Butterflies Don't Lie by B.R. Myers

Author:B.R. Myers
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Nimbus
Published: 2014-09-18T18:21:28+00:00

NINETEEN

“Stretch out your arms,” I said. “Pretend you’re a starfish, just like your instructor told you.”

Chet was floating on his back with his arms and legs wiggling for balance. My palm was gently pushing up on the base of his spine. We were hanging out in the shallow end of the lido, waiting for Mom to show up.

As long as I can see bottom and the water doesn’t rise above my knees, I can keep my fear in check. This is how much I love Chet. I’m not sure if I’d even go into the pool for Blaine.

Chet’s fingers and toes pointed outward. “Good job,” I said. “Keep still.” Then I slowly moved my hand away from his back. Chet’s tummy sank into the water and he started flailing.

He garbled in the splashes. I had him in my arms instantly, wiping the drips from his goggles. He coughed a few times.

“No worries, Chetter-cheese,” I said. “You’ll float one day.” I gave him a smile.

His wet, pudgy body tucked into mine leaving damp spots on my T-shirt and cut-offs. I carried him to the edge of the pool. He hugged my neck, practically choking me. I was worried for him. There were only a few lessons left before badge day.

I’m not a swimming instructor, not by a long shot, but Chet looked like he wasn’t going to get a badge. Mom said as long as he was having fun it was worth it, but I knew Chet wanted that badge. He told me stickers were for babies, and you know what, he was right.

I sat down on the bleachers by our stuff and wrapped a towel around Chet’s shoulders. He put a hand on my cheek turning my face toward his. “I’m bad,” he said. “I give up.”

His tone broke my heart. “What happens when toad wants to give up?” I asked.

“Owed can swim.”

“Of course he can, he’s a toad. He just doesn’t want people to see him in his bathing suit. But what about all the other times when Toad wants to quit or he gets all grumpy. What happens then?”

He poked his belly button with his finger. “Fwog,” he simply answered.

“Exactly,” I beamed. “And I’m your frog. I won’t let you give up.”

He looked unconvinced.

“Besides,” I said. “Your bathing suit rocks, you’re the coolest kid here.” A little smirk played at the edge of his mouth. “I know a secret,” I teased him. “The Shake Shack is giving away free triple-scoop ice cream for every kid with a swim sticker.”

His eyes grew wide. Chet’s kryptonite was ice cream.

“But you still have to finish your lessons before you get that sticker, okay?”

“Okay.” He wiggled from my side, then dug into his backpack for a juice box.

I scanned the top of the stairs looking for Mom, but my eye caught the green-haired kid’s mom. I could tell she’d been watching me and Chet the whole time. She waved and I smiled back. It was nice to be noticed while being good instead of caught in my usual screw-ups.

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