The Countdown

Rituals and Making More Memories

(Natalia's Pov.)

After hanging up the phone i bolted for my closet. Not only packing a bag, but changing out of my pajamas that i had been wearing for the past few days. Doing up my make-up and hair, quickly speeding out the door, grabbing my bike in the process. They wouldn't even notice i was gone. Or so i thought until my phone started ringing.

"Hello?" i answered meekly.

"Nice get away sis. but we all know where you're going." he said his slight British accent noticeable.

"I don't care if they know where im going. I just want out for a while."

With that i hung up, there was nothing more to be said. Speeding down the road and crossing through an intersection i was almost there, but i decided first to stop at the nearest corner store. Locking up my bike quickly i made my way inside.

The shelves were fully stocked with so many choices. I picked out some pretzel fish and a cherry Pepsi for Kelsey, and some chips and a sprite for myself. This was our ritual and i was sure to keep it going.

As i biked out of the parking lot and made a left onto the street that felt more like home than my own i realized how it had changed. Signs that Autumn were coming had become very evident. The changing colors, the cold breeze, and the few leaves that had made their way to the ground. This was a lovely area.

That is when i came up to the quaint blue house that i had known for so many years. The home that held so many memories.

Stopping my bike out front and quietly making my way in the front door. Kelsey's mom greeted me warmly as always and pointed me in the direction of the bedroom, even though she knew it was not necessary. Walking in to see my best friend sprawled on the floor with bags and clothes surrounding her. She was attempting to unpack.

"Bro! You're hereeeeeeeee help me pleaseeeee!" she whined.

I nodded in agreement starting to empty a bag while she sorted the clean and dirty clothes. I happened to notice an extra pair of footsteps walking through the home, and they did not belong to her younger brother Thomas.

"Oh!" i hear Kelsey mumble to herself. "You haven't met Michael yet have you?!"

I shook my head no. I had heard many things about him, and i know he was her step cousin. Brought into the family by marriage. With that she rushed out of the room. From down the hall i could hear her excited voice as she tried to convince him to come say hi. I didn't think he would give in until i heard both of them making their way down the hall.

And that's when i saw him.

His platinum blonde hair, and amazing pale green eyes. Paired with a large smile due to his cousin's joking. That's when i noticed i was staring, but he was too. I blushed and then felt a tingle go up my spine. I had never felt this way before. Slowly pulling myself into standing position i noticed something different. Glancing down at my clock i saw i had five seconds left, but i felt like they were gone before i could even process it. Michael was having a similar reaction, and that's when it hit zero. Our clocks chimed in sync and it hit me.

I had found my match.