road trip

He was drumming unconsciously on the bonnet. His eyes sweeping slowly over the sedate town. He was still adjusting to the monotony of 'village' life. In truth, nothing amused him. So he stood there, looking distant and detached.

Paul was driving with his friends to the coast. Mtwapa to be exact. His fashion sense had failed him again. He had on a black shirt and trouser. Too formal for a road trip. Too unsuitable for a road trip. Or a drive in this time of year. The jokes his friends made only led to his further retreat into himself.

His eyes glided to Antonette as she haggled with a vendor about some bracelet or other. She was better dressed, a black vest and suitable shorts. Extremely suitable. They advertised those supermodel legs. He admired her. Just for a brief moment. But he could never quite get himself beyond that. Never say just how much he wanted her. It was the way he had been raised. Always longing for more. Desiring. Wanting. But never getting that most sort after object.

"Dare to live sometime." she said as she pull open the left rear door and threw her new buys inside the car.

He was beyond startled but tried not to show it. his eyes scanned the crowds hustling about their business. Kevin and Jennifer were getting late. he wouldn't put it beyond them to have found a room for quick touch up. they were madly in love. His eyes fell to his feet as he stood there. the scorching heat working on his skin. he wished he would take off the shirt, though it was against his nature to show weakness or admit defeat.

He shut his eyes, just for a moment he shut his eyes, and let his thoughts take hold. trying to picture this perfect road trip. he was doing something beyond his norm. and so far he had no reason to regret. he viewed all the possibilities, laughing at the beach as Kevin made a perfect full of himself. everything had to be perfect or his father would come at him with a whip.

a flash back of a younger version of him gripped him. he was cringing in a corner, his father with the whip bearing down on him. he wanted to call out for help. he was shaking, a soft whimper escaped his lips. his father raised the whip and brought it forward. he jumped.

"Easy boss, you haven't been stung by a bee."
it was Kevin who was a bit taken aback by his reaction. Jennifer and Antoinette were startled too. he rubbed the back of his neck as he recovered his grasp on reality. the scars on his back a firm reminder that he would not take his shirt of no matter what happened.