Page 11 of Humility

“Just ignore them all.”

I pushed myself to my feet and squeezed the water from my top. “Easier said than done. I’m going to get changed.”

“You going to be okay? You seem like something more is going on.” I stared into Ciro’s concerned eyes and couldn’t tell him I thought my mom was sick again. I’d heard hushed conversations about doctor appointments, and everyone was acting overly happy. But if I said it aloud, it would make it more real.

“No, I’ll be fine. Thanks, Ciro.”

There was no way I was staying in a room with those girls again tonight. I’d figure something out.

* * *

Once everyone had finished eating and retired to their separate wings, I snuck out and ran to the beach. There was a firepit set up and a bench to sit on. Placing my bag of clothes down, I squatted to figure out how to get the fire going.

“Need some help?” I shot to my feet and turned to see Angelo walking toward me.

“Are you following me?”

“Pfft, don’t you wish. I was out for a walk on the beach.”

I looked at the matches in my hand and conceded that I didn’t know how to start a fire, but saying that would make me look weak.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake, give me the matches. I’ll get it going,” Angelo said, snatching them from me.

“Why are you always such a jerk,” I asked.

“I’m not.”

“So only to me, then?”

“Do you want me to light this or what,” he said, looking at me.

“Fine, light it.” Grabbing my blanket, I sat down and wrapped it around my shoulders. It took Angelo a few tries, but he got the fire going, and I paid attention to how he did it. Leaning down low, he blew on the flame, and the tiny spark ignited.

“That should do it.” He looked around and then down at my bag. “No one else joining you?”

“Go ahead, get it off your chest,” I said, pulling the blanket tighter.

“Get what off my chest?”

“The teasing or rude comment about how everyone hates me. I know you’re dying to do it. So say what you want and go away.” I looked away from his eyes and focused on the dancing flame that was slowly growing in size.

Instead of leaving, he sat down beside me. I leaned away and stared at the side of his face.

“What are you doing?”

“Sitting, what does it look like I’m doing?”

“No way. You’re not sitting with me.”

“I already am, so deal with it.” He glanced over, and I looked away. “Why are you out here alone?”

“I don’t hang out in places I’m not welcome,” I said.

“Funny, you’ve done that our entire lives. Why stop now?” I jumped to my feet, and he grabbed my hand. “Shit…habit. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that.”

“Stop saying sorry. I know you don’t mean it, and it’s weirding me out,” I said but sat back down.

“I do mean it,” he said, letting go of my hand. We sat quietly for a long time, and it was oddly calming having him here with me.