One

Eleven

"Mom is asking for you downstairs." She raised an eyebrow, I'll tell her you're coming." She turned and left. Shaking a bit, I picked up my phone and saw that Bette is still on the line.

"Babe?" I whispered.

"Jade! What happened? Was that Anne?"

"Yeah. shit, Bette. Oh my god. You think she heard me?" Wait, mom is waitingfor me. Talk to you soon. Bye!" I hurried downstairs.

"Mom?" She is at her working table writing some stuffs.

"Hi honey, were you able to buy all that you need for the camp?" she asked cheerily.

"Oh—yes, yep mom." I leaned on the bookcase then she asked, "Honey, can you help me, please? Can you remove the chicken from the freezer in time for dinner? Also, wash the vegetables on the counter. I am just going to finish this then will prepare it in a while."

"Sure. Is that it?" biting my nails.

"Yes and sorry to keep you from packing your things, dear. I'm just a little busy."

"It's okay." Quite relieved. I kissed her and gave her a hug then went straight to the kitchen. Anne was there eating some cornflakes and reading a magazine. She put down the magazine and followed my every movement with her eyes. I went to the fridge picked up the chicken and put it in the sink. I was reaching for a bowl when she said, "So.. who is it that you're going to sit with and when?" I tensed but realized she only heard the last part. Whew! "No one. And mind your own business, silly face." She made a face, throw cornflakes at me then stuck her tongue out.

I went up to my room and this time, I locked my door. I sent Bette a message that Anne only heard the last part and started packing my stuff for the camp. My phone beeped. I checked to see and immediately read it learning that it was from Althea. "You packing your stuff :-)?" I moved my things on the other side of the bed, leaned on the headboard and replied, "Yep. you? :-)? " I did not move and stared at my cellphone screen. Seconds later she replied, "I am, too. Im so excited that my parents are teasing me all day. Ha ha ha."

"Me too! I am super excited." I smiled. Feeling giddy and forgetting to pack, i waited for her response.

"You still get excited about going there even though this will be your 3rd year? *wink*" I blushed. Why do i feel that she knows how i feel about her? But that's impossible! Good thing we're not face to face. How can I explain that I am more excited because of her? Geez. I think i am going crazy. It took me a while to respond.

"I still do. ;-) Because I only get to do this every summer and I really love being there." I replied simply. 

We exchanged some more messages and before I knew it, dinner was ready. Before i went down, I looked back at my bed and realized I still have to pack most of my stuffs. But I don't mind, really. If it means talking to her thru texting then I don't mind. Not at all. Hmm.. The thought actually excites and scares me. Where would this lead me?

********* ***

Rrrring... Ugh! I wanted to sleep some more. I snoozed my alarm and went back to sleep. Minutes later, my cellphone rings. Who could be calling at this ungodly hour, I thought. I reached for it and answered. "lo?"

"uh-oh you're still not up."

"Huh? Who's this?"

"Good morning, sleepyhead! This is your alarm clock, Thea."

And then it dawned on me, "Oh! Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry, Althea. What time is it? Sh-- I'm up. Now!" Blag! I didn't notice I was at the edge of the bed when i turned and then I fell. Fuck!

"Ouch!" i reached for my phone inches away from me.

"Althea? Are you still there?" I huffed.

"Jade?? What happened? Are you, okay?" Concern in her voice.

I started to get up. "I am. Ahhh.. Ouch.. Don't worry, im fine. And thank you for waking me up." I sat up, instead.

"Are you sure?"

"Yep! No worries. I ah.. ha ha I'm usually clumsy in the morning. So, see you at the bus station?"

"Allright, I'll be there. Bye, Jade."

"Bye."

I was drawn to her even more during that bus ride. She was so sweet and caring and at one point, I got to see her sleeping like an angel the sweetest sleeping face you could see... Which made my feelings for her grow stronger. Ah, these memories of her.. I wish i could go back and make it right. 

TBC... :)