Origins of Us

8

Eiry entered her bedroom, the towel draped around her body, its terrycloth still warm from her recent shower. Her footsteps muffled against the carpeted floor. The rain outside created a gentle, rhythmic tapping on the window, casting a soft grey light across the room. Rain has never been an impediment to surf, but she thought she might have a quieter afternoon with Eddie. So, when faced with picking out her outfit, she chose a pair of dark jeans that clung comfortably to her legs. Their fabric slightly faded, while the oversized knit sweater in a rich, earthy olive green enveloped her in warmth. It had an asymmetrical hemline that dipped slightly lower on one side, and the neckline was wide and subtly boat-shaped, revealing just a hint of her collarbone. She turned around in front of the mirror and smiled satisfied with her outfit and then sat on the bed. She grabbed her pair of black loafers and put them in her feet. Once dressed, Eiry hurried to the bathroom, where she wrestled with her damp hair. She brushed through the strands with quick strokes, her reflection in the mirror a flurry of motion as she tried to tame the tangles. When done, .she returned to her bedroom to pack her backpack. The review she had typed in the evening lay on her desk, the neatly typed pages forming a neat stack. She carefully folded the pages and slid them into a folder before placing them inside her backpack. Her other essentials-a notebook, a few pens, and her wallet-followed suit. Done, Eiry descended the stairs, her pace quickening with each step. She placed the backpack on the couch with a sigh of relief before entering the kitchen. The comforting smell of breakfast wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of her father and Laila chatting over their meal. Her father's morning newspaper was spread out before him, while Laila, always the early riser, was already halfway through her plate.

"Good morning," Eiry greeted, first addressing her father and then Laila, as she took her seat at the table. "Isn't it a great day?" She flashed a bright grin while serving herself some eggs. Tim and Laila exchanged curious glances, which Eiry noticed. "What?" She asked, fork poised mid-air.

"It's April!" Tim remarked with a playful smirk. "And it's raining. How can you call it a great day?"

"I know, I know..." Eiry rolled her eyes. Rain in San Diego was typical for winter but unusual in April.

"So?" Laila's eyes twinkled with amusement. "I take it the great day isn't about the weather?"

Tim raised an eyebrow, folding his newspaper and setting it aside. "I'm guessing it has something to do with that boy..." He trailed off, his gaze shifting to Eiry with a knowing look.

"Dad!" Eiry's cheeks flushed, though she couldn't suppress her smile. "We had a wonderful time yesterday afternoon."

"As long as you're keeping up with your college responsibilities..." Tim added, his tone a blend of concern and mild reprimand.

"Don't worry, Dad." Eiry said, her smile reassuring as she took a bite of her eggs.

"Would you like some coffee?" Laila offered, holding the pot. Eiry nodded, sliding her mug closer. "Are you meeting Eddie today, too?"

Eiry felt her father's scrutinizing gaze but adhered to their agreement to never lie. "I am." She confirmed. "After classes. He only works at night. The midnight shift."

"Didn't you say he has two jobs?" Tim inquired.

"He does." Eiry replied, shrugging lightly. "But he's not working today. Maybe he has some time off."

"Is he respectful, Eiry?" Tim's question was more serious now.

"He is," Eiry answered firmly, taking a sip of her coffee. "You don't need to worry, Dad." She gave him a reassuring smile.

"Since I see you're not in beach clothes, where are you going today?" Laila decided to intervene to end the awkwardness that hung in the air.

Eiry finished her coffee and looked up with a casual air, "Maybe going to his place. Just to hang out, you know?" She shrugged. "I don't know..."