This Summer- Isak

It's summer so our quiet village is overran by tourists. I love it and hate it. Tourists are good for business and they tip well which means I get more money. More disposable income means I'm able to pursue my dreams. But some tourists are so selfish. They don't respect our home; the environment and peace of our village and natural surroundings. They seem to forget that this is not just a play ground. People live here.

The door to the shop opens and I have to bury my groan. I was literally just about to go on my lunch break with Tiny who is currently fast asleep in the corner of the shop. Oh well. Lunch will have to wait. I look up and my eyes widen. I know the guy who walks up to the counter. Well not 'know him, know him' but I have seen him every summer for two to three weeks at a time for as long as I can remember and I obviously remember him from what happened last year.

He used to come with his parents. They have a sprawling summer house up on the hill with ridiculously gorgeous views of the village, undulating hills and fjord. So in a weird way I have seen him grow into adulthood. He is a man now. I guess I am too. I mean, I turn eighteen next week so.

For the past 3 years he has been coming with friends (university friends I reckon). Last year he came with 5 others boys. City boys. All looking polished as fuck like they just came out of some high life magazine photo spread. Designer sunglasses, pastel shirts and t-shirts. Expensive watches, crisp shorts and deck shoes. Golden tans which I would bet were picked up from lazing on the beach not from hard graft in the sun. Privileged kids living a lifestyle that I can't relate to. Fast sports cars. Meals out in fancy restaurants. Jet set lifestyle. They all looked so fucking entitled; like they knew whatever they desired would drop into their laps if they clicked their fingers. Our modest kayak shop looked cheap when contrasted with them. I hated them and the way they looked at my dad's simple but successful place of work.

And although he has never said or done anything to debase me I particularly hated HIM for making me feel inferior.

Even Bech Næsheim.

This year he looks to be alone. He is on the phone as he approaches the counter. His middle finger of the same hand is dangling some car keys - fucking luxury vehicle.

"Hello." He says to me then continues his phone call. He looks so fucking happy. "... No! I told you I'm not coming... I like it here. You wouldn't understand... you guys have fun though and tell me all about it when we meet up." He chuckles. "In two weeks time, bro... Yeah!... Yeah... I'll catch you all in St Lucia, baby! Okay. Cool. Bye."

He pockets his phone and looks at me.

Ugh. I hate him. I hate everything he represents; spending his parent's money on holiday after holiday.

He lifts his shades up off his face, places them on his head and his eyes crinkle with a smile.

"Hi, Isak."

His eyes are so fucking blue like the fjord behind our shop... but they are stupid eyes. And I feel like saying, 'You can't have everything you want just because you have a charming smile, dammit!'

"Hi." I clear my throat. Has he grown taller? Why is he looking so good? Why do my cheeks feel hot? "So, uh. You're back."

"Yeah. For two weeks. Miss me?"

Ugh.

"What?! No!"

"I was kidding. Chill. Guess it's just me then."

What does he mean by that?

He winks at me then nods as looks around the shop. "Looks like your dad has refurbished the place. Nice!"

"Actually dad and I did a lot of it together." And I also came up with the idea of building a cafe to the side of the kayak shop. It is nearly done actually. Just needs some cosmetic things done to it before we open for business- lick of paint, moving the furniture in, etc. But I don't need to prove myself to him so I don't mention it.

"Cool. I just drove in today and thought I'd come straight here... hit the fjord."

"Dad and Mari are already doing tours and Tore is off sick so-"

"I'm down with going with you."

Shit.

"Okay. Um. You know I can't. I'm underage. And anyway you know the area. You don't need a guide."

"I fancy one though. Just come unofficially. I could do with the company."

Fuck.

I swallow hard. "It'll cost you more though."

He smiles. "That's cool."

"Right. Yeah. Sure. Okay." I look behind him, anxious now. Does this mean I will have to be ALONE with him? Shit. "So no one else coming?"

Please. Please. Please say yes.

His smile drops and the twirling of his car keys around his finger stops. "No. Sorry to disappoint you. This time it's just me."