SHORT STORIES : Mist

"Ross Creek Rembrandt" (2006) is a bit wishy washy but I list it here for posterity.  Ross Creek Rembrandt is an excerpt from the novel Symbiosis and was originally written to explain the drawing by the same name.  It doesn't stand too well on its own.

©2006 Andrew Thompson.  An excerpt from the novel "Symbiosis".

 Mike found a comfortable plank on the jetty and sat down to rig his rod.

With today's calm seas, most of the boaties had abandoned the creek and were fishing around the islands.

That suited him just fine.

"Hey Daniel, I'm starving.  We should've grabbed some fish and chips.  What do you reckon?  Do you want to run back to the shop?"

"No.  Sit still, I'm trying to draw you."
"I can't sit still.  I've got to rig my rod."
"Then do it."

Mike threaded a sinker onto the line.

"You know, if Tenno was here, he would have gone back to the shop.  But he's a real mate and you're just a bastard."
"Yeah?  Well he reckons you’re a dickhead."
"I am a dickhead."
"Good, we finally agree on something.  Now sit still."

Mike cast the line out into the middle of the creek, scattering a school of baby mullet.  He looped his finger around the line and leaned back on the post.

"Perfect," Daniel said, "Stay just like that."

Mike closed his eyes, content to waste the day away. 

"This feels kinda spinny, being drawn, and like, it's going to be around forever.  Someone could be looking at my portrait in a hundred years."
"I doubt it.  I'm not exactly Rembrandt."
"Crap Man, I reckon your stuff's great – everyone does.  You're our very own Ross Creek Rembrandt."
"Thanks, but I still think your dreaming."

Mike nodded in absent reply, his face angled to catch the sun.

"So what's the go with you and Tenno?  Is it the full-on poofter thing?"

Daniel chuckled, his face bright red.

"You're incredible.  Do I ask if you're fucking Jenna?"
"I don't care if you do, and no I'm not fucking Jenna.  I'm still a virgin."

Daniel shrugged self-consciously.  "We're not fucking either.  It's different though; it's a sensitive subject."

"No sweat, just making conversation.  I'm sick of hearing about it anyway.  I see Josh at school and I have to friggin' hide.  It's always Daniel this, Daniel that, and you've been together what?  A month?"

"Thirty-two days." Daniel glanced at his watch. "And sixteen hours."

Mike rolled his eyes.  "Give me a friggin' break."