The Hidden Gem

October 12, 2020

After his friends left, Jaymie sat on his couch and watched South Park for a few minutes before he went upstairs to find his father, he hadn't talked to him for a while. He knew he'd either be in the living room watching a game and drinking beer, or outside working on some project. 

He walked into the living room, his brothers, Ryan and Dylan, were sitting on each recliner. They're identical twins, even Jaymie had a hard time telling them apart from a far.

"Where's dad?" He asked, both heads turned towards him simultaneously. 

"Drunk." Dylan said sarcastically.

"He's out back." Ryan answered. 

He went out of the slider door that led to the deck, and instantly spotted his dad. He was standing at the chicken's coup with a beer in hand, staring. Jaymie felt a mild buzz himself.

"Hey dad"

His dad turned and nodded his head towards him.

"What's up?" Jaymie asked. 

"Nothin really kid, thinkin'."

He turned back towards the chickens. 

"I need advice, dad." 

"About the girl that was here?"

"Yeah" He answers, suddenly embarrassed. His dad turns toward him, grabbing the fence for balance.

"Well, what is it?"

Jaymie's lips curled up, "I like her."

"And what's the problem?"

"I don't know. We're friends, it doesn't seem like she wants anything more." He admits quietly.

"Well a girl like that will only break your heart. Find someone who likes you, even if you don't like them as much as you like Gemma. It's better to be loved than to love, kid." 

His brutal honestly was always something Jaymie loved the most about his father, but this advice was something he'd rather ignore. He didn't want to be with a girl just to be with one. He wanted Gemma, because he liked every thing about her.

"But I want to tell her how I feel, maybe she'll feel the same way."

"Showing vulnerability will only make her take advantage of you. If she likes you, she'll eventually show it."