Chapter Text
This Summer- Isak
It’s summer so our quiet village is overrun by tourists. I love it and hate it. Tourists are good for business. They tip well which means I get extra cash. Extra cash means I’m able to chase my dreams. But some tourists are selfish. They don’t respect our home; the environment and peace of our village and its natural surroundings. They forget that this is not a playground. People live here.
I 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. 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; that thing that I am still wrapping my head around.
He used to come to the village 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 soon.
For the past three years he has been coming with university friends rather than his family. Last year he came with five guys. City boys. All looking polished as fuck like they just came out of a high life magazine photo shoot.
Designer sunglasses. Preppy clothes. Expensive watches. Crisp shorts. Smart belts. 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, Isak.” He says, casually, as if it hasn't been a whole year since we last saw each other.
He continues his phone call before I have the chance to greet him back. He is all smiles. “... No! You can't tempt me! I told you I’m not coming right now. I like it here! I don't expect you to understand... yeah... have fun though... and tell Tomas to take it easy!! Yeah. tell me when we meet up.” He chuckles. “Two weeks, bro... Yeah!... Yeah... I promise I'll be there!! You know I'm not missing out on St Lucia, baby! Okay. Cool. Bye.”
He pockets his phone.
Ugh. I hate it. I hate everything Even represents. There he is spending his parent’s money on holiday after holiday, dressed in clothes that most people could never afford, driving a car that no guy his age has any business owning.
He lifts his shades up off his face, places them on his head. His eyes crinkle with his smile.
“Hi, Isak.” His eyes are so fucking blue like the fjord behind our shop... but they are stupid eyes.
“Hi.” I clear my throat. Why is it dry all of a sudden.
Be professional.
I think he has grown taller. He looks good. Even better than last year.
Why do my cheeks feel hot?
“You’re back.” I state the obvious.
“Yes. Did you miss me?”
Ugh. What?!
"No!"
“I was kidding." He says, taking my expression in. "Chill. I guess it was just me. Okay.”
He winks at me then nods as he 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. And anyway you know the area. You don’t need a guide.”
“I fancy one though. Come unofficially. I could do with the company.”
Fuck.
I swallow hard and think of a way to put him off the idea. "It'll cost you though."
He smiles. "That's cool."
“Right. Yeah. Sure. Okay.” Of course. How was money going to be a hurdle he couldn't overcome? 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.”