Selena Moore has dreamt of the perfect romance book and love song worthy relationship. The kind of love that sweeps you off your feet and leaves you breathless. There was always one boy she saw herself being able to fulfill the relationship of her d...
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"i can't wait for you to come my way" - mariposa, peach tree rascals
The lightest touch of sunlight stings my eyes. The heat from the window increased the urge to rub them awake. My hands follow through as I start to prop off my bed. I meander through my bedroom until I place my hands on the outfit I picked for today.
"Selena, make sure you got everything ready for your first day!" Mom yells from downstairs. "Yeah got it!" I yell back.
Mom's chatter on the phone doesn't seem to cease as I shut the bathroom door. About 15 minutes passed as I finished getting ready. My nose itches with delight from the waft of pancakes and syrup, followed by my stomach grumbling as I walk downstairs and into a seat at the kitchen island. I already saw my obnoxious little brother sitting there, scarfing down mom's fried rice with eggs.
"Hey, M, try to save some for the rest of us" I teased.
With his mouth full, Mackenzie, my younger brother, looked at me and swallowed whatever he had.
"Maybe you should get up earlier, then you'd have more food," he shrugged, "just a thought".
"I wouldn't have to get up earlier if you'd just eat regular, human-sized portions, you gorilla" I joked. This time, he just ignored my comments and kept eating.
But for someone who eats a lot, it's because he needs it. For the longest, he's been pursuing baseball and he's pretty good. He's one of the top pitchers for his age in the entire state. Did I mention he's just starting his freshman year of high school?
"Here Lovey, two buttermilk pancakes with bacon. Just the way you like 'em" Mom said as she set my plate down with her phone against her ear.
"Thanks, Mom, love you" I whisper, trying to not interrupt her call. She turns and winks back, mouthing "Love you too". I sit and eat my breakfast listening to Mom's conversation.
"Ok, she said she wanted purple flowers with baby's breath?" Mom asked as she jot down on her notepad.
"Oh, Purple for the double strand but pink for the single strand?" She scribbled on the paper. Her hands clenched and unclenched with her phone still in her ear.
"Okay yes, that's fine. I can do that. When will you need it by?" "Sunday. Okay, that's alright with me. Thanks so much! Uh-huh, bye!" mom finished, placing her phone down.
"How many this time?" I ask swallowing my bacon.
"Just 3, 2 doubles and 1 single. Should be easy" she answered.
For years now my mom has been making leipo'os or as others call them hakus or flower crowns. It's very popular in Hawai'i which is where I'm originally from. Mom's skills are no joke. So many people kill just to get hers. We thought it would be hard to run a business that has more popularity in Hawai'i. But it turns out Cali people love it. Her sales have been skyrocketing!
"That's great, mom. Hey, I was wondering if I could catch a ride with the Conway boys instead of riding the bus today?" I questioned, hoping she would say yes.
Also yes, I am 16 and have my driver's license but both my parents say I can't drive without an adult until I'm 18.
Mom's face pondered for a little bit. I knew she was a bit iffy with me catching rides with other people. But it's Brooks and Kalem, we've known them for years already. Hopefully, she can see the pleading in my eyes.
"She just wants to catch a ride from Brooks" Mackenzie teased. He started making kissing sounds, "Oh Brooks! I just love you, mwah mwah mwah".
Embarrassing.
"Shut up! I can always bring up Presley " I threatened. Mackenzie's eyes went wide and his mouth shut completely.
Presley Evans has been Mackenzie's long-time crush since middle school. She's a nice girl in his class but M never did do anything about his admiration for her.
"Yeah, sure. I don't see why not. They're good boys and we've known them for a while," Mom answered, obviously to my brother and I's side conversation, "as long as you take Mackenzie along with you".
Ugh, well it's only fair I guess.
"Yeah, no problem, thanks Mom" I stated, a little irritated that Mackenzie had to come.
"You're welcome Lovey. I'll be in my room writing these orders down if you need me" Mom replied walking out of the kitchen. I give a thumbs up as I devour my breakfast.
I finished up the last piece of pancake and bacon as I heard the BEEP BEEP of Brooks' '94 Chevy Silverado.
"Oh, that's them! See you later Mom!" I shout, "Hurry up M!". Mackenzie and I both start to the door and make it out of the house as I hear mom say her goodbyes from the other room. I'm met with the sight of my favorite pair of brothers.
As soon as we get outside, Kalem rushes towards me first and scoops me up in his arms.
"Good morning, Selener" Kalem laughs as he twirls me around. Mackenzie makes his way to dab Brooks up, leaning against his truck.
"Morning, Kal" I laugh as he puts me down.
He's still my Kalem. With his baseball windbreaker and his fluffy autumn brown hair. He shoots the same blinding smile that crinkles his sunkissed skin. I look away from Kal's green eyes and towards the Chevy.
Locking eyes with Brooks, I wave. Mackenzie was now sitting in the back right seat of the truck, waiting for us to finish our hellos.
"Good morning, Brooksie" I teased, smirking. Brooks just rolls his eyes, shaking his head. He was in his letterman jacket that I loved. It was hard not to stare, but he always looked perfectly handsome in it.
Slowly, he walks towards me and Kalem. He carefully reaches and wraps me in a hug. His arms snake perfectly above my shoulders. The weight of them comforted my body.
I've always loved his hugs the most. They always felt the most genuine and warm. But this one felt different. A good different.
I breathed in his familiar scent of acqua di giò and eucalyptus. Glad to be soaking him in. We stayed like this for a couple of seconds until he broke us apart.
"Morning, Sparkle" his warm voice chuckled.
Ugh, that stupid nickname. I hate it and don't even know why he calls me it in the first place. But it's not as annoying since it's coming from his mouth.
I shove Brooks and he pretends to fall backwards.
Still my Brooks too. The same perfectly placed freckles I always come back to. His golden brown eyes that seem to haunt me. I've pictured them so many times. But nothing compares to seeing them in front of me like this.
"So, we ready to roll?" Kalem yelled out the passenger side window, breaking me from my thoughts.
"Yeah, all set. Come on Sparkle, hop in the back" Brooks urged as he walked to the driver's side.
"Don't tell me what to do. I'm not 11 anymore" I mumbled hopping into the back of the Chevy, right next to my brother.
"What was that?" Brooks smirked, acting like he couldn't hear.
He always knows how to irritate me.
"Nothing, just drive golden boy" I sassed. Brooks snorts and starts the engine.
