Opposites Attract

Chapter 12: Sour-Sweet

“Jane, honey? Jane your father and I are home!” I shoot straight up in my bed at the sound of my mother’s sour-sweet voice. Jumping out of my bed, I run into my bathroom, brush my teeth and my hair, and quickly change out of my pajamas. God forbid my mother see me looking anything less than red-carpet worthy.

“Oh, there you are! Good morning, dear.” My mother greets me; her bun too high on the top of her head and her skirt too tight for her to walk properly.

“I was actually just heading out.” I tell them and my father raises his eyebrows. “Yeah, some kids at school started a study group and we are meeting at the library.” I lied smoothly.

“Oh well we do not want to make you late, dear! We will see you at dinner at seven sharp. We will be having guests so do not be late.” She orders and I nod, making a quick exit. I peel out of the driveway driving aimlessly down the streets of Cheverly, Maryland. I end up at the Cheese Park playground. When I was younger, Seth used to walk me down here and push me on the swings. Parking my car, I walk over to a bench and sit and watch the little kids pushing each other down the slides and playing in the sandbox. I feel a wave of nostalgia as I remember when Seth and I used to go on treasure hunts through that same sandbox. Seth would always let me find the treasure. He said the look I got on my face when I found it was his treasure.

“Jane?” I snap out of my daze and look up to see Asher looking at me and holding the tiny hand of a small girl with curly red hair.

“Asher?” I am equally as confused. Is she his child?

“Ashy is she the pwetty giwl Twoy was teasing you ‘bout?” She little girl asks, tugging on Asher’s hand.

“Yea, this is Janey.” He introduces. “Janey, this is my sister, Katie.” Oh.

“It is so nice to meet you, Katie.” I coo at her. She smiles even bigger.

“You too, Janey.”

“Why don’t you go play on the swings?”

“I can swing all by myself!” She beams at me and then scampers off in excitement.