12. Dying Embers
There’s a smile on my face as my eyes open to the early morning light. I tickle Adam until he screams that he’s about to pee himself. Laughing, we race each other down the field to the bathrooms.
“Can I play football with the other kids today?” Adam shouts over the hand dryer.
“Of course you can.” My chest swells with pride as I hold the door open for him.
“Yay!” He grins while wiping his still wet fingers on his t-shirt.
I ruffle his blond locks and step out into the sunshine.
Then I come to a halt.
Julie.
Her face brightens and her blush makes her appear even younger than she is.
“Hi! I had hoped to see you two.” She shyly bites her lip.
“Dad was tickling me, I almost peed my pants.”
“You didn’t!” Julie gasps and crouches down. “How did he tickle you? Was it like this?”
Adam squeals as Julie pokes his sides. “Stop! Stop! I’ll pee!” He laughs and hides behind my legs.
I chuckle, but the laugh is stuck in my throat when Julie rises, looking at me through her lashes, twisting her thick ponytail.
“You’re up early,” I comment, shifting on my feet and finding it difficult to meet her hopeful eyes.
“I’m just about to start cleaning the kitchen.”
“We’ll not hold you back.” I swallow tightly as her face falls. I force the next words out. “See you later, yeah?”
I turn to leave.
“Jamie?” I stop. “Are…are you avoiding me?”
“Julie, I…” Sighing deeply, I rub my hand over my face. “This is all very new, Julie. Separating from Adam’s mum and all. I-I guess I’m a bit spooked.” I hate lying to her, hate seeing the light in her baby blues dim. “I’ll see you later, okay?” The smile on my face feels stiff.
“I’ll see you later, Jamie.”
The track up to the tent is long.