My sister's boyfriend

Chapter three - Friends and a pool

Zoe's POV:

Josh and I went out together. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. This wasn't a date. I will say that two friends went out together. I don't know if we are friends, but we are not strangers either. I used to be his tutor in high school. He had to score better results on his tests. That was so he could keep playing on the football team. I didn't expect him to put that much effort. This boy surprised me. It was visible that this was important for him. I don't know where he will be now. We haven't talked about universities. It doesn't hurt to ask. After all, this is not personal information. At least, that is what I think. I'm sure we won't be in the same university. I would like to see a familiar face. Well, my sister will be there. I still haven't told her about that. I wanted it to be a surprise. Now I don't know how she will react. I'm afraid that she might not like this. The thing is that this is my only chance to fix everything. She has to talk with me. I still don't know what I did wrong. Maybe the fault is not mine. It's better if I think about something else. My summer plans are dying. I want to do something fun. I planned to ask Josh for help, but I'm afraid. Sometimes, he has crazy ideas. Also, I don't want to be part of something between him and the boys. It's good that they are still friends. I wish I had some. After everything that happened with Dani, I got distant from people. That might have been for good. Back then, I was confused. Now my mind is clear. I hope that at university, I will meet new people.

It's another hot day. I don't know how I will deal with this. When I'm in the backyard, I feel like I'm melting. Also, the hammock that my dad made is burning. It's between two trees, but this is not helping. I might take a cold shower today. That is the only thing that can help me. My other solution is to stay inside all day. I have no idea what I will do all day in the house, but I can't go out. It's way too hot. I prefer to stay away from the sun. After all, I don't want something to happen again.

Currently, I am in my room. I had breakfast an hour ago. My parents are at work. I need to find activities for the day. I tried watching TV, but I didn't enjoy it. The shows they give don't make any sense. At least I can entertain myself with some books. Maybe I should call Josh. He might be out with the boys, but I can still ask. The thing is that I don't have any other idea. If Dani was here, I could've gone out with him. Now this is impossible. I picked up my phone when it started ringing.

- Hello?

- Hello, milady.

- Josh? What do you want?

- To invite you to my home today.

- Because?

- I have a pool and friends. It has a cooling system for the hot summer days. What do you say?

- It sounds good. The thing is that I'm not sure if I want to come.

- Why not? I won't do anything to you. I promise.

- It's not about that. I don't like being under the sun.

- Don't worry. Dad built the pool close to the trees. They make great shadows.

- Really?

- Yes. I can send you a picture if you want.

- No, thanks. I trust you.

- So, will you come?

- When is this invitation? I mean, for what hour?

- How about you come for lunch? We can eat something with the boys and then enjoy the warm water.

- I don't know.

- Please. We won't do anything to you. I have warned the boys.

- They already know. But I didn't agree yet.

- I can be very convincing.

- It doesn't look like that.

- Are you sure? I can win you in no time.

- No offense, but I don't want to be in the same place with you and your ego.

- Why do you think my ego will be there?

- Because you never leave it.

- If I do it, will you come?

- If you do what? I don't understand.

- I will throw my ego away if you come home.

- Are you sure you can do this?

- It will be a bit hard, but I will make this sacrifice for you.

- I will believe it when I see it.

- In that case, you should come home.

- Ok, fine.

- I told you I could be convincing.

- Whatever.

- I'll wait for you for lunch.

- Ok, no problem.

I didn't plan for this to happen. At least I have some plans. Now it's almost 11 am. I better get ready. I went for a quick shower. It's not like I need it. I will be sweating until I go to his house. When I came out, I put my bathing suit on. I don't know if I want to go out like that in front of the boys. The thing is that I couldn't say no. Josh always finds a way to get what he wants. After half an hour, I walked out. I went to a grocery store to buy ice cream. Soon, I arrived. I knocked on the door, and Josh opened it.

- I'm here.

- Thank you for coming. Come in.

- Thanks. This is for you.

- Ooh, what is this?

- Ice cream.

- Yummy. The boys will like it.

- I believe they are already here.

- Yes, they are.

- Hello, boys.

- Look who is here. What will you teach us today? - Andrew asked

- How to act around a girl. I think you need some lessons.

- Not only me, princess.

- I made a mistake coming here.

- No, you didn't. Let's eat now. - Josh said

- I have been waiting for this moment my whole life. - Kevin said

All of us were eating sandwiches. At least they are cold. The boys talked about something, but I couldn't join their conversation. I had no idea what it was about. Maybe it's better this way. After an hour, all of us were in the pool. The boys looked at me, but none of them said anything. I guess Josh had a word with them.

- Hey, are you ok? You don't say anything. - Josh asked and came up to me

- I have nothing to say.

- Are you sure it's only this? If something is bothering you, I think you can tell me.

- Thanks, but I'm fine.

- Zoe.

- Ok, ok. I'm thinking about university.

- What about it?

- I have around a month before I have to go.

- At least you have that. - he mumbled

- Why did you say that?

- What? I didn't say anything.

- Josh.

- Ok, ok. I have to go to university a bit early.

- How early?

- After a week.

- What? Why so soon?

- Because I got accepted into their football team. I have to meet with the boys and practice.

- That's good. Is this what you want to do?

- I'm not sure. For now, I will keep with this. Later, I might change my mind.

- It's good that you have a plan.

- Yes, I do. This doesn't mean I will follow it. Many things can happen.

- You might not be a straight-A student. Well, you do have talent when it comes to football. I think you will be fine.

- I hope so. Now, who wants to play water volleyball?

- What is this? Do you mean water polo?

- I have never heard of that. I have an inflatable ball here.

- Let the better team win.

- Deal.

We played for more than an hour. Josh made me the captain of the other team. Sadly, that was a terrible decision because we won. I have never been happy to win a game. Well, there is a first time for everything. I'm glad that the boys entertained me. Otherwise, I would've been bored at home.

- Thanks for the afternoon, boys.

- Are you going home? - Josh asked

- I think I have to. I spent enough time here.

- Come on. You can stay longer. After all, I'm leaving in a week.

- So?

- Won't you miss your friend?

- You never said I was your friend.

- Now I say it. Please.

- Only an hour. I want to be home for dinner.

- Deal.

I stayed with the boys for another hour. The thing is that I lied. I don't need to be at home for dinner. They are not my friends, but I had fun with them today. Well, all this is thanks to Josh. This is my first time being with them. I have been to two games, but that was. I never talked with them. Let's say that I had nothing to tell them. It's not like we did it much today. Mostly I spoke with Josh. We have things in common. I'm glad it was only him today. He left his ego. I prefer the nice boy.

Around 6 pm, I was at home. Of course, my parents were already here. I'm sure they will ask me questions. It's rare for me to be outside. Also, my clothes are still wet. At least I had fun. That's what should matter to me.

- Hey, honey. Quick question. Why are you wet? - my mom asked

- Oh, I had a pool day with friends.

- You have friends. I don't believe it. - my dad said

- Very funny. I got invited. I didn't want to go, but he convinced me.

- He? You were with a boy in the same pool!

- Dad.

- When is the wedding?

- DAD!

- I'm kidding. Go and take a shower. Dinner will be ready soon.

- No more comments, ok?

- Yes.

- Neither with my mom.

- I got it.

- I can hear everything, even from the shower.

- Ok, I don't believe you know.

- You have no idea how many things I know. Including what you plan to do when I go to university. Here is advice. Don't talk that loud. Somebody might hear you.

- What exactly do you know?

- Everything.

- What?

- That was too easy.

- Come on. She is making fun of you. - my mom said

- Really?

- Dad, how is it possible that I can hear from the shower? Think about this.

- Someone is in a good mood today.

- Let's say that I had a good day. Surprisingly.

- What did you expect?

- They are boys. You can expect everything. Luckily, they behaved. Unbelievable.

- Maybe someone told them to do it.

- I know who. Anyway. I'll go and take my shower. See you soon. - I said and left

- Put these clothes in the washing machine.

- No problem, miss.

I walked into my bathroom and let the water down. That is what I need now. The pool was great, but I got sweaty until I came home. The sun is still powerful. At least nothing happened. Once, I walked under it and fell on the ground. Everything went black for a second. That's why now I am careful. When I was ready, I went to get new clothes. These are not dirty, but they are still wet. Well, I did what my mom said. I put on another pair of shorts with a T-shirt. Then I went to eat dinner. The food looks good. I took a small bite, and everything melted. Mom is the best chef I know. I will miss her food when I go to university.

- Mom, I have a question.

- What is it?

- Can you come to university with me?

- Why?

- Because I want to eat your meals daily. - I said, and she laughed

- I don't think I can do that. Where will I cook there?

- In my room.

- Honey, that won't happen.

- At least I tried.

- Yes, you did.

- What are your plans for tomorrow? Will you go out with the boys again? - my dad asked

- I don't know. Josh has to go to university early.

- How early?

- Next week.

- Why?

- He got accepted into their football team.

- If this is what he wanted.

- Yes, it is. I might call him tomorrow to see if he wants us to go out.

- Well, I think he will. - my mom said

- Why are you so sure?

- Because no one can say no. Also, you were his tutor.

- This doesn't mean anything.

- We'll see, shall we?

- Of course.

The rest of the night I spend talking with my parents. Mom tried to call Elina, but she didn't pick up. Since she went to university, we got ghosted, especially me. She still hasn't called me. It's not like I care that much. Well, it will be nice if she does it. I don't think this will happen soon. The good news is we'll be in the same building. She has to talk with me even if she doesn't want to do it. For once, I want to fix things. It can't be that hard. I don't even know why we have so many problems. Probably I have done something. It's better if I don't think about this now. I hope that she will listen to me.