The forgotten key

Chapter five

His room is very tidy and organized, just as I imagined. Not that I thought about it much, but you know...

He turns on the TV, goes on Netflix, and browses through his series. "Is it okay if we watch something? I'm a little tired."
   
"Yeah, sure," I'm relieved it's not awkward, and we can watch something without feeling tense. We sit on the bed. I don't know why it feels so familiar. It's like we've been friends since kindergarten. But I really enjoy it.

"So, you have a cat named 'Nemo'? How ironic," he says with a slight smile.

"Yeah, I know, but he's orange, and the name just came to mind."

"So, how's your life? Any hobbies or something? I haven't seen you much in the neighborhood these past few weeks."

"I love to read and do things with my friends back home, stuff like that. Here in Boston, I haven't made any friends yet since we just moved here. My brother already knows the whole city, but we're a bit different in that way."

Okay, wow, I didn't mean to say all that. I hope he doesn't think I'm weird or something.

"I get what you mean. Now you know at least one person. And summer break just started, so you have plenty of time to meet new friends."

"Tomorrow there's a house party. If you want, you can come with."

"Oh, um, yeah, I think I want to go. Where is it so I can ask Gavin to drive me there?"

"I can drive you."

"Oh, that's kind of you."

We talked for a while until my mother came in. "Juliette, I'm heading home. Do you want to come with? Sorry, I lost track of time while we were talking."

"Oh, okay. Yeah, I'll come. I'm really tired." So, I head to the door.

"Good night, Juliette."

"Good night, Elijah."

It's now twelve, and I'm so tired I could sleep while standing. I take off my shoes and head upstairs. Nemo is lying in his bed. I change into my pajamas and get into bed. I check my phone to see a message from Nolan and three messages from Penny. Nolan sent pictures from Milan, and Penny is texting from a party. I think she's a little drunk.

Nolan
Me: Wow, it looks so cool. How's Italy? Did you eat well? Send more pictures. 😍

Penny
Penny: Miss you so mudh
Penny: Jess bought me roses today, and I cried so much.
Penny: When do you come backlkkk???
Me: Omg, that's so cute!? Are you drunk? Love you too. You can come visit me too. Call me tomorrow when you're sober. Be safe xo

Okay, I'm ready to sleep. I really miss them, but there's nothing I can do about it, so I'll have to learn to live with it.

Sure, let's continue from where we left off:

---

Wow, I haven't slept this well in a long time. It's 9:30, and I feel really good. For some reason, I'm in such a good mood. The sun is shining, and everything feels right. I open my window, and fresh air blows on my face. Today seems like a good day. I'm alone in the house; my mom is at work, and Gavin stayed overnight at someone's house again. So, I head downstairs to make myself breakfast. I prepare a fruit salad and head to the garden. I love days like this. I really want to do something today. After finishing my breakfast, I take a shower and get ready. I grab my book and read a little on the porch.

"Hey, sweetheart. How's your day? Such amazing weather today," Rachel says.

"Oh, hey Rachel. I'm good, and you? This weather is so beautiful; I just want to be outside all day long."