“Do you think that’s a good idea? You’ve never been by yourself.”
“I know that. I will be twenty-one in two weeks and I need to get out and start living my life. I am only asking because the lake house is yours too. I don’t want you being mad at me if I move in there. I want you to tell me that it’s okay.”
“You’re serious aren’t you?” There was a questioning look in those dark blue eyes. The way he cocked his head to the side was like he was trying to read my thoughts.
“Well yeah, why do you think I am asking?”
“It just seems weird, that’s all.” He moved my hand down and the peas with it. “Things have been the same for so long that it will be weird coming home and not having you here.”
“I know it will, but you’ll get used to it. We have to change. We’re both getting older and we can’t keep things like this forever. I want to have a life of my own. You can come visit me at the lake. I’ll be closer to your school than I am now.”
“Good point. So, I guess you’ll need my help moving.”
“For sure, do you think you can help next weekend?” I asked.
“Yeah, I guess.” Don’t think I didn’t notice the way he rolled his eyes.
“That means no hangovers, Stuart Dane Evans.” I practically growled at him. I am in no way, shape, or form, babysitting that boy on moving day. I do it enough already.
“You know I hate when you call me that.”
“I know, that’s why I do it. You know I mean business.” He just shook his head and smiled. I wrapped my arms around him for another hug. Gosh, I’ve missed him. I was about to ask him about school when the ever expecting knock sounded on the back door. This was record time for Wren. She must have already had her makeup on.
“Hey guys, are you all having a party without me?” She came right in. We have been walking in unannounced to each other’s homes for years now. I wouldn’t expect anything different.
“I would ask you what you’re doing here, but I’m pretty sure I know,” I winked at her.
“Oh shit, what happened to your eye Dane?” She hurried over to him completely oblivious to me sitting there.
“Well hello to you too Wren baby,” I smacked her on the arm. She rolled her eyes at me.
“Nothing,” he said in his normal bitchy tone.
“It’s not nothing, it’s serious. It’s almost swollen shut. Let me help you.” When she reached over to touch him, he swatted her hand and backed away.
“I told you that I’m fine. I don’t need your help.”
“Quit being so stubborn,” she said and tried to reach for him again.
“LISTEN!” He yelled in her face. I saw her flinch. “I don’t want you helping me. I don’t even fucking like you. When are you gonna get that through your thick skull, and stop annoying me.”
“Dane!” I shouted as he turned around and stomped off. The tears were already flowing down her cheeks. “I’m so sorry Wren. I don’t know what his problem is.” I wrapped my arms around her. She stood there crying her eyes out. “He doesn’t deserve you.”
“I’ve got to go,” she said through her strangled cry.
“Wait Wren,” I yelled after her as she ran out the door. “Just great,” I sighed, watching her run off towards her house.
“What’s all the commotion about?” Uncle Jake yawned.
“Dane’s home,” I said shaking my head. That was all the explanation he needed.