Just A Boy (ON HOLD)

Chapter 8

***Chapter 8***

Harsh light flooded through my eyelids as my mom yanked the curtains open. I groaned and delved deeper beneath the duvet.

“I don’t think so.” My mom tutted.

I held the duvet over my head which pulled it up over my toes and shivered at the difference between the warm bed and my cold room. I heard my mom’s footsteps move from the window to the end of the bed. The next thing I felt was the duvet being lifted up from my bed and I scowled up at my mom.

“You need to get ready; we have people coming over for lunch.” She said simply.

“Fine.” I grumbled as she left the room.

I pulled myself into a sitting position and sat there for a moment while I woke up properly before swinging my legs out of the bed on to the soft carpet. I made my way over to the bathroom and stared at my reflection. I brushed my hair and my teeth quickly and went back into my bedroom.

The clock on my bedside table told me it was twelve o’clock already, which meant mom’s friends would be here in an hour. I rushed to the wardrobe and quickly picked out an outfit. I pulled on some jeans and a tank top and then put my hair up in a loose ponytail.

With some time still to spare I went over to the window and sat down on the plush cushion on the window seat. The sun was shining merrily and water dripped off the plant outside my window. It was hard to believe that a week or so ago everywhere had been covered in snow, but the weather had changed drastically and it had all been melting slowly so now there was none of the white blanket remaining.

Small puddles lined the road and as the cars drove past the water sprayed up in a graceful arc. The sun caught in each individual droplet and projected a small rainbow.

I sat there daydreaming and looking out the window until a large silver car turned into our driveway. I ran out on to the landing eager to meet our guests and was greeted by the sound of friendly laughter. I walked downstairs and was not expecting what I saw.

“Katie!” Annie ran over to me and enveloped my in a tight hug.

“Annie, what are you doing here?” I asked while hugging her back.

“We’re here for lunch silly.” She laughed and tossed a strand of her bright blonde hair over her shoulder. “Come meet my mom.” She said excitedly and took hold of my hand.

“Mom this is Katie. I told you about her.” She said still beaming brightly.

“Hello Katie, it’s lovely to meet you. You can call me Claire.” She said.

I looked at Annie’s mom; she was quite small and was very similar to Annie in appearance. She had the same blonde hair that caught the light perfectly and the same heart shaped face, but her eyes were mocha brown.

“It’s nice to meet you too.” I replied politely.

She smiled brightly mirroring Annie. They both had a smile that seemed to light up the room and when they smiled at you, you just had to smile back. Then Claire turned to mom who had just hurried out into the hall again.

“Let’s all go into the dining room and then we can chat.” She said while moving everyone on through the hall.

I sat down next to Annie and my mom sat next to Annie’s. Almost before we were all seated they were catching up on old news.

“So no husband joining us? I know your son can’t make it.” My mom said.

“No he was called away on business, but he says he’s very sorry and he will come next time.” Claire said kindly.