Out of the Bayou: Secrets

Five

Magnolia

Not long after, I saw Eli run out of Everett’s book door and scoop up Laura as if she was his greatest treasure. I knew it was wrong to continue to eavesdrop, but I couldn’t help but sit quietly in the dark peering out my window in the hopes of getting a better understanding of what I had just witnessed. Eli kissed Laura passionately right there in his best friend’s backyard, as if he and his best friend’s girl were the ones together for the year, not Laura and Everett. Eli looked down at Laura once he released her lips from his. He stroked her hair, speaking softly to her but just loud enough that I could make it out.

“I’m sorry your 18th birthday turned into this, but I’m glad it was me. When the clock hit midnight, I felt the connection. Everett and Jewel will come around.”

“But it’s his birthday too, Eli. The guilt is eating me alive.” Laura sobbed.

“It will all work out. I love you, Laura. Let me take you home.” Eli said as he carried her through the yard to his car.

I couldn’t believe what I just heard. What kind of connection happens at midnight on an 18th birthday that would cause you to cheat on your boyfriend in his bed with his best friend? I looked at the clock and it was twelve thirty. I must be dreaming or hallucinating.

“Magnolia, sweetie, are you still awake? We are heading to bed.” My dad whispered, cracking open my door.

“I’m going to bed now. Good night, daddy.” I said as I shut my window and climbed into bed.

“Good night, baby girl” my dad said as he shut my door back.

I closed my eyes, trying to understand what I had just witnessed. Sleep took over soon.

Since we didn’t have school, I slept late. When I woke up, it was nearly lunchtime, and I could hear my parents and the Leblancs laughing from downstairs. I guess that means Andrew and his parents are here sighing to them. It was Good Friday, Everett’s birthday. He and his girlfriend Laura shared the same birthday. My birthday was on April 1st. Two days later. Yep, of course, I had to be born on April Fool’s Day, fitting since I felt like one all the time. Wait. Are Everett and Laura still together? Was I dreaming that last night? I went to my closet to find something to wear. I picked out a t-shirt and a pair of shorts. The weather app on my phone said it would be sunny and in the high seventies and low eighties. I should be OK wearing this, I thought as I looked in the mirror. I walked out of my room to head downstairs, bumping into Andrew. He smiled his dreamy smile at me. I blushed.

“Sorry, I was just coming to get you. Your mom said to let you know to come eat some lunch. They aren’t going to start boiling the crawfish and shrimp until after three,” Andrew explained.

“Thanks.” I said with a soft smile.

“So, how’d you sleep? Did you have sweet dreams?” Andrew asked.

“Fine. I think I had a weird dream. Nothing to write home about.” I chuckled with my cheeks beginning to heat up with how close he was to me.

The smell of his cologne stirred something in me as he followed me down the stairs. When I got to the bottom, I glanced out the front door window as I walked by to the kitchen and noticed Eli’s car was at Everett’s house. I guess it was a dream. Before I could get to the kitchen, Mrs. Leblanc called out to me from the dining room.

“Magnolia. It’s so good to see you. You’re as beautiful as ever. How are you dear?” greeted Mrs. Leblanc.

“I’m doing fine. Good to see you too, Mr. and Mrs. Leblanc.” Greeting them back.

Andrew sat next to his parents at the table, as they all smiled at me. My mom was sitting with them drinking some tea. We smiled at each other with my mom telling me to go grab myself something to eat. I went into the kitchen and kissed my dad on the cheek, greeting him as he poured himself a glass of tea.

“Good morning, daddy.”

“It’s noon, sweetie.” My dad said jokingly.

“Sorry daddy. I must have been tired from staying up so late last night.” I sighed.

“It’s fine, baby girl, it’s spring break after all. Oh, and before I forget, your mother needs your help setting up the tables and stuff outside once you’re done eating.” My dad said.

“Okie dokie.” I told him with a grin as he walked toward the dining room with his drink in hand.

As I was making myself a ham and cheese sandwich, I looked out the window, noticing how pretty the day was with the birds chirping and the sun shining. I heard some noise and what sounded like laughing coming from Everett’s backyard. I didn’t see Everett, but I couldn’t mistake his laugh and I could see Eli throwing a ball with a smile on his face laughing as well. That was my second sign that last night was a dream, no one cheated, no one fought, and Everett and Laura must still be together. It’s not like I should care about that anyway, I scolded myself.

I picked up my sandwich, grabbed a coke, and made my way back to the dining room. Only to be greeted with awkwardness and silence, as if I walked in on a conversation that I was not meant to hear. I gave an awkward smile and took the open seat next to Andrew. He sat quietly observing the room as our parents smiled weirdly at us. I started in on my sandwich, trying to ignore their looks. Our parents began talking amongst themselves. Andrew leaned in and whispered.

"Can we go for a walk when you're done?"