"Mom," I call out. "Mom. Mom! Mommy!" I have never been so frazzled this early in the morning.
"Yes, sweetie?" She says. "I'm in the kitchen. I made pancakes, do you want some?"
I sprint to where she is, hair disheveled, in my minnie mouse pyjamas and matching slippers. "I forgot to tell you. I'm going on a date today."
She looks surprised, but then her expression turns into a proud, sly smile. "Oh, my baby, you're so grown up." She squeezes me into a hug, squealing for whatever reason she has.
"Mom, I love you lots but I have no time for your dramatic motherly scene, I have to go. Have you seen my white lace top by the way?"
"It might be in my closet, go check. Oh, and, how did Eli ask you?" She says, raising her eyebrows and smirking like a teenager. She's so young and vibrant and lovely.
"What? What are you talking about?" I laugh, gazing at her curiosly.
"Eli. How'd he ask you out to a date?" She makes a "duh" face, as if I was being dumb and misunderstanding her.
"Woah, no mom. I'm not going with Eli." I wave my hands to emphasize my point.
"Who're you going with, then?" She asks in subtle surprise and wonderment.
"Someone I met at the pool party I went to yesterday." I try to respond as casually as I can, even adding a shrug just for the sake of it.
"Is he nice? Is he good looking?" She begins to interrogate me.
"I think so, and yes, definitely."
"How old is he?"
"I'm not sure, but most likely around the same age as me."
"What was he doing at the party when you met him?"
"He was lead singer and guitarist for this band." She raises her already raised eyebrows.
"Okay. Well, I'm really happy for you Hun, but just be careful okay? Keep your phone with you. And put my number and Eli's on speed dial. Should I send him to drop you off and just make sure?"
"No, it's alright." I don't have to explain to her. Deep inside there's voice telling me that soon everything will be fine. Eli won't be able to ignore me forever, and I just need to give him time and be patient.
So I end up with a pair of denim shorts and a loose, light, sheer long sleeve with a tank top underneath. I straighten my hair and put on dangly chandelier earrings, which all in all makes me look bohemian or one of those girls who model for Brandy Melville. I think I like it. I would never wear heels and a short, tight dress to go to the beach just for a guy.
I take my bike to the carnival, and it's empty since it's about eight in the morning, and it's not going to open until noon. Colin and I spot each other right away. Colin in a white button up and dark wash jeans is probably the best view ever. I swear, he can pass for an Abercrombie model if not for his jet black hair. But it makes him look better, mysterious and. . .ohgoodness I have go to stop using this word: sexy.
"Hey," he says, in a smile that actually makes my heart skip a beat.
"Hey," I say, stopping in front of him with my bike. Colin stares at me, making me feel scrutinized, painting pink and red on my cheeks. "Um, carnival's closed at this time. What's your plan, mister?"
"Is that your nickname for me?" He grins, and I blush crazily and I hate myself for it.
I get him back. I hop off my bike and lean into him. "You don't like it?" I whisper, making his ear turn bright red, assuring me I've succeeded. I laugh, tearing up a little bit.
YOU ARE READING
The Official Beauty Rules (according to Claire Mintz)
Fiksi Remaja"Who are you, really?" I look at the scenery, forcing myself not to meet his eyes. "Colin Soares. Seventeen years old, turning eighteen this September. Lead singer and guitarist of a band." "That doesn't really tell me anything." "Maybe that's...
