I'd sat there on my couch until bedtime, my head just spinning with thoughts. I needed some advice, but I didn't want it from my parents. I wished Chet wasn't related to Bryce, because then I'd ask him.
What was Bryce trying to say, anyway? That he was sorry? That he really was my friend? That he... liked me?
I went to my room and got ready for bed around nine. As I lay awake that night I just stared at the painting of my sycamore tree, and I knew that someday, there would be a new one. Right in my very own yard.
In the last seconds before I drifted off to dreamland, I decided that Bryce might be worth it after all.
The next morning, I woke up before my alarm. I didn't know why my body wouldn't sleep anymore, but I decided to get up anyway, and get ready for school. I also decided to get all gussied up. If today was to be the day Bryce and I started really talking, I wanted to look nice.
I did my hair and makeup, put on a nice but casual purple sundress, and slipped on some pretty shoes. I don't think I'd ever gone to school looking so nice before that day.
When I went down for breakfast, mom beamed when she saw me. "You look beautiful, honey!"
Matt and Mike grinned too. "Who's the lucky guy, sis?"
"Yeah, who ya tryin' to impress?"
I didn't answer either of them, just smiled to myself as I took a big bite of cereal. Mom left to get ready for work, so it was just us kids.
"Is it baby brother Brycie?" Asked Matt.
"Lyn's brother? Brycie-bean?" Mike prodded.
I ignored their questions and gave them a sly look. "Are you sure neither of you like Lynetta?"
"Ah, Lyn's a rainbow of attitude. She's cool, and mighty fine, but she's Skylar's venture in the world." Mike chucked.
"Then do you like anyone? I never hear you talk about any other girls."
Mike and Matt's reactions were totally different. Mike rolled his eyes and said something about how they were focusing on their career for now. Matt looked down at his bowl and blushed. Cornered. I had him backed against a wall.
"Who do you like Matt?" I asked. Mike's head whipped around to look at our brother, stunned.
Finally Matt looked at us. "I met this girl at the music store. I rung her up, you know, jus'doing my job... And I wasn't really paying attention, I was a little preoccupied, didn't notice who it was, but when I finally looked up at her, she smiled this brilliant smile at me. She had these big green eyes... Anyway, I haven't seen her since, all I know is that she said her name was Ella Montgomery, and she goes to Weston High. She's a junior."
"Ah, two high schools, both alike in dignity, in fair Mayfield where we lay our scene." Mike quoted. I knew he was just teasing, and it worked quiet well-- Mayfield High and Weston High were deep rooted rivals. But it didn't seem fair to Matt for Mike to make fun of him. Of course, Matt just socked him in the arm and rolled his eyes. Boys.
"Well I hope you see her again. Ella sounds like she's worth getting to know." I said.
I rode my rusty old bike to school, careful not to wrinkle my dress. The day smelled wonderful. It had rained last night, but now the sky was clear and bright. It was perfect. It looked like a visual representation of that moment when you breathe in clean, fresh ocean air for the first time, after a day of riding in the stuffy old car to get there.
When I got to the school, I headed straight for my locker. I hurriedly put my books away and returned my library book, then went to find Bryce by his locker.
