Hiding the Truth

A brief silence ensues and Pike, putting his thoughts together, speaks his mind. "That wasn't quite what I expected when I asked for an embarrassing story but it is interesting."

"Madin sounded like he was so frickin' cute back then, I'm losing my mind! Why would you ever even consider treating August like that? He clearly doesn't deserve the respect!" exclaims a dumbfounded Trout.

"For once, I'm going to have to side with my sister on this. When you stopped by earlier you didn't come off as someone he'd even think about messing with, but if he starts to act up like that again, you're on your own."

 "I think you two'd be wise to watch what you say about August. I've been told more than a few times that my self-perception is a little off so there is a chance I may have exaggerated a bit of my niceties in the process." says Melody

 Pike and Trout look at each other with a subtle dose of confusion.

 "That aside, do you have any more 'embarrassing' stories to tell?"

 "I do, but maybe another time. Don't you think it'd be better to save those for more special occasions?"

 "Well, do either of you happen to know if any movies are coming out this month?"

 "I don't know. Aren't you the movie fanatic?" says Pike."

 "I have not a clue. I haven't had the chance to see any in ages either. Now that my schedule has opened up a bit more, I'd like to go with someone. I most definitely refuse to go to a movie theater by myself in this day and age though. I've read that that's like signing off to the world that you're not only alone but sad too. If you aren't careful, movie theaters can be like devilish traps designed to tarnish one's name."

Struck with excitement, Trout grabs a hold of Melody's hands transferring her enthusiasm over to her as well. "Don't worry about that, Melody. We can go watch something together. Then you won't have to fear being alone for the time being. How about right now?!"

"Then that means we can watch--" Melody proceeded to list a bunch of old classics that came out over a decade ago.

"Melody, I think I'm going to have to revoke your title of 'genius.' Those things from the dinosaur ages couldn't possibly still be airing. Look it up on your phone or something. I'm not allowed to bring mine with me to work. Pike..."

 "I said I haven't seen one in a while, Trout. I'm only called a genius because I excel at a handful of sciences. Entertainment is not one of my strong suits. I don't know enough about the lives of city folk or the entertainment industry to claim I'm a genius on the matter. I don't even own a TV or any video games. If you thought I'd know a thing about movies... you're unfortunately wrong. I have not seen one since I was six."

 "What?! Why would you not have a TV? Did your parents lock you in a cage?"

 "Mother told me that movies were for couples to watch together so I simply stayed away from those sorts of things. I only use my phone for emergencies and that's why I'm so glad you wanted to go with me, Trout. I hate to admit this, but I've been disastrously desperate and if I think real hard, I really like how stand-offish you are. If everything turns out alright, we can get to the kissing bit and expanding our relationship with a contract, right?"

Trout quickly let's go of her hands.

"Friends go out to see movies as well. If we aren't going as friends, I'm afraid I can't go with you. Seriously, you need to go outdoors more often. Explore and communicate with people. It's not going to do you any favors if you mistake an activity like watching a movie as a love confession."

"Understood."

"I see you two are getting along but your plans will have to wait. We still have work to do and August isn't back yet." explains Pike.

"What's that slacker up to? It's already been ten minutes." complains Trout

"You do know he's taking a bath, right? At least wait another ten minutes."

"He better be quick."

Covered in only a towel and plagued with the infiltrating blush of a maiden in love, August sat there quietly in the bathtub. Across from him, Pointy continued to doze off, leaning her head into the hot water just to jolt her awake again and again.

"Hey! If you end up drowning, I'm leaving your ass in here."

"Why are you so cruel, August? Did someone forget to change you today? Don't tell me you got a rash? Come over here and show me. I'll take care of it."

"Stay away from me! I'm not a baby anymore and I don't have a rash, you creep."

Pointy squints at him sceptical of his aversion from her.

"How's school going for you? You don't talk much about it."

"School is doable. I was finally able to get rid of some of those annoying pests at lunch. Those pitiable, gold digging harlots keep relentlessly coming up with different ways to ask me for money. It's Ridiculous."

"That's a real shame. Do you think I should accompany you after all?" She rises out of the water. Moving toward August, he begins to notice the towel wrapped around her torso and waist is weighted down by the water soaked into it. The closer she gets to him the redder his face and the more he averts his gaze.

"Stay away, you freak. I don't need your indecent body near me and especially not my school. I can handle it on my own."

"But you don't have to handle it alone. That's what I'm here for. If you don't feel like letting me handle it, I'm sure Melody can fix your problem.

"Shut up about her. I don't need her for everything either... That Bitch is why I'm even here in the first place."

 Pointy walks over to August's side and sits right next to him. She lowers her eyebrows with a hint of anger and reaches out pinching Augusts arm. She says, "Don't call Melody a 'Bitch', August. She does too much for you for you to start calling her lame names she doesn't deserve."

 "Why should I care about what you have to say?"

 "Because Melody isn't the only one who is capable of putting you six feet under."

 August is dumbfounded and looks directly at her in confusion. Pointy is staring back at him. She taps him on his back. "I'm not serious, August."

 He looks down at the reflection of his face made by the bath water embarrassed and regretful.