Lag

3.

"Oh my, this is beautiful. Look at that wrap around porch! This looks like something that would be in a country movie!" My mother gushed excitedly pulling up to the Timberland's large yet modest estate. She wasn't wrong, the place was beautiful. Wide fields, a wooden fence could be seen peaking out from behind the two story house.

My mother was right, it really a gorgeous sight. It was something of a small ranch. Freshly mowed grass and and incredibly faint smell of manure wafted through the air. The affect was shockingly pleasant.

However, we weren't the only cars that have pulled into the wide driveway, all of which seemed to be newer and shinier than my mother's own 2005 Cadillac Escalade. My easy going mother beamed from the driver side glancing around at all of the scenery while a small sinking feeling seemed to wake up in my stomach.

I don't know anyone except my mother and she is leaving me here. Oh boy. An uneasy feeling bubbled up with in me. I didn't want to be here. Not alone, at least not with these people. I stare up at the porch trying hard to swallow all of my worry. Their beautiful mahogany door opened up to reveal Keenan walking out nervously onto the porch with his mother following close behind him with a wide and inviting smile as she spots my mothers vehicle. 

I exit the Cadillac several seconds after my mom. "Victoria!" Mom calls up to the porch as if Mrs. Timberland was and old friend. Mrs. Timberland outstretches her arms invitingly, "Linda! I'm glad you found the place alright. Many people seem to pass the driveway."

Keenan sheepishly follows Victoria down the stairs to approach us. "I almost did, The trees leave just a little room to see it." Mom chuckles easily. Mrs. Timberland shakes her long golden hair out of her face in one graceful hair swish without her smile moving a fraction. "It helps with the privacy. You'd be surprised how many weirdos have tried to come this way." Her laugh was beautiful and almost song like, and quite infectious. Even I cracked a smile as my mom lets out an earnest laugh.

Perhaps this wont be so bad after all. Mr. Timberland seemed like a easy going and good natured woman, warm almost. I feel like I could trust her. My smile froze on my face when her crystal blue eyes look down at me and cast the same warm smile she gave to my mom. 

"And you must be Camille, you go to school with Keenan. Yes?" Before I could answer Keenan's quiet voice drifted forward, "I told you she did, mom. You don't have to ask her that." 

His cheeks blushed slightly as he rubbed the back of his neck embarrassed. His soft tone came from his mother. Even though his voice was considerably deeper, it still carried the soft and therapeutic and calmness her own voice carries. His reprimand was still gentle some how.  

She glanced back at him seeming to realise he was uncomfortable. "Just trying to start a conversation, baby. But why dont you go ahead and show her in. I've got to talk to Linda about an upcoming order I have in mind."

Victoria gives me one last polite smile before she walks towards her own vehicle beckoning my mom to follow her.

Me and Keenan look at each other briefly before he shoves his hands nervously into his pockets and turns back towards the porch. "Follow me."

I dont say anything as I do as he instructs. I watch my feet as we walk up the steps to keep my head down as low as possible. Half way up the stairs I run straight into him and reel back quickly to keep from knocking him over.

I step down a few steps to get a better look. His hands are still stuffed in his pockets but it lookes like he was stuck in mid step. I cant see his face but I imagine its screwed up in a deep scowl.

"Excuse me." A sharp voice sounded behind me. I turned around startled to see Keenan's older sister walking up behind us.

Her hair was the same long blond shade as her mothers and she had the same full lips and dazzling blue eyes. She was beautiful, but somehow her demeanor took away from it. She didnt have the same genial expressions her mother had.

She didnt pause for my answer as she whisked around both me and Keenan and walked into the house without a second glance. Wow, rude.

Then a another person walked past us without glancing back, this one however was a male. I didn't see the face before he disappeared into the house but the back of him resembled Keenan pretty closely.

An irritation sparked in me as I watched the door close the second time. They didnt even stop to help him.

Without thinking I reach for Keenan. I dont know what I'm doing, I dont know how to help him, but I know I dont want him to get left on these steps feeling stupid.

A hand came from behind me and grabbed my arm gently. I jerked around to see who it was only to find out that its Keenan's other brother. These peoples genes are incredibly strong.

It was almost like he could have been Keenan's twin. I was right to assume Keenan was the smallest because the first brother that walked past was bigger and had a strong build. This brother wasn't quite as big but compared to Keenans tall lanky physique he was definitely in shape.

I lower my arm as he shuffles past me quietly. I watch him walk up the few steps and put his arm around keenans shoulder and whisper something to him.

"Relax." I heard him tell him. A moment later I see Keenan's leg finally drop down onto the next step as if he never froze mid stride along with a long sigh. His brother slaps a supportive hand down on his shoulder. Keenan glances back at me begrudgingly as if hes forcing himself to see if I had witnessed his lag. I smile at him. I smile at his frown and rosy cheeks that have been aflame from embarrassment. His head jerks back forward as quickly as it had turned around to look at me and a split second later he continues to walk up the steps as if nothing had ever happened.

His brother glanced back at me momentarily before jerking his head in an indication that I should follow. I don't know if I want to or not, but I do anyway.