The south wind

Sunday, 28 December 2008

The south wind blows up the coast, bringing with it humidity and the threat of rain. This is supposed to be winter-- and it's like weather made for being undressed. It was so deplorably warm today that as soon as we got home from church and brunch I went straight up stairs and got out of everything-- really, for the first time in a long while. I read for a while and then Jessy came in and asked if I wanted to watch TV. She was, of course, entirely naked. I really did think of going down there like this but thought better of it. As I was pulling up a clean pair of panties Mother knocked and came in. 'Hey,' she said softly.

'Hey,' I said. Then she stepped in and I saw her. 'You look cute.'

She smiled a little, almost blushing. 'Well, I kind of took your example from yesterday.'

I smiled. 'Good.'

Her hair was all down and brushed out, thick and lush and blonde well past her shoulders. She had on her nice navy-blue sweater, plain white short shorts, opaque white dress tights, and bright pink socks--pretty much the same scheme we three girls have been wearing since Christmas. On Mother, who has just turned 27, the look is as cute as it is on any of us. She smiled a little shyly and sat on the end of my bed. 'Were you going down to watch the movie?'

I shrugged. 'Not if you wanted me for something.'

She shrugged too. 'I just wanted to visit.'

I smiled and leaned back on the table, folding my arms over my stomach. 'What's up?'

'Well,' she said, 'do you think you would mind if we did not go up to New Jersey tomorrow?'

I shrugged again. 'Hm, I don't think so. Why?'

'Your father wants to have New Year's here. We can go up after that,' she said.

I nodded. 'That's all right.'

'And I can see from how you and your sister are with this weather that you'd probably prefer staying here.'

'I guess. Really, Mother, it doesn't matter at all either way.'

She smiled and me and stood up. 'I would like to see everyone too, but I'd rather be here seeing them than travelling up there. So as long as there are no objections--?'

I smiled at her. 'I'm pretty sure I'm speaking for Jessy too. There are no objections.'

She nodded and went to the door. 'Do remember your father's rule, Janine. I'll be making dinner for about four.'

'Yes, of course, Mother.'

Down in the TV theatre we watched 'WALL-E' and neither Jessy nor I put any more on till dinner. After dessert we took off out t-shirts and returned to as we were. Right now Jessy's watching 'House' reruns and I'm typing this. well-- at least I've put socks on. And the south wind continues.

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