Leap Before You Think (Book 2 in Eternal Ember)

Chapter 3

As my eyes flutter open the next morning, I feel a sense of tiredness that makes me want to stay in bed. I roll back over and try to find a comfortable position under my blanket, starting with pulling it up to cover my face. The thought of getting up and starting the day seems daunting. As I lay there, I hear a sound that makes me pause. It's Harper's laughter. It sounds so carefree and happy, and it immediately brightens my mood. Despite my reluctance to get up, I feel a small smile form on my face as I think about the good times we've had together but I quickly let it fade and regain my tired expression when I hear her footsteps approaching.

"Get up sleepy head.'' She pulls my sheets off me and I shiver from the cold blast of air that greets me with the removal of blankets.

"Why are you so cheery?" I ask her in an accusing tone, still facing the wall.

"Why aren't you?" She uses the same tone only hers has a hint of disappointment.

"The nighttime is better," I roll over to face her.

"Sure. I mean in some ways—"

"No. It's in all ways." I hold my hand out deciding not to start this morning with a round of Give It Back she hands me back my blanket as I sit up. I lay the blanket on my lap then rub the sleep from my eyes.

"Well, today is going to be a blast." She slips her denim bag over her head.

"So you still have that feeling?"

"Yup. I always have that feeling." she pauses considering her words, "Well most days anyway." I stare at her blankly, "So get out of bed and get dressed, Lorie." She walks out of our room and practically slams the door. Why'd she have to do that?

I get out of my bed and straighten it, then I walk over to my dresser to brush my hair. Standing in front of my dresses, I choose my outfit for the day - a red crop-top-ish shirt, black leggings, denim shorts, and socks. After changing, I grab my denim headband and my black leather backpack full of books before slipping on my black Converse high-tops. Finally, I'm ready to leave my room and start my day.

I turn the doorknob and push the door open. My eyes immediately fall on Judah, who is standing a few feet away from me. He is leaning against the first wall I see, looking relaxed but a bit tired. His backpack is hanging off his shoulder, and I can tell it is packed to the brim. Judah's hair is unkempt and tousled as if he has just woken up and didn't bother to style it. Despite his disheveled appearance, he still looks charming, as always he flashes me his signature grin.

"I was starting to wonder if I missed you, blue eyes." He pushes off the wall and heads toward me adjusting his backpack.

"Never in a million, my friend." I counter.

He laughs. "True,"

"Well," I bat my eyes playfully at him, "why were you waiting for me?"

"I want to show you something," he pauses.

"Okay," I say skeptically.

"but you have to wait till tonight. That is the best time for this uh, surprise."

"Ah, the catch, well all right." the first warning bell rings. "So, I think we're gonna miss breakfast if we don't hurry."

"Oh yes, the most important meal of the day or so they say. Frankly, I don't see the appeal."

I laugh but don't add anything to his comment. He may not care about eating breakfast in the morning but I do. We just stare at each other for a few seconds but then he blinks fast.

"Uh . . . Yeah. So we should go now." He stutters over some of his words slightly and in odd places at that.

"Yeah," I tug on my bag strap to pull it up higher.