Bittersweet

~~ Warm Apple Pie ~~

But I suppose being the black sheep of the family had its advantages. I rarely saw him or my asshole of a twin for starters and only came to make sure my Ma was okay and if she needed anything. Because Just like everyone else, dad treated her like a servant. Around just to do his bidding and keep up his illusion of the perfect family.

Everything was an extension of him, a reflection on him. And being the eldest (by seven minutes precisely) I was expected to follow. But not me—nah, my life was my own, and I didn't need him or his money.

My ears pricked, hearing my name mentioned. I turned to see two women giggling and pointing at me from the opposite side of the mesh screen of the exposed door to my parent's large open kitchen.

I thought I recognized their faces, yeah. A lightbulb flicked on in my brain... they were Angie's—my sister's friends.

Shit! I ran my hand through my hair, offering a small smile.

It was the last thing I needed. Their flirty smiles pitching unwanted intentions towards me loud and clear. The bustier of the two leant over, permitting me a glimpse of what was on offer, her dress barely containing her ample charms.

I never understood why women did that. They call out men for ogling them, when clearly they tempt you in the first place? Go figure, don't think I'll every understand the fairer sex.

Scrap that that thought—I would never understand women.  I'd given my all to my ex, and she'd thrown it all back in my face. What the hell did women want? Because clearly being the good guy hadn't worked for me?

Quit it!  But it was too late as the bubble of anger I'd kept a lid on, raised its ugly head. Fuck, I really needed a smoke.

Turning away from my eager audience.  The last thing I wanted, was to hook up with anyone. My break-up with Alison still fresh... raw.

I edged closer to the steps on the veranda and before they could drag me into something I knew I would end up regretting. My feet found their way to the bottom of the stairs, walking away from the house, looking up towards the heavens.

Give me a sign here... any sign!   If my asshole brother could settle down—get married. Then what the hell was I doing wrong?

Grumbling, I put some distance between me, my family and my sisters' keen friends. I reached inside my pocket and pulled out my smokes. I would not light up, just holding one instilled the rush of knowing I had them with me—I could resist if I just held it.  Three months since I'd quit.

Some tension slipped from my shoulders as each step offered the pleasure of freedom.

But I'd spoken too soon. In the distance, I caught wind of three of my cousins.

My cousin Ellie was waving like her hand had a mind of its own. Scanning every direction, I looked for an escape. I was running out of options of where to hide. Offering a single wave, I headed East and walked towards the orchards, the shelter of trees my best bet to avoid my family.

Ignoring my name being called, the sun exposed itself from the clouds. It's warmth weighted to my overall discomfort. I yanked at my collar—again.

God-damn!

Looking down to distract from the glare of the sun, something caught my attention. A streak of white. Turning, I caught the tail end of what looked like a dress disappearing behind a hedge.

Weird.

Shoving the cigarette back inside my suit pocket, I headed toward the mystery.

As I got closer, I heard heavy breathing. Someone out of breath?