Stay Young Forever
Chapter 25
Note: So I'm guessing most of you didn't get the last chapter..? I don't want to say too much because it will ruin what's going to happen in the future. But let's just say that was a bit of foreshadowing, and if you don't know what that is it's when there's something in the text that shows clues to things that happen in the future. I couldn't think of any other way to show that message, so I hope it makes sense later. And if you did get it, then thank you for understanding.
I walked back to the fountain area, and right before joining them I picked up a water gun, sprayed myself in the face and stomach, then walked over with a big fake smile on my face.
Beck was the first one to notice me. Well, the only one really. Everyone else was playing with some streams of water shooting out of the ground. Beck jogged over to me, and I could tell he knew I was gone.
"Where have you been?" Beck asked, and I tried my best to look confused. I didn't want to admit that I've been at the kid's area. That would be like admitting you robbed a bank.
"What do you mean? I've been here the whole time." I said, trying my best to sound convincing. But it was hard, I was tired and hungry, and I felt like all the energy has been sucked out of me.
"No you weren't. I checked the entire area." He said, and I could tell he was worried about me. But what's to worry about? Seriously, it's a water park.
"Well, I was just playing with water guns with those kids over there." I said, pointing behind me at the group of kids I passed. They were squirting each other with water guns, and they all looked to be about 12.
Beck raised his eyebrows while he looked at them. Then he looked back at me, and I knew he didn't believe me for a second. "Really? Then what are their names?"
I froze like a deer in the headlights. Okay, common names, common names. No, that would be too obvious. Throw in a few harder names. "Um, that one there is Tyler. Then that is Ashely, the one beside her is Abigale, Then there is John and Will." I said, and it sounded pretty convincing to me.
I could tell he still didn't believe me. "Okay. So if they are your friends now, a group of 12 year olds, then why don't you call them over?" And by the way he said 12 year olds, I knew I was in trouble. And he knew it too.
"Actually, I had to leave because their parents are leaving soon, and they need to go too. "
"Really? They don't look like they're leaving any time soon." He said, and I turned back to look at them. They were all spraying the girl I named Ashley, and they looked like they were just getting started with this fun. I sighed in defeat, rolling my eyes at Beck.
"Fine. I was at the kiddie area." I said, crossing my arms and staring him straight in the eye. I was just waiting for the mocking to begin.
"Okay. As long as you were okay. Next time, though, just tell me that. Your a terrible lier." He said, and I glared at him before we walked over to join the rest of them.
When we finally got home at 8 that night, I was worn out. We all arranged a dinner at Olive Garden the next day at 6, and I was not looking forward to it at all. The only reason I agreed was because Beck gave me that look, the look that said, it's for your own good. Honestly though, when did he become my father?
And now sitting in the bath tub, a pile of bubbles and bath salt in the water around me, I felt relaxed. I started to think about my father, and I wondered what he would think of this. What would he think of my changing? Would he be proud, or disappointed? I could almost hear the my dad's words in my head.
Excelling in life is important, but never lose sight of who you are while doing it. I had to wipe away a small tear when I thought of this, his voice was so real. It was as if he was really saying it now. Then I thought back to what that strange little girl said. It can be anything you want it to be. She was so wise, so strange. It was as if she was a ghost, or a dream. I remembered her curly blonde hair, and her stares at me. Just thinking about it sent chills down my spine.
Seriously, when did my life become some big poem? Or moral lesson?
I relaxed in the tub for another half an hour, relaxing my muscles and trying to pretend I was young again, and not in the mess that I am. I tried to pretend I was in my old house, where I was in the tub and Beck was downstairs, waiting for me to get out so we can play at the park, or climb the tree in my backyard. My Dad was lounging in the living room, reading a magazine while my brother was busy keeping Beck busy, usually making him do stuff like make him food. And for a moment, I really believed it. Then there was a knock on the door, and Beck's low voice boomed out. "Hey, are you almost done in there?"
I rinsed off and wrapped my hair into a towel, then put on a robe. I went into my room, allowing Beck access to the bathroom. There I changed into some shorts and a tank top. After running downstairs for a quick snack, I headed to bed early. I had a long day tomorrow.
I didn't get out of bed the next day until 2 in the afternoon. I couldn't believe I was actually going to a dinner with the people I was trying to avoid. I hoped that if I stayed in bed long enough, it might just turn into some dream. But Beck threatened to drag me downstairs if I didn't get out, and when I didn't he really did it. I still have rug burns.
Now it's 5 in the afternoon, and I'm getting dressed. I want to look classy, to show the new me, but also teen-ish, to show that I'm not that strict. I decided on a short sleeved fluffy shirt with dark neon butterflies over the white background, and a nice pair of skinny jeans with navy heels.
Then I put on my makeup, fixed my hair, and met Beck downstairs for possibly the worst next few hours of my life.