Ratbags and Scallywags [bxb]

Chapter 11

Ikeisha turned her phone, pointing the camera to the boys. They were in the loungeroom with each of their parents, eating crackers and dip while they socialized. Bustling and lively. "They came in ten minutes ago," she said.

The sound of their laughter and chatter mixed with music and dogs barking in the background, feeling intense. I turned down the sound, feeling myself grow tired. Just as I was about to decline the beach, the thought of Charlie popped up in my head. I could see the image of him laughing boisterously and creating a ruckus with his friends.

I could see the gleam in his eyes while they crinkled with laugh lines, maybe watering in the process like they did sometimes. It was thanks to him that my hearing aid was safe, and I wouldn't have to show up back at school with a fat pink clump behind my ear. After yesterday, I realized I just wanted to see him again.

"We'll see you soon," she said, bringing the camera up to a more flattering angle. I could see the light hit her glossy lips, making her look like a real-life Bratz doll. Something Tess still had a few of, lying around somewhere. "Get your Mum to drive you."

"I'll walk," I said, enjoying the sound of my voice. "I could do with some sunlight."

She frowned, not bothering to hide her concern, but nodded regardless. It took some time over the last few years, but she eventually learned not to coddle me. Mum and Dad did enough of that already. Walking wasn't an issue as long as I remained vigilant and focused on the things around me. My depth perception was off, but I wasn't blind. I could do this much at least.

Plus, I could drop in and thank Charlie at Breakers Café. I joined Dad in the kitchen, helping him to prepare French toast for breakfast. Tess came down sometime later and started chatting away. It was a pleasant, carefree start to the morning, and I was feeling good.

When I informed Mum that I'd walk to the beach, she gave me a thorough rundown of road safety and the precautions I should take. To be reminded of road rules to this day, four years later, as if I was a child stuck in time. It was insulting. Like I was never growing up.

"Alright, Mum," I said, forcing a smile. "I'll see you later."

-

The sun was sweltering hot, making me thankful for my choice of a white tank shirt and black boardshorts. Since the news was out about my hearing aids, I decided to tie my hair back into a messy bun. There weren't many surprises left, so I decided to just roll with it and let it be seen.

On the brighter side of life, my surroundings grew more colorful and vivid the closer I got to the main beach. Walking along the esplanade now, where tall trees lined the banks, kids splashed around in the waterpark, and people sat on picnic blankets with umbrellas and beach chairs set up.

Minutes away from the beach, Breakers Café came into view. The path leading to the main beach area came just before it. Excited, I picked up the pace and reached the building. There I saw him directly by the window, the first table to the left. He didn't notice me. I didn't think his friends did either.

As I came through the door, I was immediately greeted with their obnoxious laughter and pig squeals; exactly as I imagined. Charlie was wearing a tank top, only his was yellow with rips in it. It fell in a way that showed off his chest, reminding me of how we hugged yesterday.

Charlie sat by the window, seated beside Goose and the pretty girl who I assumed to be his not-paid girlfriend. Liam sat opposite Charlie, with his arm up on the seat, around Jude's neck; looking like a protective boyfriend. Every time I saw them, I grew more convinced that they were more than friends.

"You can't leave those forums for five bloody minutes," Charlie said, leaning sideways across the table to scroll Ben's phone. "You don't ever get bored of living like a dickhead?"