Enchanted

Chapter 25

Sabrina

I hate to admit that autumn is my favourite season. I was always mentally prepared, but not emotionally for bad things to happen to me during this period of time.

The golden yellow ginkgo leaves scattered everywhere down the streets symbolised hope, a spark of longing that the future will be better despite the dying stage. Without the shedding of leaves and the temporary bare branches, there will not be flowers that blossom and greens that sprout during spring.

"I think you're secretly a Spring girl," Nicolette nudged me during our silly argument about the wonders of nature and I laughed while shaking my head.

She is the spring girl and her parents agreed with me. Not because of the pastel colours dresses she wore or the flowery sense she carried around but because it is a short season between summer and winter. The way how mornings are warm and welcoming whilst nights are dark and mysterious. Summer is when she is outgoing, warm and assertive while winter is when she is calm, quiet and independent.

Ambivert would be the right word.

"Do you know why I say that?" Nicolette asked. "Because you're a romantic person." And she giggled again.

I was wearing a brown shade of corduroy overalls with a floral blouse that I borrowed from Nicolette and low-top white sneakers to match today's homecoming spirit week theme- 70's style. I have never participated in any since freshman and I was not planning to break my streak but since it was Nicolette's last year, I let her dress me.

"I'm not participating tomorrow, I swear," I recalled yesterday's outfit where I wore Mickey Mouse's ears in coordination with Disney Day. I felt like I made a fool out of myself and I am not doing it again.

"But it's the beach day" Nicolette gave me her puppy eyes.

"I know, that's why I made that decision."

"Come on, no one's asking you to wear a bikini."

"You say that because you're the most gorgeous person who can pull off any outfit." I pointed out the collared long-sleeve shirt paired with a crochet vest and button-front mini skirt she was wearing.

"Stop, don't you dare use this method on me." Nicolette ended up not dressing in her Hawaiian t-shirt as well because the weather was cold.

That evening, Nicolette's parents came and pick me up for the soccer game at school. "Oh my gosh!" Nicolette squeaked once she saw the red jersey I was wearing with Cedric's name and his number 7 printed on it.

"Shut up," I rolled my eyes to hide my embarrassment.

The school invited Oakland High School's soccer team for a friendly match so the school council took the opportunity to set up stalls at the parking lot that sold fall snacks, school merchandise and light sticks as if it was a concert. The cinnamon sugary scent, pumpkin spice and honey-like caramel aroma hypnotised us and we squeezed through the crowd to get a good look at the food choices.

"I knew you all will come!" Ella walked over to entertain us as her customers before stepping back to take a good look at my outfit. "Oh my! You look cute in that jersey, Sabrina!"

I blushed and glanced at Nicolette who gave me a 'See, I told you' look.

"What's your bestseller, Ella?" Nicolette asked.

"Everything here is hot pick so you might as well get one each," Ella joked and we laughed. "I would recommend the pretzels though because they are made by my mum," Ella winked.

The field was louder than the last time and I felt the need to use a megaphone to communicate with Nicolette albeit she was only an inch apart from me on the bleachers.