Blade

The week passes by quickly and soon enough, it's the last day. I didn't expect to have as much as fun as I did but Miriam and Dustin have a way of making life enjoyable. We've gone swimming pretty much every day and Mr. Swaz took us out on the boat a few more times. I've become addicted to s'mores and can name almost all the constellations thanks to Miriam.

"Good morning!" Miriam says excitedly, jumping on my bed with me. I'm in an oversized t-shirts -one my dad used to always wear- it has holes now but I refuse to get rid of it. "We're going bike riding this morning!"

I nod at her. She already has Faith, changing her into a baby romper for the day. "By the way, do you have a dress?" When I shake my head, she continues. "Tonight is the bonfire in the woods. It's a celebration of the last night of spring break at the lake so all the teenagers usually go. It's super fun. I'll let you borrow one of mine. Now get ready!" She walks out of the room with Faith and I dig through my bag to find a top. It's a pretty hot day but I still wear the soft yellow long sleeve shirt, used to being severly hot. I only own like two pairs of shorts and one is what I usually sleep in so I slide on the loose ripped jean shorts that come to my knees and jog downstairs, throwing my hair into a ponytail.

"Good morning, Blade." Mrs. Swaz greets kindly. "I made eggs and bacon this morning."

She slides over a plate to me but I only eat the eggs. I've never eaten pork in my life since my family never did.

"I'll take that," Dustin says, happily taking all my bacon.

"Thanks, Mom!" Miriam and Dustin say as we walk out the door to the garage. We've been bike riding one other time this week and I had taken the red bike with the basket at the front. Faith quite likes being rode around in there.

"She looks so cozy in her make shift baby carrier," Miriram coos, planting a sloppy kiss on Faith's bald head which makes her giggle.

Dustin clears his throat. "Are ya ready kids?"

"Aye aye captain!"

I laugh at them, following behind as they ride ahead. We stop at the snow cone stall, Dustin buying us Strawberry flavored snow cones and insisting it's the best.

"I'm sorry, but raspberry is better."

Dustin gasps. "Blasphemy."

I give Faith a taste of the snow cone and she makes an appreciative sound.

"Next stop: the gift shop!" Miriam announces.

"But I want donuts!" Dustin complains.

She scoffs. "You literally just ate breakfast."

"So?"

She sighs. "Fine. Donuts then gift shop."

The donut place isn't very far and soon enough, Dustin convinces me to try three different types of donuts and now I never want to move from the wicker chair.

"That was way too much food," Miriam moans out, rubbing her belly. She's leaning back in the seat, her feet splayed out as she digests. I'm in the same position, feeling stuffed beyond my limit.

"It was good though, right?"

"Amazing!" Miriam says, and I agree, giving Dustin two thumbs up.

We hang around for another fifteen minutes before moving on to the gift shop. The small air-conditioned space is adorable. The shelves are filled with small trinkets and souvenirs. I see some cute stuffed animals that Faith has her eyes trained on. Of course, she reaches for the colorful bird and I know I have to get it for her.

"Blade!" Miriam calls after me. I walk over to the clothing section where she is holding up a pretty blue dress. "Try this on." She passes me the item and I give her a confused look. "It's super pretty," she explains. "I think it'll look good on you and you can wear it tonight."

I decide there's no harm in amusing her even though I know I won't buy it. I'm to insecure and the dress is too pretty to be worn by me. Trying it on only further proves my point and I feel exposed with so much of my arms, and legs on display.

"Let me see!" Miriam says, pulling on the curtain open. I'm not even bothered by her impatience, already used to her boldness. She gasps when she sees me. "Doesn't your cousin look so pretty?" She coos down at Faith who is happily balanced on Miriam's hip with her new stuffed toy.

I don't think it fits right.

Miriam rolls her eyes when she reads my screen. "You look gorgeous. You're getting it."

I shake my head.

"Come on! You look amazing. If you let your hair loose and add some sandals you'll have Dustin fainting on the spot."

I raise my eyebrow at her. What does Dustin have to do with anyhting?

"I'm getting it for you, and I don't want any protest cause it's a done deal."

I sigh, closing the door behind her so I can change back into my clothes.

*****