20 Reasons to Let Go

[ Reason Two ] - Rainstorms

Cady watched from the sliding glass door as a rickety yellow school bus sped past her house, splashing rainwater onto the curb.

She rolled her eyes and snatched her iPhone from the kitchen island, then turned back towards the mudroom to grab her shoulder bag. Once ready, she raced outside and hopped onto her bike.

It was the third time this week Cady had missed the school bus; being late was starting to feel like a hobby.

The ride to the school was long and uneventful, with cars zooming every which way and neighbors arguing over who's privacy fence was too close to the other's property.

Another typical day.

Cady made it to first period only ten minutes late and she quickly explained her dilemma. Thankfully, Mrs. Barring appreciated Cady for her academic efforts, and let it slide for the third time that week.

When Cady took her seat beside Kendal, she was pummeled with questions.

"Where were you?" Kendal whispered, her eyes wide, "And did you study for the quiz? I didn't even know it was coming up! I was too busy focusing on that two page essay she's having us write." She took a moment to breathe, then added with a gasp, "And what, are you wearing?"

Cady self consciously looked down at her outfit. She was wearing a loose, peachy-colored shirt and white skinny jeans. "What?" She asked, flustered. "There's nothing wrong with what I'm wearing."

"Not those." Kendal said, referring to Cady's choice of jeans and a shirt, "Those." She pointed in the direction of the floor.

All the color drained from Cady's face as she glanced down at her feet. She was still wearing the comfy, gray moccasins she had slipped on after getting out of bed. "Damnit." She groaned, feeling an excess of color return to her face. Just then, she noticed a few classmates staring at her, most of them glancing back and forth between her red face and her improperly adorned feet.

Cady felt heat rising in her cheeks, and she abruptly stood up and marched out of the classroom, Kendal at her heels. Mrs. Barring was left looking distressed and confused.

Kendal followed Cady to the girls' bathroom, telling her, "Cady, it's not that bad, really, don't worry about it. Hey, did I ever tell you about that time I came to school wearing nothing but-"

"Yes, Kendal, yes!" Cady shouted, entering a stall and locking it behind her, "You did. Look, it's just not helping right now, okay?"

From outside the stall door, Cady heard a small voice mutter, "Okay."

Kendal slid onto her bottom just outside of Cady's bathroom stall. From inside, she could hear quiet, embarrassed sniffles.

"Cady?" She asked after a long while.

No reply.

Sighing, Kendal pulled her legs to her chest and waited.

Another half an hour or so went by much like that, with the sound of the bathroom clock ticking the seconds away. Not a word was exchanged, only a long and uncomfortable silence could be heard over the whimpers from within the stall.

Finally, something broke the silence. From outside, a clap of thunder echoed across the sky. Kendal straightened up, slightly startled.

Inside the stall, Cady was listening too. Rain began to patter on the roof above them, and another boom of thunder rang out loudly.

Kendal was now grinning, and she poked her head underneath the stall door, beaming up at Cady, "You know what reason number two is?"

Rubbing her eyes, Cady shook her head.

"Rainstorms." Kendal confirmed, still grinning. "In hopes that they'll always have an end."

Cady felt her lips spread into the tiniest smile, "Thanks." She whispered.

Kendal slid underneath the stall door, sat beside Cady, and laid her head down on her shoulder. "Anytime."

Hello again,

I hope you enjoyed that cute little chapter. :)

I have a confession to make. 20 Reasons to Let Go is based on my own life so far. Of course, much of it is exaggerated and there are many things I'm adding in to spark some more interest, but the basic concept is based upon my own experiences.

For example, Cady and Kendal. Well, Kendal is based off my real-life best friend, and Cady's crush on her is hardly made up.

Yep. :) I'm bisexual. And in a way, this is my story. Only, a lot of it will be changed or romanticized to make it more fun for you guys to read.

Things will be getting interesting in the next chapter or so, so stay tuned, lovelies!

Remember to leave your feedback in the comments below, and vote and share this story with your friends!

Also, please follow me so I can see who's been reading! ;)

Thanks for your support,

( katherine )