Free Misty Falls by Joss Stirling Page B

swiftly round a large boulder like some demigod, a son of Poseidon, returning to sea. ‘Yes, I think he is.’

 

     
     
    I didn’t see Alex again for a few weeks after the penguin trip, though Summer and Angel had predictably drooled over the photo I had posted. His eyes matched the sea behind him and he managed to do the Hollywood idol smoulder to camera without even trying. By contrast, my photo revealed the full extent of my nose sunburn. If I could lie, I would’ve been tempted to claim Alex as a holiday romance and thus boost my ratings with my friends; but then, if I started down that path, I would have been forced to tell the truth, which was that he was my vacation personality clash. There: I had invented a new relationship category. Go me.
    Even though I was busy enjoying my holiday, including a totally awesome safari in the Kruger National Park, I couldn’t shake the memory of that glimpse of Alex striding out alone. I was beginning to question my assumptions about him: golden boy at school, but that didn’t prevent him being a little lost like the rest of us.
    The last day before I was scheduled to return home, Opal and Milo arranged to take me on the cable car to the top of Table Mountain. The plan was to eat at the restaurant, which boasted amazing views over the city bowl. Uriel and Tarryn were also invited.
    Feeling generous as I was leaving the country, I texted Tarryn as we got ready for our day out. Do you want to ask Alex?
    I half-hoped she’d say no but she replied almost immediately. Great idea. I’ll see if he’s free. He’s got Matric assessments soon so could do with a break from study.
    Braiding my hair in the mirror, I gave myself a pat on the back for thoughtfulness. Someone has to appreciate my saintliness as I can’t seem to persuade my family to regard me in that light. To them, I am a slowly unfolding disaster that has to be managed.
    When we got to the bottom of the mountain, I discovered that Tarryn had not only asked Alex to come, but also his partners in crime: Phil the redhead, Michael the blond movie star, and Hugo the prince. My halo slipped a little. I had mentally prepared myself for spending time with Alex, awkward though that could be, but I found the whole gang a bit much on what was supposed to be a treat for me. I braced myself for more jokes at my expense. They stood together waiting patiently for the kerfuffle of my family’s arrival to subside. Tarryn introduced them to Milo and Opal. She was oozing pride—in a nice way.
    ‘These are my boys, my debate team. I thought they deserved a reward; they’ve all been working so hard this term.’
    ‘Hello, lads.’ Milo shook hands. ‘This is my team: my wife, Opal; our children, Willow, Hazel, and Brand. And our niece, Misty.’
    Brand yipped and jiggled, spotting four new playmates. If he’d had a tail, it would have been wagging.
    ‘Don’t mind him,’ Opal said quickly, ‘it’s just a stage he’s going through.’
    Hugo knelt beside the pushchair and solemnly shook hands with the toddler. Brand clapped.
    ‘What stage is that?’ he asked.
    ‘Brand imitates animals.’ I could hear Opal was keen that someone changed the subject. The less attention Brand attracted the better, otherwise he’d be starring on YouTube with his antics. Mind you, that wasn’t such a bad idea. I could make a fortune from advertising revenue, outstripping even the giggling baby that had gone viral.
    Focus, Misty. Help your aunt.
    ‘Hi, guys,’ I said brightly.
    ‘Hey, Misty. Howzit?’ Michael gave me a hug. I hadn’t thought we’d quite reached that stage of friendliness but clearly they had other ideas as Hugo and Phil also gave me an embrace, lifting me off my feet each time. Maybe it was their form of an apology?
    ‘Have you enjoyed your holiday?’ asked Michael, his eyes telling me he was flirting just a little.
    ‘I’ve had a blast. I’m sorry it’s coming to an end. Hi, Alex.’
    ‘Hi, Misty.’ Alex hung back.