Mom will be mad

“We’re not allowed to go into the pool.”

“It’s really hot, Johanna,” Yousef takes off his shoes.

“I know. it’s just, I’m not allowed to without mom.”

“You know you can go in when she isn’t here.” Erik laughs a little.

“She’ll know.”

“That’s impossible. Do you have cameras around the house?” Erik says, standing beside the giant pool and looking around.

“Yeah.”

“What in hell? Why?”

“Don’t cuss. And for safety of course.”

“In this neighborhood? Are you kidding me?” Erik laughs and Yousef joins him.

“I told you, we have rules here.”

“Too many rules. When will your mom be back?” Erik shoves his sandals away with his feet.

“She’s in Art class.”

“Oooh, art class?” Yousef raises his eyebrows.

Erik makes a face.

Johanna remains quiet.

”Can we get a lemonade from the fridge? Or is that illegal somehow?” Yousef grins, beginning to walk towards the house.

“Ha ha,” Johanna fakes a laugh. “We’re allowed to drink lemonade.”

“Wow. I thought we’d get punished for it or something.” Erik pushes his toes into the pool.

“Really funny. Stop it,” Johanna makes her hands into fists.

“What are you gonna do? Push me into the pool? Please do so,” says Erik.

Johanna walks over and shoves him hard on the chest.

Erik stumbles back and falls into the pool with a splash.

“Are you crazy?” Yousef laughs.

Johanna stands, completely silent.

There is no sound for a second while they wait for Erik to rise to the surface.

He doesn’t. And then his body comes up, a reddish fluid oozing from his head.

“No way,” Yousef says, his face is ashy.

He turns to Johanna. “Did you hit him on the head?”

Johanna answers, “No. I don’t think so.”

Erik still stays unmoving.

“Erik!” Yousef yells, walking over. “How did this happen?”

“He’s faking it.”

“How can he fake having blood come out of his head, Jo??”

“I don’t know. Get him out.”

Yousef stands still for another second.

“I think you killed him. You better not have killed him, Johanna!”

“We should get him out,” she says this time.

Yousef strains over the edge to grab and pull Erik out.

“Mom will be mad,” Johanna whispers.