Lovesick Summer

In the White House, Grandpa Anton, my father and some farm officers were drinking beer on the patio fronting the kitchen. Justine and I respectfully greeted them. My father gave me a bear hug and let me join Justine inside the house. Grandpa Anton told me to stay for dinner. I decided to take a shower first. I had clothes and toiletries in the house for those nights of sleep over because of my father's occasional overtime work. I joined the two boys in our headquarters afterwards. Justine also had a shower. He smelled and looked tempting. I dismissed this provoking thoughts in my head. Alexis looked at us curiously. He poised to ask a question but decided against it.

"You're still my princes, Nina," Alexis said.

"And why is she your princess?" Justine demanded.

"Bro, you're too obvious. You're the only one who doesn't know it," Alexis replied, laughing.

I stared at them, clueless. 'Are they talking about me?'

In the dining hall, I sat beside my father. Justine sat beside me. This didn't go unnoticed. He usually didn't sit near me..

"You're in my seat," declared Alexis to his brother.

"I don't see your name on it," Justine replied.

My father and Grandpa Anton exchange amused looks. Alexis sat across me, glaring at his brother. The dinner went by pleasantly despite the brothers' earlier spat. Grandpa Anton asked the boys if they wanted a going away party. The boys agreed to it. Lolo Anton requested me to help Auntie Anita organize it. I felt a deep sense of anguish. I only had one more month with them! Justine must have sensed my misery. He squeezed my hand under the table. I excused myself and went to the kitchen. I felt disoriented. An onset of headache made me dizzy. I collected myself and went back to the dining hall. Alexis was animatedly dictating suggestions for the farewell party to Auntie Anita. I tried to join the conversation. Justine again squeezed my hand. I entwined my fingers with his. I didn't care anymore if we were found out or not.

I went home with my father. He noticed my forlorn demeanor. He touched my forehead asking If I were okay. He led me to our tiny kitchen and helped me to sit down. He took a thermometer and got my temperature: 39 degrees centigrade. He got medicine from our first-aid kit box and gave me several. He also filled a pitcher with water. He instructed me to take one tablet and there after, another one every six hours. He asked me if I could manage. I told him not to worry. My father and I developed this habit of self-reliance. Most of the time, we only have each other to rely on. We also didn't want to impose on anyone. We've had all the assistance we needed, we were both careful not to ask for more. Also, my father worked so hard I vowed to help him by taking care of myself. I grew up capable.

However, night, I wished there was someone fussing over me. The excitement of the whole day took a toll on me. I took a quick shower but even this did not lift my spirit. I browsed my Instagram. There was a direct message from Justine.

Justine: Hi, Summer.

Me: Who are you calling Summer?

Justine: Auntie Anita <3

Me: :) :) :)

Justine: (Sent me two pictures. One is me on my back sitting cross-legged in the riverbank. Another is still me in our secret garden standing with my hand spread sideways, my face facing the sky with my eyes closed. The photos captured me lost in my own private moment. I looked vulnerable.)

Me: (seen)

Maybe he got tired waiting for a reaction. My phone rang.

Me: Hello?

Justine: Do you like the pictures?

Me: How long have you been stalking me? I thought you hated me.

Justine: I told you, you're the last person I'd hate.

Me: But you're always mean to me.

Justine: You're annoying sometimes.

Me: How so?

Justine: I don't like it when you let my brother hug you. And you let him monopolize you. And you always giggle when you're with him.

Me: Hahaha! I didn't know I was doing all that. But sometimes I can't help it. Alexis is so sweet.

Justine: HE CAN'T BE SWEETER THAN ME?!

Me: Hahaha! Don't tell me you're jealous of your brother?

Justine: Nina… I am new to these feelings, so please bear with me. I don't know if I'm jealous of Alex. I don't want to be jealous of my own brother. It's not the best feeling in the world. But I'm telling you I don't like it when he's clingy to you. It makes me angry thinking you like him too.

Me: Whoa! Does Alex like me? Like the way you like me?

Justine: I hope in heaven not. He's obviously very fond of you. We don't talk about these things. But what if he did like you?

Me: Hmnnn, I haven't thought of that. He's kind of cute…

Justine: NINA!!!

Me: Hahaha! I'm just teasing you. I liked you first, okay?

Justine: (silence)

Me: I.like.you. ONLY YOU.

Justine: Nina…

Me: I miss you. So much! The thought of you going back to New York is making me more sick.

Justine: WHUT??? Are you sick? Why didn't you tell me?

Me: I'm running a fever. Maybe because of the rain. Or maybe because of MY first kiss. Or the sudden announcement that you're leaving in a month?

Justine: Why didn't you tell me? Did you take medicine already?

Me: Yep, I took paracetamol just 5 minutes ago. Father said to take it every 6 hours. Do I worry you?

Justine: Nina! Of course, I'm worried. Do you want me to go there tomorrow? Or do you want me to go there now? What do you want to eat? I'm going to ask Auntie Anita. I'll call every 6 hours to remind you to take your medicine, okay? Nina? I miss you too. Nina? Nina..

I didn't hear the rest of his babbling. I fell asleep with a smile on my face and in my heart. Somebody was fussing over me. MY boyfriend was worried for me. I liked having a boyfriend. I liked it even better that it was Justine. If only he wouldn't leave…