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I’ve had my license for about six months now, but due to limited funds I haven’t been able to get a car. I’ve saved up quite a bit over the last two years from my summer job at the mall, but I’m not sure I have enough to buy anything worth a crap.
“I think I’ll just ride with Courtney this year.” I shrug. “I’d rather save the money and be able to add to it next year’s paychecks so I can buy something that will actually last me more than a few months.”
“I think that’s smart. You’ll want something reliable when you go off to college.” She rests the spoon on the side of the pan and turns toward me. “How did I get a daughter as responsible as you?” Her blue eyes that match mine shine with pride.
“Good parenting?” I question, humor lacing my voice.
“Good answer.” My mom smiles big and wide, cupping my cheek for a moment before stepping past me. “Are you hungry?” she asks, returning from the pantry with a box of instant rice.
“Starving.”
“I just need to make the rice,” she says, grabbing a pot from the counter before heading to the sink to fill it with water.
“What time do you have to be at work?” I ask, claiming her place at the stove where my suspicions are confirmed—chicken and vegetable stir fry, one of my favs.
“I have to be there at five. I’m working sixteen tonight.” She joins me at the stove, placing the pot of water on the back burner.
“You work too much,” I tell her.
“That may be true, but you’re not the only one saving.” She bumps her hip with mine.
I’m not stupid, I know that the main reason she’s picking up all these extra hours is because she’s trying to save for my college tuition, and that’s hard to do when she provides the sole income for our household. She won’t accept a penny of the money I make even though there have been times I’ve offered.
She would never tell me that’s what she’s saving for outright because she doesn’t want to make me feel guilty. She’s just that kind of mom. Selfless, giving—I know there isn’t a thing she wouldn’t do for me. I just wish I got more time with her than I do. I’d take time over money any day.
We spend the next hour cooking, eating, and then cleaning up the kitchen. Mom leaves for work shortly after which leaves me all alone on a Saturday night. Normally I’d be working too, but Wednesday was my last day atOphelia’s,the small clothing boutique where I’ve worked the last couple summers. I never work during the school year, that’s a rule of my mom’s. She wants me to focus on school work—to her there’s nothing more important than a solid education.
She would know. She spent six years in school—four in nursing, two additional getting her practitioner license. She does pretty well for herself, too. While we live modestly and don’t have the kind of money Sebastian’s family has, I’ve never really wanted for anything. My mom always makes sure I have the clothes I want and nice things, but there’s also things she can’t afford on only one income; like a car for her sixteen-year-old daughter.
Not that I mind. I take pride in being able to do things for myself. It’s always been me and my mom. I like to think that we’re in this together. I think a lot of that stems from my dad passing away when I was so young. In some weird way, I’ve always felt like I need to take care of my mom, even though she’s never acted like she needed it.
She’s strong and independent. I like to think I’m like her in that regard, though I’m not entirely sure that’s true.
I try to keep myself busy over the next couple hours by folding some laundry and taking a shower. I do everything in my power to keep my mind from wandering to Sebastian, but despite my best efforts, it’s all it seems to want to think about.
I keep checking my phone—making sure the volume is all the way up—
wondering if he’ll call.
I dress in my most comfortable pajamas—pink and white striped bottoms with a white tank top. After letting it air dry most of the way, I finish drying my hair with the blow dryer before tying it up into a messy knot on top of my head.
By eight o’clock I’ve accepted that Sebastian isn’t going to call and decide to try to distract myself with a movie. There’s nothing really good on any of the channels, so after several minutes of surfing, I finally decide on renting the new Kevin Hart comedy. I could use a good laugh right about now.
I no more than hit the purchase button on the remote when a firm knock sounds against my front door. Not sure who it could be, I toss the fluffy red throw across my lap to the side and climb to my feet.
Another knock sounds just as I reach the front door. Knowing better than to just open it, especially being home alone, I peek out of the small glass inserts that surround the door frame.
Who I see on the other side has my heart clamoring inside my chest.
I expected to see Courtney or at the very least Bree—both of whom are known to just show up at my house at all hours of the night and day. There’s a reason we call each other’s houses our second homes. So when Sebastian’s tall frame and handsome face comes into view, for a moment I think I’m imagining things.
Certainly, this isn’t real—right?
Why would—how could—I just can’t seem to make sense of it.
My body acts on autopilot, unlocking the door before my mind even has a chance to process what it’s doing. There’s a small voice in the back of my head, questioning every movement, but I’m powerless to stop myself. It’s like my body knows exactly what it wants—to be near Sebastian—and my mind doesn’t get a say in the matter.
I’ve convinced myself that the events that took place last night were simply exaggerated—that I made something out of nothing. But when the door swings open between us and those hazel eyes meet mine, I know with complete certainty that what I felt last night, what I’ve felt all day, is in fact real. Very real.
One quirk of his lips and my knees nearly buckle underneath me… Oh god, I’m in so much trouble.
