The Flower Chronicles

Chapter 3: The Dream Eater

Kelly Keltra

Finally, it's Friday! It's been such a tiring week at school. I've had so many tests and a ton homework. I think I forgot about some math assignment. I'll just copy off Aaron. Teachers don't give us any chance to breathe. It's senior year after all! I deserve to live a little. I wish I could sleep in more, if only just five minutes more. Sleep is so peaceful! I cannot wait till summer. I don't even want to think about college. This will be the last summer I have to sleep as much as possible, if mom doesn't make me get a job. 

Ugh! Alright, I'll get up. If I don't, mom will barge in soon. I hate being yelled at when I am half-asleep. My alarm is loud enough for one morning. I just need silence and peace now! I had a good dream, but cannot remember it. I think it was something about a peaceful lake.

I guess I'll drag myself to the shower! The hot water will wake me up, hopefully. If I don't get to it first, my brothers will use all the hot water. Good thing I am the only girl; I typically can get my way at home, if I whine enough. Where's my towel again? My room is such a mess. Ahhh, here it is – under the mountain of dirty clothes! Oh well... Only downside of a good shower is I have to see myself in the mirror and be reminded of my flabby belly. Well, it's better than flabby arms anyway. I am sure there's some guy out there for me

Aaron Warren

Today's the day! I am going to do it. I am going to ask Kelly out. We are both graduating in about a month, so it's now or never. I guess... I don't know. I still feel nervous about it all. We've been friends forever and I'd hate to make things complicated if she rejects me. I'll just have to start things slow and play it cool. I hear there's a party after school at the Harrison's place. We can just hang out there and maybe get some dinner beforehand. Why would she not want dinner? Everyone has to eat – might as well be with me! Well... I have to be smooth. I don't want to come off as arrogant or like desperate or anything. I just have to be myself.

We've been neighbors for the last ten years or so. We used to play tag and four square with the all kids from around block. We were all so carefree back then. Most of the kids have moved or we had a falling out with. Such is life unfortunately. Kelly and I continue to walk to school every morning and back home every afternoon. School is just around the corner, but we are never in hurry. We both have P.E. first block. Coach doesn't care if you're late. It used to be that we would walk with her brothers and some of their friends, but they have all graduated now. So, this year it has always been just us walking home. I really enjoy it. We talk about a lot of stuff in the fifteen minutes we have together. I don't know what her plans are for next year or even the summer. I am going to miss our walks... It's funny – she's always this slow meeting here in the morning. I don't mind the wait, but it doesn't help my nerves.

Kelly Keltra

"Hey! Morning Aaron... Did you do the math homework?" I ask. I don't want to take advantage of him, so I won't make a habit of this. I am sure he doesn't mind. I've helped him enough in chemistry last year.

"Umm... yeah let me get it out. It was only ten problems from the workbook. He's such a weird teacher." he replies.

I don't know what I would do without him around. He's not particularly smart, but he'll do almost anything I ask. He's a good friend like that. I don't have anything hard to write on. I'll just stuff this in my pocket. I'll make time during lunch to do it. It's not like I sit with anyone... What's up with Aaron today? He keeps smiling.

"So, you have any plans for the weekend?" He sputters out.

I reply, "Hmm... I don't know. Nothing really. I probably should clean my room. Why?"