Five Words

Chapter 16

~Ace

Three years earlier...

School has started and I am beyond excited for the first day of school. It has been almost a week since I have been back in Washington and a week since I have last seen Sarah. We've texted a few times, but she's been busy with all the arrangements of her move here.

I've missed her more than I can put into words. After some deep ass thinking, I've realized that I am in love with Sarah. After a month of friendship, and two months of dating, I can't fathom the thought of her away from me. I don't want her to stay away from me, like never.

She makes me feel alive. Hell, she's got me excited for the first day of school. I haven't seen a teenager ever excited for going.

"Ace!! You'll be late." My mother yells from downstairs.

I run my hands through my hair hoping to smooth some of the curls that have gone crazy after my morning jog. I swing the bag over my shoulder and grab my phone and head downstairs.

"Good morning, Ace." My mother turns to me momentarily, a wide smile on her lips.

"Morning." I walk to her and plant a kiss on her cheek.

"Sit down and the pancakes will be ready in seconds." She says.

I take the milk carton out of the fridge and pour some into a glass.

"Morning, son." My father squeezes my shoulder.

I smile at him, "Morning, dad."

"Excited for school?"

I bite my lip and nod, "So excited."

"So excited to meet the girl, huh?" He chuckles and nudges my arm.

"Harold." My mom says warningly, "Leave the boy alone."

"I've never seen him so in love before." He says, "She is a very special young girl. Smart, beautiful, funny, and..." Dad winks at me.

"Harold!" My mother scolds as she places the pancakes on my plate.

"What?" He raises his hands in the air, "I'm just curious about my son's love life. So? She..." He winks again and I laugh as I pour maple syrup over my pancakes.

"Harold, for God's sake, shut up." My mother groans and turns to the stove.

My father nudges me again and gestures for me to answer him. I nod at him and smile, and he pats my shoulder proudly.

"She's a keeper boy."

"Harold, can't you have some respect for women?" My mother placed her hands on her hips.

"I love you, Paul."

"God. Stop calling me that." She rolls her eyes.

"Kids, stop bickering." I tell them with a mouthful of pancakes.

My mother smacks me on the head with a kitchen towel.

"Do not talk with a mouthful of food, Ace. How many times will I tell you?"

"Sorry."

She smacks me again.

I apologize again after I chew and swallow.

"Want a ride for school?" My father asks me just about when Eric texts me informing me that he is waiting outside for me.

"Nope." I wipe my mouth with a napkin, "Eric offered to drive me and I said yes."

"Ahh, junior and all. Don't wanna be seen with your old man?"

"That's not it. But I'm going to get Sarah before we go to school." I inform him and slip my shoes on.