Seven

15

I wake up later than usual, the summer sun shining through my curtains. School ended a week ago, marking the official start of summer. I reach for my phone on the nightstand. I smile, remembering Aiden and I have plans for tonight.

Aiden: good morning beautiful <3

He's so sweet. I type a reply with a smile on my face.

Me: Good morning!

I place my phone on my bed as I roll onto the floor. Adjusting my satin pillows, I stand up and walk out of my room towards the kitchen.

"Good morning," I hum as I notice Alex standing over the stove, scrambling eggs.

"Good morning," he smiles. "You doing anything tonight?"

"Yeah," I smile. "You?"

"Fortnite and mom duty," he shrugs.

"Are you okay with me being gone so much? I can stay home if you need," I worry that I overwork him at times. I hang out with Aiden a lot, both home and not home. I just want to make sure Alex has a good summer also.

"Of course," he smiles, flipping the eggs in the pan. "I'm happy for you. You deserve good things."

"Thank you," I smile, pouring three glasses of orange juice and taking out three forks.

"I don't even know who that was," he jokes. "I never said any of that."

"You totally did," I wrap my arms around his shoulders from behind him. "You love me."

"Shut up," he nudges me with his elbow, dividing the scrambled eggs onto three plates.

We walk down the hall towards Mom's room with breakfast. As a courtesy, we always knock. "Come in."

Mom looks away from the television, her face lighting up with a warm smile as we enter. "Good morning, you two."

"Morning, Mom," Alex and I say synchronously, setting the plates and glasses down on her bedside table.

She reaches out to pat Alex's hand. "Thank you, sweetheart. You're taking good care of us."

"I try," Alex smiles, adjusting the pillow next to Mom so he can sit.

I perch on the edge of Mom's bed, smiling at her fondly. "How are you feeling today?"

"Much better, dear," she replies, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Are you excited for tonight?"

I nod eagerly. "Yeah, Aiden and I are going to the mall."

Her smile widens. "That sounds lovely, sweetheart. Have fun."

"We will," I assure her, squeezing her hand gently. "We won't be late, I don't think."

"You don't have to worry about that," she chuckles softly. "Enjoy yourselves."

After a few more minutes of chatting, we give Mom her pills and allow her to rest.

We head back to the kitchen to clean up. Alex washes the dishes while I dry them, the familiar routine soothing in its normalcy.

Once the kitchen is tidy, I retreat to my room to get ready for the day. After I shower, I pick out a pair of jean shorts and a red shirt. It's disgustingly humid outside, so I tie my hair up and put on sunscreen and deodorant, along with some makeup.

Checking the time, I send a quick text to Aiden.

Me: Ready?

As I wait for his reply, I gather my usual essentials into a tote bag.