If I Knew Then

Chapter 9: Unicorns for Breakfast

The same pair of green eyes that I spent all night dreaming about, were the first thing I saw in the morning. Knelt behind my head, her upside-down face hovered above mine.

     "Good morning," she greeted.

      I startled, pulling the blanket up to cover my morning breath.

      "Morning?" When I saw her, my first thought was that I had slept in, and everyone was waiting on me. But Maria's soft snoring echoed across the room, and when I searched the living room, I found the other four still fast asleep on their air mattresses. Avi's mattress had deflated during the night. Half his body was on the floor, foot rested by Nao's head. I laughed at the scene, anticipating the jostling from the boys when they'd wake.

      Eyes passing Amelia's empty bed to my left, I was reminded of her proximity by my head. I rolled my eyes up her way.

     "Um... What's up?"

     "I'm starving," she announced.

     "You want to wake everyone so we can go eat?" I sat up.

Amelia shook her head and I frowned.

       "They're all grumps in the morning." She narrowed her eyes at her friends who slept peacefully. "They'll wake up and be so eager to leave that they'll grab a granola bar or muffin and call it a meal."

      I nodded along to her words, hooded eyes flicking wider at the passion in her tone.

     "I need sustenance!" She added, gesturing wildly for emphasis.

      "Alright," I laughed. "How can I help you with that?"

      "There's a breakfast diner across the street. We can go before they wake up."

     "And you just assumed I'd be a morning person?" By the way I didn't hesitate to stand and retrieve an outfit from my bag, she had to know that I was toying with her.

      "That." She smirked. "And considering you wouldn't hurt a fly, I figured you wouldn't risk disappointing my love for food."

      I turned to face her with my mouth hung open, affronted. In other words, she thought I was a sucker who couldn't say no. She saw right through me.

     "If I'm being honest, the real reason I chose you is because I wanted to spend breakfast with the sweetest, kindest and prettiest girl I've ever had the pleasure of meeting." She blinked owlishly.

      I quirked a brow at the minx, laughter bubbling in my chest. "Keep buttering me up while I brush my teeth and we'll see."

      We both knew it was all pretend. The diner could be atop the CN tower, and I'd follow her there blindly. Still, she hopped after me towards the bathroom as if eager to please.

       "Oh, golly," she started with exaggerated enthusiasm. "I don't know where to start, you're just the coolest person I know. A few more hours spent together, and you might just become my favourite person on the whole planet. I have a feeling that I'll soon want to spend every minute of every day and night with you."

      I crinkled my nose playfully, returning my toothbrush to its container. "Now, you're sounding more like a stalker than a friend."

      Amelia chuckled lightly, taking a step back as I reached for the doorknob. I'd let her stand there as I brushed my teeth. That was the only mean of morning care in which I'd allow company.

     "Breakfast on me?" She sweetened the deal.

     "I can't refuse that. Just give me two minutes to change."