Chapter 1 -- Moving Day (Sunday)
It was moving day at last. I'd been so amped since my acceptance to university and with my Aunt and Uncles generous offer to stay with them for my first year life was looking good. Growing up in a large, close-knit Catholic family I had many aunts, uncles, cousins and I knew them all pretty well. But I was always closest with my Aunt Mira and Uncle Carl's family. My brother was the same age as Josh and being just one year younger than Claire they were inseparable at family affairs. Being just a few months older than the twins Mark and Paul we were thick as thieves at all events and often spent weekends together despite living in different cities. Lacey being over one year younger than me would often tag along in our hijinks albeit quietly. She always came across as older than she was and could integrate with anyone.
From a young age I'd always acknowledged the beauty of my cousins both from within and from their physical features. Maybe some part of me from the Catholic upbringing felt I was inappropriate or 'wrong' in my attractions to them, but I'd accepted who I was a long time ago. Besides, if I never acted on anything what was the harm in appreciating them for their company and their visual appeal? Hence my excitement in spending a year living with them, getting to know them better and having a blast by the pool. This was why I was moving in late July instead of late August just before school. Might as well have a social vacation before moving onto the next stage of my life with some of my favourite people.
It was obvious my mum was upset that I was moving away and moving on from our hometown. My dad was too I think, in his own way. But my brother and sister had been out and gone almost two years already, so they had some experience internalizing their struggles.
"Jacob, your father needs your help with the tie downs." My mother yelled at me from the bottom of the stairs. We'd never had a lot of money growing up and I'd had to save and work towards university mostly on my own. I didn't do a great job of it because I liked doing social things with my friends and wanted to experience as much of life with them as I could before leaving. I even took an extra year in high school for a few upgrades and an opportunity to work one more year. I decided to move light and not spend my money on a Uhaul and just load my dad's pickup with whatever I'd need to get started.
"Sure thing, I just finished packing up my PC." An avid gamer, I wouldn't go anywhere without my rig unless electricity wasn't available. I lumbered my way awkwardly down the stairs and out the open front door. Dad tossed an eyeroll filled grin my way at lugging my entire PC two hours away, but he'd long since resigned it was my social and often emotional outlet.
"Can I put this behind your seat? I can't leave it loose or it might get damaged."
"Sure, I bet we have some bubble wrap, ratchet straps and seat belts to keep it safe too." He quipped.
"Hey, you have your kids, I have my tech. Choices dad, choices."
Grunting at my return volley, he nodded for me to hurry up. Buckling the monitor in and tucking the chassis on the floor I made my way to help him with the tie downs.
He stopped a moment and looked at me, "You're sure about staying with your aunt and uncle? I know you get along with your cousins, but you might learn a little more than you want to about them over an entire year." He paused thoughtfully. "You know, we could rent you a small apartment in the city..."
I politely smiled, knowing that was not a possibility without some major sacrifices on their part I interjected. "We are already really close, I'm not sure there's much more I could learn about them!" I've never considered myself to be naïve, but that last thing I said to my dad is the silliest thing I have ever said in my life.
My mum came out to death grip hug me one last time. She smiled through a few tears, and I kissed her on the cheek with a return smile, perhaps a little too genuine from my excitement. "I'll miss you, and I'll see you guys for the birthday in August." Nodding, she took a few steps back to the stoop as I joined my dad already in the cab.
The drive was chill. My dad and I chatted a lot about summer plans, his fears of the empty nest and general politics. While we had very different opinions on things, we always kept it civil and informative for each other. The drive flew by and before I knew it, we pulled up to my aunt and Uncles very large driveway and house. Without wanting to look too eager for my dad, I casually meandered my way to untie the straps holding my desk, mattress and bed down.
A large booming voice greeted us, I looked around the side of the truck at the front walkway to see my uncle excitedly hugging my dad. I busied myself while they chatted with each other. I couldn't hear everything that was said but caught the odd word. A proud man, I'm sure part of my father was distraught that his very successful brother was putting me up, knowing he couldn't afford anything else. My Uncle was always very modest in his success and would likely do everything he could to take any sting out. I think I heard something like "He'll be a great help around here keeping the twins busy."
I was beginning to lift my desk out not really paying attention and it seemed lighter than normal. My uncle had snuck up around the side and his very large arm was lifting half the desk with ease. I laughed, explaining I thought I had gotten stronger. He chuckled and just said "Nope, just more handsome you devil!" We quickly set the desk down for an embrace.
"Thanks Uncle Carl, you liar."
"I would never lie to you, just for you!" he bellowed nudging me very hard in my ribs. Frig, he always caught me with the elbow, he was quick for a walking tank. He grabbed my shoulders and looked me in the eyes seriously, "I will not have my nephew calling me Uncle Carl for an entire year. Let's just leave it at Carl from now on, eh?" I nodded in agreement as he faked some punches at my torso with me struggling to keep up with deflections.
Before I knew it, my desk was setup up in the loft and my bed was setup in the middle dormer of the loft bedroom my twin cousins shared. My dad, Unc-... Carl and I chatted for twenty minutes or so and then my father made his excuses for the long drive and Carl walked him downstairs after a prolonged hug with me. Alone, I took in my new surroundings and the smell of my room shared by two late teenaged men. I'd never really thought about the musk in here before but it was subtle, dampened by my Aunt's fanatical cleaning regimen. There was something arousing about the undertone in this meticulously clean room.
"Think it'll work for you?" "JESUS CHR-" I yelled whipping around seeing Carl standing in the doorway. Knowing swearing was really okay in this house; "I'm sorry, you just really scared the sh- I mean, you know what I mean."
"Hey man, it's your Aunt's rules, not mine. Consider saying whatever words you want when she's not here, but you better figure that filter out. Oh, and by the way, she just pulled in with your cousins."
Thankfully Carl creeping up on me redirected all the blood flow caused by my new surroundings from where it was going into my flight response. I followed him down the loft stairs to the upper levels top landing that overlooked the entry way. The door burst open with Paul and Mark lugging their soccer gear in, chirping at each other about footwork.
"You both suck, so stop arguing about it!" I called from the top stairs. They dropped their bags and smiled at me racing up the stairs and tackling me to the surprisingly rough carpet. I fought them valiantly but admitted defeat quickly. Carl looked down at me and said "Already losing to these two? It's going to be a long year." The energy in the room was palpable with overdone laughter from the excitement. Climbing to my feet Aunt Mira and Lacey were just coming through the front door and eyeing the pile of boys dispersing above. Lacey shook her head with a smirk and my Aunt waved me down the stairs and brought me in for a tight hug. Hers was such a warm personality, and despite having the ability to run and control an entire household she somehow made time for genuine love and affection.
The twins were about 5'10", very thin but very fit from years of soccer and activities. They weren't identical twins, but they were incredibly similar. They both had shorter blond hair that was longer on the top, wore similar styles likely out of convenience and had deep green eyes.
"We are so thrilled to have you here! What's ours is yours while you stay, help yourself to anything in the cupboards or fridge. If you need anything you don't see just add it to the list on the fridge." She was already bustling into the kitchen and directing Lacey with the grocery bags while heading to the list and pointing to it. "Anything you need-" she paused to look at me directly "we are all here for you."
"Thank you so much, I don't know how I'll repay you guys for putting me up, but I will one day."
"Hey man, company as fine as yours is payment enough!" Carl said going to elbow me in the ribs from the side. I successfully dodged this one. "He learns quick... he'll do just fine."
***
In many ways this house was a lot like mine. Family dinner was served with chicken grilled by Carl and my Aunt Mira's legendary potato mash. I knew better than to touch it without waiting for grace to be spoken. Lacey, always the devout daughter took the reigns and led the table. It had been a long time since I believed in any of this, but I respected whatever choices and feelings my large family had on the subject. If pushed I could push back, but I generally tried to let sleeping dogs lie.
Quick conversations flew around the table from Mark and Paul with Aunt Mira, the odd shot from Carl and the quiet and calculated observance and adlib from Lacey. I was admittedly a little overwhelmed, and mostly listened and took it all in appreciating the matriarchal presence from my Aunt and the rebellious but acquiescing retorts from my cousins. We finished dinner and I started to clear the table without prompt resulting in cheers from Carl and my Aunt Mira and teasing boo's and brown noser comments from Mark and Paul. Lacey stood in solidarity with me and picked up dishes of her own and followed me to the kitchen. I started to load the dishwasher, and felt a hand gently grab my elbow. I looked to Lacey now standing close at my side. She shook her head at where I put the plate, picked it up and moved it to a different spot within the washer rack. I smiled my thanks and followed suit with the other plates. I started on the cutlery and felt a hand once again on my elbow. She had intense eyes this time and curl at the side of her mouth. Again, without a word she gestured at where the forks should be. I surmised that I was out of my element and Lacey was going to be my spirit guide.
