Cruel Summer (9 page)
So then I looked at Yannis and went, “Um, who was that? Another cousin?” And then I laughed—though it was definitely more of a nervous laugh than a real laugh, but the moment was so awkward and tense I didn’t really know what to do.
But he just shook his head and shrugged. Then he got up to get us more Cokes, and by the time he came back, we moved on to something else, and I pretty much forgot all about it ’til now.
When the club was closing and it was time to leave, I climbed on the back of his bike, wrapped my arms around his waist, and buried my face in his neck, closing my eyes to the passing scenery, the full moon, the chilled air—losing myself in the warmth of his body and the way he managed to smell so good without the aid of cologne or aftershave or anything remotely artificial.
But by the time we made it back to my house, I suddenly felt so awkward, and funny, and nervous, and weird, I just hopped off the back and bolted for the door. And just when I realized I hadn’t said thanks, much less good night, he called, “Hey, you forgot something.”
I gazed down at myself, taking inventory of my shorts, my tank top, my flip-flops, seeing everything still present and accounted for, and wondering what he meant. But when I looked up again, he was waving at me to come closer, and I knew it was all just a ploy, some silly ruse so he could try and make a move.
But instead, he just reached inside his pocket and retrieved the silver Tiffany’s bracelet I’d lost while we were dancing, the one I’d forgotten all about until it was dangling right before me.
So I offered my arm and held my breath, watching as his fingers brushed across the thin blue lines on my wrist, feeling the clasp snap shut, and becoming so dizzy and breathless I thought I might faint.
And when I looked at him again, I knew he was going to kiss me. And just as I was about to close my eyes and lean in, he smiled, mumbled something in Greek I couldn’t even begin to understand, then started his bike and rode away.
The second he was gone, I ran for the door, repeating the phrase over and over, anxious for either Tally or Tassos to translate. But when I got inside, they were already asleep, and by the time I got to my room, and grabbed this journal, the words had disappeared.
July 10
Dear Tally and/or Tassos,
I
MUST
learn Greek! Immediately! And you can help me by
ONLY
communicating with me in Greek from now on.
I’m serious.
This means that even when you’re talking to each other and I happen to walk in the room, it would really help if you could immediately switch your conversation to Greek.
This is what they call the Immersion Method.
This is how my Spanish teacher does it.
And this is why I got an A in Spanish III last semester.
Also, I need to ask you about these two girls that were here on the Fourth of July that I think you might know. One has long black hair, and the other has this kind of orangey colored hair (like she tried for blond but only made it halfway). Anyway, anything you can tell me about them would be greatly appreciated. Though I’m afraid this particular conversation will have to be in English, as I need to understand every word.
Okay, I’m heading into town to hang at the café for the rest of the day.
So—have fun at the beach!
Love,
Colby
July 11
Dear Dad,
Even though I just got off the phone with you, I realize there are still a few important things I didn’t get a chance to say, so I will write them down here.
1) I don’t think it’s at all fair for you to say that there are things that happen between adults that I cannot possibly understand. Because I
DO
understand, Dad—more than you can possibly know. It’s
YOU
who never tries to understand
ME.2) If Mom and I have to move to
ARIZONA
then when will I get to see you? Did you ever think of that? Because it’s a whole other state, which means joint custody and alternate weekends are pretty much out of the question.3) The last time I spoke to Mom, she informed me that you have a new girlfriend. And even though I waited through our entire phone call for you to mention her, you never once did. And just as I was about to take the plunge and ask you myself, it seemed like you somehow sensed it and that’s why you claimed you had a call on another line. So don’t go thinking I was fooled, because I wasn’t.
Anyway, I’d really appreciate it if you could write me back at your earliest convenience, as I’m obviously in need of some answers.
Or if you’re too busy to write, then maybe you can just send me a plane ticket so I can fly home and we can hash it out in person.
Seriously, Dad, this is no laughing matter.
Love,
Colby
July 11
Dear Mom,
Yes, I talked to Dad on the phone, and no, I didn’t learn anything about his new girlfriend because he faked another call and hung up before I got a chance to ask. Though to be honest, I’m really not so sure I want to talk about it anyway. I mean, it’s really kind of inappropriate, not to mention creepy.
Because the truth is, if anyone in this family should be dating—it’s
ME!
I’M
the teenager.
I’M
the one who’s supposed to be single.
And I really hate to break it to you, but you and Dad already had your chance, you already got your shot at being sweet sixteen, so it seems pretty unfair that you pick
NOW
to attempt to do it again.
You don’t get to be a teenager twice, Mom. It’s just not right.
And by the way things are going, I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before
YOU
decide to hook up too, so I’d like to make it clear, right from the start, that I’m really not interested in hearing any of the gory details.
Because the truth is, I’m just not up for any of this.
Probably because I didn’t
ASK
for any of this.
And excuse me for saying so, but in light of recent events, I just can’t help but think that the only reason you guys sent me away to begin with is so you could be free to date, and party, and basically enjoy all of the things that I should be enjoying, only I’m
NOT,
because
YOU
sent me
HERE!
Which is so completely wrong on so many levels.
Ask your shrink, I’m sure she’ll agree.
Love,
The Completely Desperate and Absolutely Serious,
Colby
P.S. I’m enclosing a picture of this famous church here called the Panagia Evangelistria where the Virgin Mary is said to appear, or where they found an old famous icon of her, or something like that (okay, I don’t really know the history, but that’s not really the point). The point is that every yearhundredsno, make that
THOUSANDS
of religious pilgrims crawl on their hands and knees all the way from the port to the church (which, trust me, is pretty dang far if you’re crawling), just so they can pray. And even though I’ve yet to visit, I’m thinking I might go there today…because as you can see, I’m running out of options, and am desperately in need of a
MIRACLE.
July 11
To: AmandaStar
From: ColbyCat
Re: Thx anyway
Hey Amanda,
Good 2 finally hear from U & no, I guess I really didn’t stop 2 think about how your trunk would be so full of shopping bags there wouldn’t B any room left 4 the 4 Sale sign.
Tho I’m glad 2 hear UR having fun. Those pics of U and Jenna and her cousin Penelope (I didn’t no she had a cousin? I also didn’t no U & Jenna were friends again? When did that happen? Bcuz last I heard you sed U H8D her) at Fashion Island were v cute.
Things R better here, I’ve made a ton of friends & I’m kinda c-ing someone. But if Levi still wants 2 come, I’m sure I can make room!
In fact, don’t even mention it 2 him—K?
TTYL—
Colby
July 11
To: NatalieZee
From: ColbyCat
Re: You’re moving?
Hey Nat—
While I’m not really sure why the for sale sign is still on my lawn, at this point it’s really between my mom and my dad, since, like I wrote in my last e-mail to you, I’m spending the summer in Greece and I’m far too busy having fun here to worry about anything that’s going on back home.
And while I truly appreciate your concern, you really don’t need to continue to update me.
Though if you do feel like directing your concerns to either one of my parents, or, better yet, stopping by my house and getting rid of the sign yourself—that would be fine.
Hope you’re enjoying the summer.
Take care,
Colby
Circle in the Sand (Formerly Cruel Summer)
July 14
Since someone who goes by the name of ANONYMOUS recently accused me of hating Tinos because of the name of this blog, I’ve decided to change it. Which shouldn’t be at all confusing since no one but ANONYMOUS is reading it anyway, and I’m assuming he/she/they have it bookmarked already.
Anyway, it’s funny because this is also named after a song my friend’s (well, former friend’s) mom used to sing all the time—I guess she was really big on songs about summer.
So I hope, ANONYMOUS, whoever you are, that you’ll happen to agree that this title is much more neutral, and far less negative, though probably still not quite as upbeat as you were hoping.
Though maybe I should’ve titled it
CIRCLE IN THE DIRT,
because as you’ve probably noticed in the photos I’ve posted, there is no shortage of dirt in this place. Also, I recently learned that the Cyclades (which is what they call the group of islands that Tinos is part of) is actually ancient Greek for the word “Circle,” so that seems pretty appropriate too. Not to mention how circles are continuous and have no end, and that’s pretty much how this summer is beginning to feel—like an eternal loop of continuous days with no end in sight.
Though I’m hoping you won’t read too much into what I just wrote and take it all wrong, because I guess what I’m really trying to say is that while I don’t exactly hate it here anymore, if I was given the choice, I’d still rather not be here at all.
Though things might just be looking up, since just a second ago, Petros actually smiled and brought me a Nescafé Frappe—
ON THE HOUSE!
Maybe it’s because I finally got a tan.
Maybe it’s because I haven’t been around the last few days since I’ve been so busy going to clubs, the beach, and hanging out with all my friends here, which gave him plenty of time to ruminate on the fact of just how much he needs me, and misses me, since I am his very best customer. But whatever the reason—just know this—it’s really not as bad here as I once thought. But that doesn’t mean that it’s paradise either. It just means that it’s no longer the opposite of paradise.
And now, for your viewing pleasure:
1) This is a picture (uploaded from a Web site since I didn’t have my camera at the time) from a club I went to the other night with a friend. And just so you know, there are no age limits here, no I.D. checks, no bouncers, no velvet ropes, no rules, no nonsense. Just equal-opportunity good times for all ages! Viva Tinos!
2) This is a picture of the scratch Holly Golightly made on my arm that very same night, right before I went to the club. Though it’s actually not nearly as bad as it looks, and it really wasn’t his fault since I held him too tight and I should know by now just how much he hates that. But still, it hurt like you cannot believe.
3) This is a picture of my aunt Tally and her boyfriend, Tassos, eating some sea urchin he caught at the beach. Seriously, they just pulled them right out of the water, cracked them right open (they have this special tool made just for that specific purpose), then they each grabbed a seashell and used it like a spoon to scoop out the insides, and I watched (and photographed) while they ate it
RAW!
I admit, I tried a little teensy bit too, but only because they’re always telling me how it’s good to keep an open mind and try new things. But even though I wouldn’t exactly say that I loved it (because I definitely did
NOT
), I also have to admit that it wasn’t nearly as gross as you’re probably thinking! Though it definitely was a little bit gross!4) This is a picture of Agios Fokas, which is the beach I’m heading to now, for the sole purpose of working on my tan, so I can maybe get another free frappe tomorrow!