The Summer by the River

There was a well-maintained feeder road around the farm. Almost every site of the farm could be reached by motor vehicles. A perimeter fence run parallel to the road. There was a solar-powered lamp post every 500 meters. This set up made it convenient to transport goods and materials. It was ideal for quick responses in cases of grass and forest fires and other emergencies. It also enticed the farm residents to leisure walks, biking and riding.

We caught Justine and Karlo near the riverbank. They were already enjoying the pristine waters. They rolled their pants and were standing in the shallow part. They were throwing pebbles having a sort of a contest on who can cause more ripples on the surface of the water. They both clapped when several ripples were made. They booed each other when no ripple appeared.

Justine laughed heartily, obviously enjoying the moment. Seeing him like this made me wonder where his animosity towards me was coming from. Or what was causing it. He had an infectious laugh. It reminded me of the sound of a bicycle bell. It sounded like a mix of alarm and joy. I can't help smiling despite me still reeling from the heated exchange earlier.

Justine Rodriguez. 'Why do you affect me so much? I know I have a temper but I've never been agitated by a person as much as you have? And why do I feel that the feeling is mutual? Why do you resent me? What did I do? Why does my heart race by just looking at you or when you throw me a certain glance? Why do I have the urge to please you? Why do I wish you liked me a little?'

I was stunned by these thoughts. I closed my eyes to get hold of myself because a flood of emotions were threatening to overcome me. However, Justine's image standing on his balcony greeted me. He looked so lonely and vulnerable. But how could he also look so devastatingly handsome. And his eyes! His eyes are pitch black, they seemed to suck me in when he intently looked at me. I tried to erase this image but I couldn't get it out of my mind. I shut my eyes tighter but his image even got clearer.

I was interrupted in my reverie when like a little kid, Alexis took off his safety gears, shoes, shirt and pants. Wearing only board shorts, he dove into the water. I was in no mood to swim or play. I chose a shaded part on the boardwalk and sat. I watched as Alexis enjoyed the river. I felt a certain affinity with him. He was so much fun to be with. He was my age but he made me feel like an older sister. He was so sweet but a bit clingy. I wished he'd stop hugging and putting his arms around me so much. Not that I mind, really. But for reasons I still didn't understand, his brother seemed to resent these gestures. 'Whoa! Why do I even care about Justine's reaction? Stop overthinking Nina!'

From the corner of my eye, I saw Justine approached me. I stiffened. 'What is it this time?' I prepared for another verbal assault.

"I'm sorry for being a jerk earlier."

That caught me off-guard. 'Was he really apologizing?' For a moment, I was speechless. I apologized in turn for overreacting.

"So we're good, Nina?" He smiled. 'Boy, can he smile.' It was electric. I was floored.

He sat beside me. He sat too close for comfort. The breeze was cool and refreshing so I couldn't understand why I feel hot. I stopped that urge to fan myself. I was worried that he might notice the sudden rise in my body temperature. I pretended to watch the shrimps and little fish that were abundant in the river. But the heat was bothering me! I moved a little but lost my balance. Justine caught my shoulder and prevented me from falling. He grabbed me closer to him. His arm stayed wrapped on my shoulder. I couldn't decide whether to brush his arm off or not. It felt hotter but I liked his arm there. 'Nina!!! What are you doing?!?!?!'

I could hear my heart beating loudly. I was afraid that Karlo and Alexis who were wrestling on the waters, could hear my heartbeat too. But they were oblivious to me and Justine. I felt Justine's eyes on me. His gaze was so intense I could almost touch it. I wanted to look away but couldn't. His gaze felt like a magnet. It felt like the world went into a slow motion mode, like in the movies. A splash of water hit me. I welcomed this distraction because finally I could catch my breath!

Alexis and Karlo kept splashing water at us. Justine and I joined the water fight. We were shrieking with delight. Alexis grabbed me and threw me in the deep part of the river.

"Alex!" Justine shouted, with a hint of worry on his voice. Karlo just laughed. He wasn't a bit concerned. He knew I was a competent swimmer. The river was our playground and every kid in the farm learned how to swim here.

I wanted to get back at Alexis so I hurriedly got out of the water. The three boys suddenly stopped and looked at me embarrassed. Karlo looked away. Alexis pointed at my body with his eyes. My wet white shirt clung to my body outlining my hot pink bra with cute little red hearts. 'Why did I wear it today of all days?' I crossed my arms to cover it. Justine hurriedly took off his long-sleeved polo and gave it to me. I immediately wore it.

"Let's go back home. I'm hungry and sleepy. I think the jet lag is catching on me," Alexis declared.

We all drove back to the White House. When we reached the house, I told them I'd heed straight home to shower. Alexis said something but I did not catch it. I just wanted to get out of there as fast as I could. I didn't know what embarrassed me more-the outline of my breast or the design of my bra?!

At home, I debated whether to wash Justine's polo right away. I decided against it. Absurdity might have hit me because I hugged the polo several times and did the waltz with it. I also smelled it several times. I felt embarrassed by my perverted action but I can't stop myself. I hang the polo on my bedroom wall.

"Is it okay if I don't return you to your owner? I don't think he'll notice it right? I bet he has a hundred other polos and you're just one of them so what's another one less?"

I gasped. I couldn't believe I was talking to a polo shirt. I have gone mad!!!