7. The Fish are Waiting
1348 Words
“Bree!”
A happy Lilia comes bounding into my room.
“Lilia? I thought you wouldn’t be back for another week?”
I sit up from the bed.
“You’re not happy to see me?”
“Of course I am! You have no idea”
“You feeling better? Our moms are in the living room and your mom said you’ve been under the weather?”
“Oh yeah. I am much better now that you’re here.”
“Did you miss me that much? Don’t tell me you haven’t done anything while I was away?”
I thought about the last couple of weeks.
I successfully avoided Kenta for most of the first week. I got up super early whenever I had to clean the bathroom. I was grateful for Lilia’s method. At dinner I would get a head start on dishes before everyone was done so there were only plates, cutlery and glasses to clear.
“I had a big lunch” or “I want to get in more chapters before bed” I would say as I took a few bites of dinner so I could start on the pots and pans and any other big dish.
I also took it upon myself to bathe Jane whenever I managed to get the dishes done early and happily volunteered to read to her and put her to bed.
By the time I was done, I was exhausted. It became my saving excuse to go to bed early where I would hide under the covers. There were nights I didn’t sleep at all.
I just have another full week before Lilia comes home.
Counting down the days gave me the motivation I needed to make it through. It was working until...
“Honey-bree can you come here a moment?”
I turned around just as I was making a bee-line to my room.
“Yes dad?”
I took a few steps into the living room and was relieved to find my dad alone.
“Where’s Kenta?”
“Oh he decided to go meet with some teammates to hang at that new Internet cafe in town.”
Good.
“You needed something?”
“Yes. Can you sit a moment? I feel like I haven’t really seen you lately.”
“Oh.” I sat down on the love-seat across from his chair.
“Oh? Bree are you mad at me?”
What? Why would he think that?
“No dad. I've just been a bit preoccupied, is all.”
“Are you sure hun? It’s okay if you are. I know I’ve been busy with Kenta’s training and English lessons. I know we usually will have gone to the coast to fish by now.”
I could honestly not care to fish these days.
“Dad, it's fine. Really. I know how much your workload can be.”
During the day dad still has his work on the base and when he comes home, he’s either doing baseball training or English lessons. Always with Kenta.
The thought made me a bit bitter. Maybe I should be mad.
“Well listen, the guys don’t have a game this weekend and your mom wanted to take you girls to Osaka for the weekend to do some shopping.”
I made a face.
“I thought that’s how you would feel. But hey, how about instead we do our fishing trip?”
Maybe fishing and getting out was what I needed.
“That sounds great. Thanks dad.”
“Hey that must be Kenta getting back.”
Before I could get up I heard the front door open and close and footsteps coming towards us.
“Kenta! How about a fishing trip with Bree and me this weekend?”
My heart stopped. I looked at my dad incredulously. I thought this was our trip.
I could feel Kenta’s eyes on me. Up until today I had managed avoiding his gaze. I reluctantly looked up and we locked eyes.
“You don’t mind Bree, do you?”
I shifted a bit on the couch and looked over to my father. What was I supposed to say?
“Umm no. Yeah. Kenta you should come. It’s a lot of fun.”
I glanced at him quickly. His eyes haven’t left me yet.
“Yes. Okay. Fishing. It will be much fun,” he finally says, breaking his stare and looking at my father.
“Great! Maybe ask some of the guys on the team if they want to go. It will be a good way for us to work on our conversation skills.”
Oh please. There’s no talking in fishing. But maybe having a few more guys come would lessen the awkwardness. Yes, that will be much better.
“Well I’m heading to bed. I’m getting to a good part in the book I’m reading.”
“Good night Bree, I love-“
“Night dad!”
I was back to my room where I felt like I could breathe again. I made sure the door was locked before I went to bed, past my bookshelf.
I haven’t picked up a book since Lilia left. I haven’t had any motivation to read.
How am I supposed to go on this trip? Whenever I’m in the same room as Kenta I feel the inability to calm my nerves.
He hasn’t tried to make conversation with me past “thank you” when I had to pass him a serving bowl during dinner.
I preferred it that way.
My body still had this lingering tension from looking into his eyes since that night. It made me uncomfortable because it wasn’t what I expected... he looked kind, like before.
Ugh. But he isn’t kind. He’s... I don’t know what he is. I just know I never want to be around him. I have to figure out how to get out of this trip.
* * *
It’s Saturday morning and the Lewis household is buzzing with a lot of chattering and packing.
“Mom! I can’t find my curlers!”
“Check Jane’s toy chest, I think she was using them in her Barbie’s playhouse.”
“Ugh mom!!! She keeps getting into my things!”
“Shay, she’s a child, of course she gets into things. I’m sure they’re just fine.”
More bustling through the house.
I, however, am occupied with not getting ready but putting on the best act of my life.
I looked into the living room and dad was prepping the fishing lines and his tackle.
“Dad?”
“Yes honey-Bree?”
Why did he have to use that nickname? It made me feel a bit guilty for the lie I was about to tell.
“I don’t feel well.”
“Really? What’s wrong? Do you have a temperature?”
“No. It’s a stomach thing. I felt a little sick yesterday but I thought it would pass by now.”
“Oh. It must be a 24 hour thing.” He sighed, disappointed. “We’ll have to cancel our trip if you’re not up for it.”
“You don’t have to cancel, maybe I could stay with Cherry’s family?”
“No that wouldn’t work, Cherry and her mom are going to Osaka as well.”
Of course they are. Cherry was a mutual friend to Lilia and me but since she grew boobs, she started dressing up and didn’t hang out with us as much anymore. No wonder I didn’t know she was going too.
“Actually dad, I could stay to watch Bree so no one has to miss their trip.”
I turn around to see Lindsey coming from around the corner.
What was she up to? Lindsey hasn’t babysat me since Shailene was old enough to.
“You sure Lynn? You love going shopping in Osaka” Dad asked.
“Yes! I can give mom a list of things I need. It’s not much, just a new swimsuit and maybe a new outfit for the end of summer bash.”
“But this isn’t just a regular overnight watch when mom and I take a weekend trip. Bree might be coming down with something contagious. You’ll have to monitor her and give her medicine and some bland foods when she’s up for it.”
“Yes I know, dad. Have fun with the guys and bring home lots of perch and flounder like last time!” Ugh. She’s trying too hard. “We’ll be fine. right Bree?”
I couldn’t ignore the suspicions I had but if Lindsey staying meant I could get out of the trip, I obliged.
“Yeah dad, Lynn was always a good babysitter. I will probably just stay in my room all night anyways.” That wasn’t a lie. I didn’t want the company if I could help it.
Lindsey was beaming.
“Okay, Lynn & Bree. If anything comes up at all and you can’t get a hold of us, Mr. Davis is available down the hall.”
“I know. I know” Lynn said impatiently, “now GO! The fish are waiting!”
* * *
- Writer
