Summer of Love & Sorrow (Completed)

Chapter Two

We rushed up to Jack's room. His mom yelled for us to slow down, which we never listened. Then Jack's dad would yell at us to listen. He would even sometimes come up to Jack's room. "Jack, we make mom happy. Better life for us. Otherwise we get the devil in disguise."
Jack would shrug. Occasionally, grunt. Or he would give an aye aye captain. Jack acts like his parents are lame sometimes. But they are very loving and caring. They were rocker go with the flow kind of parents. His dad was in a rock band on the weekends but during the week he worked as a vampire. Meaning he took blood from people, a phlebotomist. His mom was a school teacher. If I was her, I would probably be aggravated to having to deal with snot nosed kids all day. What am I saying? I do deal with snot nosed kids every day, in high school. At least I did. More power to Mrs. Wilson though.
"Lewis, get off my bed." Jack smacked him off. I took his place.
Lewis mouthed shot open. "Why does she get to lay on the bed?"
Jack put a record on the record player. "She isn't annoying and I like her."
I laid back on the bed, zoning Jack and Lewis out while they argued over which band was better than the other. All the while I listened to The Smiths Heaven Knows I'm Miserable. I looked around Jack's room. It was clean and neat. Yet boyish. He had the record player beside his window. A book shelf on the other side filled with records and books. All classics or shit no one wanted to read or listen to. The walls were covered with bands and the photos he took. You would think his room would be messy and smelly. Just the opposite. It smelled fantastic. The only thing messy was his closet.
Lewis nudged Jack. "She is day dreaming again."
"I think she is cute when she day dreams." Jack shrugged going back to editing photos.
"Ew, she isn't cute. Now Amanda in third block was cute and hot." Lewis wiggled his eyebrows.
Jack's face went into discuss. "Amanda is a slut. She has screwed way too many guys. Plus, she wears too much make up for me."
Lewis shrugged. "Still hot."
I sat up and rolled my eyes. Then gave Lewis a look like really. Not because he thought Amanda was hot but the fact Lewis was gay. I know people have eyes and they can find whoever hot or what not but still. The only one who knew was me. "Are looks all that matter? I mean it shouldn't matter if she wears makeup or not. Whatever she is comfortable in is all that matters."
Lewis rolled his eyes while Jack laughed. They knew I would have something to say. I was all about equal rights for everyone and liked when people done what they wanted. People had the right to do whatever they wanted with their body. If they weren't hurting themselves or someone else, then who cared.
"You need to get control on your woman." Lewis patted Jack on the head.
Jack smacked his hand away. "One, we aren't together. Two, no one can control her. Three, even if she were mine, she could say how she felt."
Lewis shook his head. "You are whipped."
I threw a pillow at Lewis's head. "You are just jealous."
He threw it back at me. "Come on you annoying love birds. We have to get to Brin's."
                               •
Brin's house was on the other side of town. His house was basically a mansion. They had to have a big place. Brin had four other brothers and five sisters. Plus, when family and friends came over like for this cook out, they would need more room. Brin's place was packed with people. My worst nightmare. Thank god, we could hang in the pool house while things like this went on.
"Where is Betty?" I noticed she wasn't around.
Brin looked upset. "We had an argument. Then she left."
The guys put their arm around his shoulders. "It'll be okay buddy. She will be back."
"Yeah, you know she can't stay away from this cute little face." Lewis made a kissy face at Brin. Jack joined in.
"Guys lay off." Throwing my bag on the pool table. "She will be back Brin. You know her. Always with the dramatics."
After watching the guys play pool for a bit. I texted Betty. Once again, I had to talk to her through her dramatics. Because in the end Brin treated her right and like a queen. She however could be bitchy. To him and everyone. But the guy still loved her. He would do anything for her. We all would.
Their fight was over him not taking more time off to stay in India for the summer. Betty was going to be gone until a few weeks before we all went off to university. Brin had to be back for soccer and a few early university classes that only took a couple of weeks.
Most of the summer was going to consist of the three amigos. While by standards watched us come and go. We were planning for parties this summer and hopefully not to get into too much trouble. Somehow, we couldn't stray from the trouble part. Lewis started some of it sometimes. I on the other hand, started it more. We always thought he would end up in juvey. The guy had luck on his side and friends that bailed him out. He didn't steal. Just liked vandalizing shit. He has had problems since his dad got killed.
Lewis and his dad were close. One day they were heading to a soccer game that his dad won tickets to. Some idiot was on his phone hitting them head on. It hit more on his dad's side. His dad died right there. Pour guy didn't even go fast. He suffered for a bit. Lewis said his dad told him to promise to go to college or university and stay out of trouble and to tell his mom he loved her. Then he told Lewis he loved him and passed away. Lewis doesn't talk about it much or at all really. Only that it was the worst day of his life. Ever since then he has acted out. We as friends get it. We let him do his thing and bail him out when he needs it.
I took the pool stick from Lewis's hand. "Betty may come by."
Lewis snatched the pool stick back. "Yay, diva-zilla is on the loose. Brin, you ever going to break up with her?"
Brin threw a football at his head. "No. Just because she annoys you with her bitchiness, doesn't mean she annoys me. I love her. End of story."
Just then diva-zilla rushed in going straight to Brin. Same story every time. She said I love you. That she was sorry. Then they would have sex. We were all shocked when we found that out. We thought they would wait until marriage. They fooled us. They swore us not to say anything. Although we had to watch out for Lewis. Big mouth, you would hear him across the ocean. Couldn't keep a secret to save his life. Except one.
I grabbed the knuckle heads. "Come on, they are fixing to go at it. I really don't want to stay for that."
"So, where are we headed to?" Jackie boy fought Lewis for the keys.
I snatched the keys from Jack. "I am driving."
Lewis's eyes bugged out. "No, you are not Opal. Do you remember when we were kids? You ran over Jack with your toddler car. Broke his pinky."
I rolled my eyes. "He is alive. We were five too. I didn't mean to."
After an hour of driving around. We still couldn't make up our minds where to go. Lewis stuck his head between the front seats. "Let's go to your house Opal."
"Like hell. First, my mom hates when I bring people over. Especially now that dad is sick. Second, she thinks you are a delinquent." I waved my hands around.
Lewis grabbed my hand putting it back on the wheel. "First, I don't want to die. Keep your hands on the wheel. Second, I am not a delinquent. I just live a life to the fullest."
"If you say so. How about we go to the gas station, talk Marty into letting us buy liquor, then go to the treehouse." I pulled into the gas station.
Lewis jumped out laying on the ground. "Thank god, I am alive!"
Jack kicked him in the butt. "She isn't that bad of a driver."
I sighed at Lew. "Get up. You probably just laid in spit or something else that you shouldn't be lying in."
We stormed into the gas station. As soon as Marty saw us he let out a huge sigh. "What do you trouble makers want?"
Jack and Lewis walked up to the counter. Of course, big mouth started talking first. "Marty, my buddy, man of the station, pal; sell us some beer or something good."
Marty laughed and then started arguing back and forth with Lew. There was no way he was winning the argument. Jack just stood there trying to keep Lewis from overloading his butt. I walked around picking out our favorite treats. Jacked liked gummy bears, Lewis liked chips, and I always went for the chocolate.
"Hey Marty. So, we would like to get all this junk and a few big bottles of your Smirnoff." I gave a smile.
Marty's cheeks went red. "Hey Opal, sure thing. Just don't tell anyone."
I gave him a huge smile. "Thank you, Marty." I leaned in and whispered. "This will stay just between us."
We checked out and got in the car. "You guys are amateurs."
Lewis smacked Jack's and my seats. "You only got the alcohol because Marty is into you."
Jack tightened his fist. "Yeah but she doesn't like him. She flirted to get the alcohol. That's it."
Lewis rubbed Jack's head like a puppy. "Is lover boy jealous?"
Jack turned around punching Lew. "Shut up, ass wipe."
I laughed at them. "I am right here guys. Both of you are right."
We arrived at the treehouse. It was in Lewis's back yard. His dad and him built it when he was younger. It was huge. At least to us it seemed that way. We have been hanging around in the treehouse for a while now. Every time there was an emergency or any kind of plans we needed to make, we meet at the treehouse. Brin and Betty would even come occasionally. We were all part of the gaggle. That is a different story.
"So, Op, is there anyone you are crushing on?" I was passing the goods when Lewis asked the one question I wish he wouldn't have.
I threw a bag of chips at him. "No! I have important stuff to focus on."
"Opal, you always say that. The only people who haven't dated at Raven Hills High, is you and mysterious loner boy over here." Lewis smacked Jack's thigh.
"That is because we have lives and could care less about dating." I took a sip of Smirnoff then passed it to Jack.
Lewis snatched the bottle. "Even I have dated a couple of people. Either you two want to date each other and too afraid to go for it or you are just boring ass people."
Jack looked at him but didn't say anything. I just kicked the piss out of Lewis's shin. "I am going to go to the bathroom."
I climbed down and went inside. Lewis's home was warm and inviting. It always smelt like cookies and cake. His mom always made sure we had refreshments and snacks. When we got in trouble, she was the one we would call. She was relaxed, sweet, and didn't flip out like the other parents. My mom was always the last resort.
Last time we had to call my mom, was the only time. Of course, it was the three amigos to get in trouble. We were in middle school and got into Mr. Deb's flowers. In our defense, we didn't mean to trample his flowers. One of the neighborhood dogs chased us. We were running for our lives. The dog was big and we were these scrawny middle school kids. We messed up his flowers on accident. We called everyone three times before calling my mom. They were busy or wouldn't pick up. So, I jumped in the shark infested water. She yelled at us until she dropped us off. The whole time we didn't know if we should fear her or the dog more. After she dropped us off at Lew's, she sped off. We swear we could still hear her cussing.
I came out of the bathroom bumping into Ms. Fitzgerald. "Oh, I am so sorry."
She smiled. "Opal, how are you dear? I didn't know you were here. Where are the boys?"
"Treehouse. We got here a couple of minutes ago." I followed her to the kitchen.
She started getting out snacks. "Alright sweetie. You didn't answer my other question."
I sat at the island. "Oh, I am doing okay. Mom is mom. Dad is still sick and our cat is missing. At least I hope she is missing."
Ms. Fitzgerald gave me a crest fallen smile. "I am sorry honey. Just try focusing on the good things."
I gave her a hug. "I will try. I am going to get back out to the guys."
"Alright, take these. I am sure you all are hungry." She handed me the snacks.
I made my way back to the treehouse. The more I got near the top I could hear Jack and Lewis talking. I stopped when I heard Lewis tell Jack. "Just tell her you like her already."
I heard a smack. "No, she has things going on."
"She will always have things going on. Just tell Opal you like her and take her out." You could hear Lewis getting frustrated.
Jack was obviously annoyed. "Why do you care?"
"Because you two are so into one another. You have been since elementary school. You two dumb asses are just too stubborn to say anything. You have literally been waiting on one another forever. I know that is why you two haven't dated anyone." I could hear Lewis open a chip bag.
I gave it a bit hopping Jack would say something. But he didn't. I finally opened the door. "I bring snacks."
Their heads shot up. "No wonder it took you so long. You ran into mom."
I handed them the snacks. "Yeah, we talked then I left. Usually how it goes."
Lewis rolled his eyes while Jack snickered. "Always being a smartass."
I sighed. "Well this smartass is going to head home."
Jack jumped up. "I will walk you home."
Lewis started eating a cookie. "Of course, you will."
"What's that supposed to mean?" I crossed my arms. Jack just gave him a look.
"Oh, nothing at all. Since you two are leaving, I am going into my house. I bid you both goodnight." Lewis climbed down first running into his house before tripping over a lawn chair and cussing.
Jack and I walked in silence for a bit. We are okay being silent. It was comfortable with him. Like everything usually was. I nudged him. "You are coming back to stay with him?"
Jack grinned, nudging me back. "Yeah, in the morning, I am going back to my place. Get ready for graduation there."
"I will get to see you before graduation. I thought you and your boyfriend would get ready together." I laughed.
Jack shook his head biting his lip. "No, remember I promised you we would go to graduation together when we were six." 
I smiled bigger than I should have. "I can't believe you remember that."
"What? How could I not? You almost made me write it out in blood." He laughed. "Plus, I want to."
Thank goodness it was dark apart from street lights. I blushed. "It would have been better if you had written it in blood. It would have really been set in stone then."
"I am surprised you hadn't made me." We stopped in front of the bushes that separated our houses.
Jack stuck his hands in his pockets. "I guess I will get back to Lew's."
"Alright, I will see you in the morning." I smiled at him.
We looked at each other. I am not sure why but I hugged him. I mean I hugged him before. This was different. I pulled him in closer. I honestly didn't want to let go. He was one good thing I had. I didn't want it slipping through my hands. At least the hug wasn't awkward.
He hugged me back tight. "I will see you in the morning Opal."
"See you Wilson." We let go of each other.
I walked into the house. I knew mom would be asleep. But I snuck into my parent's room. I tip toed over to my dad's side of the bed. I rubbed my hand through his hair. "Hey dad."
"Hey sweetheart, I've missed you." He smiled.
I tried hard to keep the tears back. "I missed you. I just wanted to say goodnight."
"Goodnight. I love you Opal." He smiled again before dozing back off.
I kissed his head. "I love you too dad."
I snuck back out of their room. After putting on my night clothes, I laid down putting my ear buds in. As much as I wanted to sleep. I knew I would toss and turn until the sun shined through my window. But surprisingly, I fell asleep. The last thing I remembered was wondering if Slinky, my cat, was okay.