When Summer Becomes Winter

Chapter 12: What Am I Going To Do?

Summer 20

I opened my eyes to the sun's rays and sighed deeply in annoyance and embarrassment. I had Ms. Mana's class today and I did not want to be present after I almost threw up on Orland yesterday. I was still so ashamed that I did that!

A small knock on my bedroom door caused me to jump, my mother's voice asking if she could come in. I agreed to her entrance. She turned the knob, walking gracefully into my bedroom.

"Good morning, Clara." She greeted me as I gave her a nod. She noticed my expression and sat next to me on my bed.

"It's awkward and hard isn't it?" She asked as I sighed.

"You have no idea." I said, leaning forward, resting my elbows on my knees with my cheeks in my hands.

"Oh, believe me. I do. I've never told you this story because I wanted to protect you...but your father and I were in a secret relationship for a while." I glanced over at my mother as she blushed.

"On his first dance festival, I became so nauseous that I, too, threw up in the fountain." She said as I straightened my back in surprise.

"No way! You practically threw up on dad?" I asked as she nodded.

"And that was also the day we found out that you were coming into the world." She said, holding me close.

"Wait, was the dance festival a new holiday at the time?" I asked as mom shook her head.

"No, it had been a festival for a while." Mom replied.

But, that...w-was it on a different day?" I asked.

"No. It's always been held on the nineteenth of summer!" Mom said as I pondered a bit more.

"Was it canceled one year?" I asked as mom blushed.

"No, it was never canceled. The truth is, your father and I were only married for a little over two weeks until you were born."

"Really? I thought you and dad were married for a year before I was born!" I exclaimed in shock as she blushed.

"No, we actually only said that to protect you. The whole story is a bit complicated, but your father and I will make it a point to tell you someday." She said as I felt my eyes widen more before sighing.

"But even so, you had an excuse for throwing up on dad. I didn't have any type of excuse for throwing up on Orland." I said.

"I was still embarrassed though." Mom said as I looked down.

"Being your age was very awkward for me as well, and I know it was especially awkward for your aunt Julia." She said.

"It was awkward for you and Julia?" I asked.

"Being an adolescent is awkward for everyone. You, Leann, Orland, Leonel, Sera, and Serena are going through a difficult time right now. But everyone goes through this stage, Clara." Mom said as I sighed.

"I guess." I replied as she kissed my forehead, lifting herself from my bed.

"Get ready for school." She said, "Everything is going to be okay, Clara." And with that, she closed the door behind her as I sighed, getting ready for today.

-

I walked towards the academy, inhaling deeply. I was about to enter the building to hang with Leonel for a moment before our class started. I was hoping that talking to him would take my mind off of yesterday's incident when a voice stopped me.