Hi, my name is Mark.

Ch1 You smiled because you knew.

10 am

God its so cold, but its gonna be a white Christmas this year. I got out of bed, the cold attacking my bare feet and I looked out of the window, everything was covered in snow, maybe about 4 inches. The thought of maybe seeing Mark already started to warm me up.
((i have no idea what the weather is like in Cincinnati))

I've missed him the past year and a half... My mom only recently told me...( the day after I got home) Mark's mom lives close by. About 2-3 streets away. I've only met her a hand full of times. Mark said she'd been a bit hard on him before he disappeared.

"Y/n? You awake?" Mom calls from downstairs. I walk over to my door, kicking my clothes to the side. Once I opened it the smell of cinnamon rolls and waffles fill the air. Instantly my stomach growls. Mom is the best waffle maker. Mark used to pick me up to get to school once in a while and mom would make waffles just for him.

"Yea, I'm up!" I yell back. I pull on my red jumper over my oversized sleeping shirt. Put on some fluffy socks cause that shit is comfy af.
I stumble downstairs because I'd just woken up and my legs aren't used to being physical so early.

Dad was sitting at the kitchen table a plate of eggs and waffles before him while he read the paper.
"Mornin'" I say softly.
"Morning sweetheart." Mom says putting out a plate with cinnamon rolls and turkey bacon &eggs. With a cup of coffee. I smile at her.
"Don't you dimple at me. Go eat" she jokes. I take my plate and sit across Dad

"Morning, doll face." He says from behind his paper "any plans for today"
"Nmmmh" is all I manage to say because I was already stuffing my face with food. Dad folds his paper down to look at me. Glasses hanging from his nose a smile on his lips.
"That's not very lady like y/(n)n" he laughs.
I gulp down my food. Being able to speak again. "Maybe, father. I am an emu. They do not have manners nor are they lady like" I imitate a shrieking bird. Mom rolls her eyes while dad just starts laughing.

"So... Any plans for today doll face." Dad asks again.
I shrug "not really.. Probably gonna go for a walk later.."
"Oh good, mind taking the dog with you?" Mom, adds.
"Sure" I say taking another bite out of my food. "Where is Bo anyway?"
"She's been sleeping up stairs with your brother. Like she used to do with you." Dad spoke softly, sipping his cup of coffee.
"She does miss you though sweetie." Mom said while making another batch of waffles.

I finish my meal when Joey (your 4-year younger sibling) wanders into the kitchen Bo at his heels. Bo sees me and jumps into my arms like she hasn't seen me in months (she saw me yesterday). Just our cute lil 6-year-old labrador-mix, thing... No one knows what type dog Bo is but that's okay.. She's lovable and sweet to the core.

As I was about to leave the kitchen Bo now at my moms heels for food she asks. "Y/n we are going shopping for some holiday things, gifts and decorations. We are leaving at 2. Would you like to come along?"
"Uh.. Sure, mom. I'll go get dressed and then take Bo out. Yeah?"
"Okay, sweetie." She smiles at me.

Walking up the stairs I notice the new photos on the wall of shame. I brush against the frames with my fingertips. One hung side way. I put it up right, only to notice. It was my prom picture. Mark had a black suit with red vest. A red rose in his pocket. And I was standing next to him, his hand around my side. Hair done up and a red and black layered dress. I remember that night so well. We had a great time. Then I notice something I hadn't seen before, Mark wasn't looking at the camera, he was looking at me with big heart eyes and a smile plastered on his face. It made me smile too.