Summer 28
The air was getting cooler as autumn approached with each passing second. I sat on the stoop outside of the school, waiting for the afternoon class. I was actually quite glad Mr. Barrett didn't read my note out loud last time. That would have been super embarrassing and awkward for, not only me, but Leonel as well.
The bell rang as Roy, Cammy, and the twins bounded into the schoolyard. Serena stopped in front of me blushing.
"Cl-Clara?" she asked, I looked up and smiled.
"Yes, Serena?" she blushed again and cleared her throat.
"A-are you ok? You seem a little depressed…" I just smiled and nodded.
"I'll be okay," I reassured her, "I'm just going through a difficult time right now." She nodded her head worriedly before smiling slightly.
"Just be sure to feel better for our birthday party, Okay!" I smiled and nodded as she ran off looking a little flustered. Serena was being exceptionally nice to me, it made me wonder if Orland or Leonel told her…surely not, though! Looking over towards the town I caught glimpses of my classmates. I stood up and walked into the building taking my seat.
"Turn your Lifeside textbooks to page 410." Mr. Barrett ordered, Leann cleared her throat very loud.
"M-Mr. Barrett…" my cousin began, "The Lifeside textbooks are for Ms. Mana's class…" she furrowed her brow as Mr. Barrett turned around.
"That may be so, Leann. But I need you kids to learn about this, or else you'll wind up like two of your classmates." I blushed a bit, thankfully, he didn't say my or Leonel's name.
"Oh…" I looked over towards Orland who was as red as a cherry as I quickly flipped the pages blushing also. The chapter was labeled 'Sex: The Pleasures and Risks'. I wanted to shut the book quickly and leave the classroom…but, everyone would suspect if I left. I looked around the room and saw Leann and Leonel blushing a mad red as well.
"This is going to be an awkward lesson, I know. However, I need you kids to know about the birds and the bees so you won't have to face the consequences that the two of your classmates have to face." Mr. Barrett said as he began scribbling on the board; Orland's eyes darted towards me, he shook his lightly head as if saying I-Feel-So-Bad-For-You.
After what seemed like a long lecture, Leann raised her hand; Mr. Barrett nodded towards her, as she stood up, still red from embarrassment.
"Uh, M-Mr. Barrett…can you tell us which classmate is going through this?" He stroked his chin in a thinking manner. Oh no…please don't say the names…
"I'm afraid I can't tell you that…your classmates with the problem will have to tell you, personally." I saw his eyes dart from Leonel, to me, and back again before resting his eyes on his papers.
"Class is dismissed early." He announced as everyone, including me, rose from our chairs, walking into the schoolyard with red faces. I looked over at my cousin, my heart pounded. I didn't want anyone to know just yet…but, Leann is family…she deserves to know, right?
Before she could take another step, I grabbed my cousin's upper arm, pulling her to the side of the school building.
"Clara! Ouch! You're hurting me! What is the meaning of this?" she demanded, I just placed my index finger in front of my lips, indicating that she should lower her voice.
"I know who Mr. Barrett is talking about." I told her, Leann blushed and leaned in closer
"Who?" she asked as I blushed.
We're family…you can do this.
"You can't tell anyone this…Okay, Leann?" I snapped at her in a whisper. She held her breath and nodded, I hesitated for a few seconds before whispering.
"It's me…" her eyes became wide with shock.
"Cl-Clar…" I stopped her.
"I don't know what I was thinking…" I looked down, "You told me that gift was a horrible idea, but I didn't listen." she had to be disappointed in me, but instead of walking away and telling me that she wanted nothing to do with me, she cupped my chin, lifting my face to her eye level.
"We're family, Clara. I'm here for you, no matter what." In addition, with that she gave me a kiss on the cheek, her high heels clicking further away from me.
I sat next to the little body of water on the farm, the waterfall splashing and hitting my face with little teardrops of sadness. My dad was working in the field, trying to get the last minute crops before he shipped them. I wanted to help him, but he didn't want me to strain; and according to them, I should take it easy. Especially during the early stages. Dad apparently saw the bored look on my face as he bellowed out.
"Hey, Clara! Your mom could use some help in the house!" I blinked a few times before hoisting myself up, it was better than just sitting around.
"Thanks for helping me around the house!" My mother exclaimed as I nodded, I hated cleaning, but if it's the only thing I can do I had better learn to like it.
"Now let's go get our nails done!" My mother exclaimed as I stood in shock.
"Uh, n-no thanks, mom." I replied, honestly I wasn't a girly girl like my mother wished, but nonetheless she accepted me as I am. Excusing myself, I rushed outside into the late afternoon air. It was still early enough to see a few friends. I pondered if Sera and Serena were busy. Surely not! They always had time to play when we were younger, and I'm certain they'll have time to hang out now as I made my way towards the clinic.
While getting ready to enter I was pushed back with a swing of the door by a very angry Yue. She gasped when she saw what she had done, quickly helping me to my feet, brushing the tad bits of dust from me.
"I am so sorry, Clara, sweetie!" she exclaimed as I smiled.
"It's fine Yue. You were just angry and not paying attention. Is something wrong?" I noticed tears forming in her eyes.
"It's nothing Clara. You…wouldn't understand." She rushed away trying to hide her tears, but the cool, salty drops slapped my cheek. I wanted to know, but it wasn't any of my business.
Opening the door of the clinic, I was greeted by Dr. Natalie and Ray, their faces changed from pleasant to worry.
"I hope there aren't any complications, Clara." Natalie said as I blushed and shook my head.
"N-no. I uh…just…was wondering if Sera and Serena could uh…hang out?" Ray smiled a bit at me nodding his head.
"No rough housing though, okay?" he joked as I laughed.
"That was only when we were young, Dr. Ray." I joked back, he titled his head towards the stairs, calling for the twins as their feet clopped down the stairs.
"Hiya Clara!" Sera exclaimed followed by Serena. I nodded a hello before tilting my head to the side.
"Do you two want to…you know…hang out?" Serena's face went red, Sera's eyes widened as she looked over towards her sister with a smile before turning her attention back towards me, bellowing out.
"Of course, Clara! Where do you want to hang out at?" I blinked a few times before asking.
"The pier?" Before I could have a second thought they each grabbed one of my hands; dragging me towards the pier.
Enjoying a glass of juice the three of us sat at the dock awaiting the sunset that would be as orange as Sera and Serena's orange juice.
"So Clara, you seem pretty depressed lately…" Serena began, her cheeks turning a rosy color, I looked over and smiled a bit.
"I am going through a difficult time…but I'm sure I'll be able to get past it…" they blinked, looking at each other nodding, before turning their attention back towards me.
"Your parents aren't getting a divorce, too? Are they?" Sera asked with a hint of tears in her eyes. Divorce? Too? Did that mean? Surely not! Not Yue and Dr. Ray…
"No, my parents aren't…you mean yours?" They nodded their heads slowly, looking down at their reflection in the water; I felt my eyes lower along with them. That must have been why Yue was so angry…I didn't know what to say. Your parents getting a divorce had to be much worse than an unwanted pregnancy.
"I'm sorry." Was all I could mutter as the twins smiled sadly.
"Don't worry about it, Clara!" Serena exclaimed, hoisting herself up, helping me up as well.
"We're just happy that you could listen." Sera said.
"Would you be able to tell us your problem when you're ready?" They both asked in unison. I smiled and slowly nodded, causing them to smile back; each grabbing my hand pulling me back towards town. Our laughter rang through the sky. Sometimes, it's great to have a shoulder to lean on…it really, truly is. I was glad I was able to listen to Sera and Serena's problem, and…I know once I tell them my problem, they'll still be happy to lend an ear!