My Sisters Best Friend || Yellow Jackets

Chapter Eight || Box

As the morning light streams through the curtains, I find myself lying in bed, gazing up at the ceiling. There's a certain stillness that envelops the room, a tranquility that contrasts with the chaotic energy I sometimes feel. With a sudden surge of determination, I decide to get up and channel this burst of motivation into something productive.

Dropping to the floor, I engage in a series of push-ups, each repetition seemingly fueled by an inexplicable force. It's as if the universe itself conspired to grant me this energy, and I'm left wondering about the origin of such bursts of vitality that can't be explained by rational thought.

The bathroom beckons, and I answer its call. As the water from the shower flows over me, the scent of vanilla body wash envelops me, a sensory experience that momentarily transports me from the mundane. I contemplate the choice of body wash – was it deliberate, or merely the result of whatever happened to be on the shelf?

Wrapped in a towel, I walk back to my room and stand before my open drawers, faced with an array of clothing choices. The straight-cut jeans and black T-shirt are selected almost instinctively.

Adorning myself with jewelry becomes a ritual, each piece carrying a weight of its own. The silver chain feels cool against my skin, its symbolism intertwining with the silver rings on my fingers.

With hair dried and combed, I'm finally ready to face the day. I pick up my Yellowjackets letterman jacket and slide it on before grabbing my walkman and shoving a small box into my pocket.

Descending the stairs, I make my way to the kitchen and stop in-front of the fridge. I pull open the door and grab a bottle of water.

A touch on my shoulder disrupts my reverie, and I startle. Jackie and Shauna stand behind me.

"Didn't mean to scare you, just needed to check I wasn't hallucinating you being awake on time," she quips, her tone a playful blend of teasing and sincerity. Shauna's smile peeks out from behind her, and I'm reminded of the familiarity they share.

A small frown tugs at my lips in response to Jackie's comment. "You're hilarious," I retort, my words tinged with sarcasm. With a nonchalant shrug, I pivot back toward the fridge, focusing on the mundane task of shutting its door. My mind, however, is far from mundane; it's processing the dynamic between Jackie and Shauna, their easy camaraderie a puzzle I can't quite piece together.

Jackie's voice follows me, carrying a self-assured tone that only adds to my intrigue. "I know," she states, a smile lighting up her features as she makes her way toward the front door. I trail after her, my steps mirroring hers.

As the front door swings open, a burst of fresh air hits me, and I quickly slide my converse sneakers on, eager to join Jackie outside. Shauna, a silent presence beside her, adds to the enigma that seems to surround them.

"We have practice today," Jackie's voice drifts through the car, a casual statement that sets the tone for the journey ahead.

As the car engine hums, I settle into my seat, slipping on my walkman. It's a way to create my own world within the confined space, a barrier against the chatter that ensues among my companions. Their conversation buzzes around me, an indistinct murmur that I choose to ignore, immersing myself in the melodies of my music instead.

My fingers tap rhythmically on my thigh, my attention occasionally lifting from my internal retreat to catch glimpses of Shauna. Each time our eyes meet, it's like an unspoken connection forms - a fleeting moment of connection that feels like a secret shared between us.

The car eventually comes to a stop, pulling into the school grounds. With a sigh, I switch off my walkman, my escape cut short. Stepping out of the car, I make my way toward Shauna, feeling a rush of nerves and excitement. "Thank you for the ride and, uh, happy birthday," I say, a smile gracing my lips. Her surprise is evident, and I can't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

From my pocket, I retrieve a small box, the anticipation palpable as she opens it to reveal a delicate heart-shaped silver necklace. The gesture is met with a warm embrace, her words muffled against my shoulder. "Thank you," she murmurs, her gratitude tangible. Her question about how I knew it was her birthday prompts a playful response from me. "You've been Jackie's best friend for years; how could I not know?" I say, my smile a mix of sincerity and amusement.

The moment is briefly interrupted as Jackie bounds over, her hands landing on Shauna's shoulders as she offers her assistance. I can't help but roll my eyes good-naturedly, observing their interaction with a lighthearted jest. The necklace finds its place around Shauna's neck, and her smile warms my heart. Her words about a present from her echo in my mind as Jackie's attention shifts to Jeff who's making his way over, leaving Shauna and me in our shared moment.

"How much was it?" Her question draws me back, and I'm momentarily conflicted. It had cost a pretty penny, but I playfully refuse to divulge the information, gesturing as if sealing my lips. Her eye roll speaks volumes, but her gratitude cuts through. "Thank you again, Y/N. It means a lot," she says, her smile a testament to the significance of the gesture. As we stand there, surrounded by the bustling energy of the school, I can't help but feel a sense of connection and hope that this might be the start of something special.