows them. "Heard he's training for the Olympics. And hot too."
"Heeeeeeeeeeeyyy!" Paco objects and his taco showers out.
"But you're hotter, mi amore," Monica rolls her eyes. Paco nods and continues to chew on his food. I laugh.
"They didn't have a welcome party when I joined the summer club," I complain.
"Well, are you an Olympic storyteller? No. So do not get your ass jealous just because Laura is not here," Monica blows her pink nails dry. "Besides he is new in town."
I am stunned. Paco stifles a laugh.
"And I think they're kinda hanging out together," Paco adds. My eyes widen more. "Come home already. We miss hanging out with you and the cookies Mrs. Connor bakes when we stay there."
"Pffft. Two more weeks, Pac. Two more," I sigh.

*****

Today's the day. After a month of spending with my aunt, I am going back home.

I prepared my luggages and the resume I will pass to the summer club. Well, it's just protocol since I already volunteered there last year. I already emailed it to them the night before.

I am also bringing a big teddy bear for Laura. She doesn't like surprises nor romantic gestures, but who knows? Love is the only thing in the world that can make a badass person do the cheesiest things. I'm not saying I'm badass but Laura might feel cheesed, you get me?

I am picked up by Dad at the airport. He looks at me, weirded out by the big fluffy thing I am holding. "What?! This is for the kids, Dad?!" I cry out defensively.
"Hey, I'm not saying anything," Dad raises both of his hands.
"Uhhhh, you're looking at me so weird,"
"Nothing. Let's go. Put your luggage on the trunk,"
I start putting my luggage in the trunk. "Let's head straight to the community center." I am already planning my surprise.

I tell Dad about my summer vacation at Aunt's. I tell him how Aunt Vicky misses him and Mom. I also tell him how absurdly hot it is in Arizona. I am constantly sweating and thirsty I feel like dehydration is going to consume me. My aunt has to settle there because that's where her husband lived. Now, her husband is dead and she lives alone with no children to visit her.

I enjoy it there since my aunt and I would sometimes go to the Grand Canyon and watch the sunrise. My dad used to visit but ever since he got promoted, he never got the time anymore. So now every summer, if we can manage, they send me to accompany her.

It is not lonely to live alone. What's lonely is being left behind by the one you love the most, I remember my aunt telling me.

I am deep in my story telling that I have not realized that we already have arrived at the Community Center. I can hear the voice of the staff. The kids playing in the playground bring me excitement. At the distance, the pool is already open.

The pool is bustling with people and then I remember the Olympic guy they're bragging about. "I'll see you at dinner, Dad. Thanks for picking me up," I wave goodbye.
"Let me know if you need a ride home," my Dad waves back.
I go for the entrance.

When I open the door, Paco just finished his storytelling. His eyes widen when he sees me entering holding a big bear in my arms, "Geez! When did you arrive? Why didn't you tell us?! We could've picked you up!"
I scratch my head, "I mean to surprise you, guys."
"But when did you arrive?!"
"I arrived an hour ago. Dad picked me up and told him to drop me here."
"Good thing you've passed the resume through email,"
"I still have a copy though,"
"Nah. They're just waiting for your nerdy face to drop here,"
"So, I did not surprise you?"
"Well, you did good. Come, let's go to the pool. Everyone's already there."
We walk through the hallway and out to the open pool.

Everyone's cheering as the new swimming trainers race to the edge of the pool.
There are four of them but it is the tall guy, the one who is new in town, who reaches the edge of the pool first. I know he's new because he's the only who I don't recognize while the others are either from the school's swimming team or I have seen volunteering or working as a lifeguard.
When the guy lifts himself out of the water, the crowd cheers and Laura approaches him with a towel. It is the Olympics guy.
"You really are a great swimmer," I hear Laura compliments. "Natural pro."
"Nope. My Dad just really knows how to inspire and where to go for training," the guy replies. In that moment I realize. I have seen that smile already. I already have heard that charming voice that draws people's attention to him. I know that tall posture — just a little bit taller than I am — with a the-one-who-has-it-all-but-keeps-it-cool-kind-of-attitude. No wonder Laura chose to hangout with him than with us. Than with me.

As Laura and the guy notices me and begin approaching, my mind tries to register what is happening at the moment. Clearly, I'm in shock. He stops in front me while Laura stays in his left side. She smiles at me and turns to him.

The guy then reaches out and hugs me. A million flashbacks happen. He then holds me, his hands on my shoulders, "Remember me? It's me. Marco!"