When the morning came, I rolled out of bed and went for a run. I didn’t last long, four or five miles, but I slowed to a walk and I didn’t return home till noon. When I did, I was surprised to find a bunch of cars parked in the driveway and on the road. Then I rounded to the back patio and saw a ton of people by the pool area. The door in the divider wall was open and more people were on the beach.
The Kades were having a party. Joy.
Then I checked my phone after I had showered and ate a few crackers. Lydia and Jessica both wanted to know where I’d gone from the party and why I hadn’t said goodbye. I turned my phone back off. There was no one else I cared about who would call.
As I headed to the kitchen, Mousteff was there in his chef’s white apron and he wore a hat too. He brandished a cutting knife and gestured to the table in front of him.
“Sit,” he grunted.
I sat.
He sliced up some meat and put it between two pieces of homemade bread. A parsley and tomato were placed on the side before he set the plate in front of me. A knife and fork were plunked beside it, along with a glass of water.
“Eat,” he grunted again.
An apple was cut up next. He put the bowl beside me, turned his back, and left. I didn’t see him for the rest of the day.
Later in the afternoon, I headed back to the kitchen for some water. When I went past the patio, I peeked out again and saw the group hadn’t left. A bonfire had been lit on the beach and most of the people were around that now. Loud bass blared through the windows. It got louder when a door opened and closed.
I didn’t glance up, but Mason stepped next to me. He reached around me and pulled out a pitcher. When he moved back to pull out a glass, I let out my breath. I hadn’t known I’d been holding it.
I didn’t turn around. No way.
Suddenly the door flew open again. Logan’s voice carried through as he howled and ran through the house. Then a car door was slammed shut in the front of the house. When I looked over I saw Mason watching through the kitchen window. A small smile was on his face. He looked softer, just a bit.
My stomach kicked a notch.
I spread a hand against it and frowned. What the hell was I doing?
Then the front door was thrown open and we heard Logan holler, “Finally! Dude!”
Male laughter responded. When Mason left the kitchen window, I took his place and saw Logan trying to dry hump some guy. I didn’t recognize him, but they had so many friends. He was tall, over six feet and his jet black hair matched with Mason’s. The two almost looked like twins. While he went out to greet the new arrival, both gave each other a hug with a smile on their faces. It was so genuine, that I clenched my hands around my glass and turned away.
I didn’t come out of my room for the rest of the day. When I did, it was past ten in the evening. The party was still full force outside by the beach. No one was beside the pool and I was surprised by that. Then I checked my phone and regretted it. Lydia sent me a text, ‘Jeff said you guys broke up. CALL ME!’
I turned it off and put on a movie.
My body was tired so I did nothing on Sunday, except for the little homework I already had. I heard my mom’s voice once when I ventured downstairs, but Mousteff told me, “Mr. and Other are gone for day. Cooking in cities is better than cooking at home. No one cares. You eat.” And he dumped a bowl of soup in front of me with some crackers on the side. When he went back to the kitchen I heard him muttering to himself.
