𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡 | 𝟏𝟖+

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧

The cool water immediately hits my skin and I jump back a little, but it feels nice. I let it soak through my hair as I lather shampoo through the roots.

After I finish showering, I dry my hair and wrap my towel around my body. I look into the mirror and just observe myself. I was already tan, but I got tanner today. I observe the difference between my boob and my arm. Winter to summer.

I put my gold hoops and butterfly necklace back on and go into my closet. As much as I want to put my pajama shorts on, I know Mom's going to send me right back up to change.

We have a guest over. Show some respect to Alejandro. As if I ever will.

I put on a matching set of green shorts and a green tank that comes with it. It should be decent enough. If my mom wants to complain she can, but I'm sure Alex does not give two shits. I walk downstairs to see Chris and Alex sitting on the couch trying to find something to watch. I walk past them and go into the kitchen where Mom is cooking.

"What's for dinner?" I ask as I follow her around when she walks to the fridge, grabbing produce from the drawers.

"Are you okay with quesadillas? I don't want to make anything too extravagant right now."

"Yeah, of course!"

"Can you help chop the vegetables? I completely forgot that our cheese expired, so I have to go and get it."

"Yeah." I grab the vegetables from the counter and start washing them, one by one. Carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, and an onion. I'll wash the onion later.  I also grab the corn out of the freezer and put them in a strainer to let them thaw out.

"Chris! Alejandro!" Mom calls from the kitchen. "Come here and help. I have to run out and get the cheese." Chris and Alex walk in and cross their arms above their chest, just awkwardly standing there.

"At least make yourselves useful," I roll my eyes.

"Chris, you make the beans, and Alejandro, you can help Cami chop the vegetables," Mom instructs. "Alright, I'm leaving."

Chris walks over to the stove, stirring the pot of black beans. Alex walks over to the counter across from Chris and stands beside me. I swear I almost get goosebumps. He's too close.

"You can chop the bell pepper and I can do the zucchini and carrot."

"Now, why do you get the dick-shaped ones?" Alex responds. Chris turns around to look at us and my eyes widen.  

"Didn't know you swung that way," I hand the zucchini over to him, purposefully wrapping my hand around its girth, slowly letting my hand slide down its length.

"Nah, ew. You can cut that now." I smile satisfied with his response. I hand him a knife and begin slicing the zucchini. Looking over periodically, I can see Alex struggling with the bell pepper. I really would help him, but I, unfortunately, don't like him, so I just continue chopping while he makes a fool out of himself for not knowing how to chop bell pepper.

After I finish with my carrot, he finally finishes his bell pepper. It's unevenly chopped, but I think the effort is... cute. I hold out a bowl for him to pour in his bell pepper pieces. My zucchini and carrot are already in there.

"Do you know where Mom keeps the seasoning for the beans?" Chris asks from across the kitchen.

"It should be in the cabinet beside you."

"I checked. The bottle is almost done, but I need more."

"There might be extra in the basement, but I don't know where she keeps it exactly." Chris turns the stove off and heads downstairs.