Begin Again (Carlos Pena)

8 - Shoppers Reward

Chapter 8

I tossed and turned unable to find my place. I guess we get used to the things we've had for quite some time in our life. Even if it was simple as a worn out mattress. A syrupy scent quickly climbed up through the air vents filling my room with a sweet aroma.

Huh. My room.

It had been months since I had moved in and it still hadn't hit me. I propped myself on my elbows looking around, even pinching myself to see if I wasn't dreaming. But no, I was now living with Carol and her family. I quickly got dressed, picking my hair up in a high pony.

You see, to me appearances didn't really matter. For all I cared I could walk out of this room wearing a plain white T and a pair of gray worn out sweats. Hell! I could go out to the streets wearing that.

But Jen wasn't like that. No, she was perfection at its best. Her golden hair always seemed to know in which way it should go, making her look flawless. Her blue eyes were as clear as the morning dawn as to where mine were darker than sin. I guess I took after my mom in that aspect. As well as my dark brown hair and tan skin. I looked nothing like my father, he had green eyes and pale skin, and a big heart.

I walked down the staircase, and into the kitchen to see that the syrupy smell was in fact strawberry French toast. "Goodmorning."

Everyone was at the table, and turned my direction and said good morning back. John was reading the sports section of the newspaper whilst Jen looked at the back of a spoon checking her lipgloss. It was a fairly small table, it was one of those kitchens that held a small table while the dining room held the ten-chair table. Marc stood up clearing his space.

"Here, take my seat." he offered. I smiled but before I sat I served myself breakfast.

You know there's a huge difference between a homemade breakfast as to a gas station bought burrito. Of course this right here wins the prize.

I haven't had a breakfast like this ever since I left my aunt Sofia and Leo to go live with my grandparents. Of course we know how that resulted in. The fluffiness of the bread made my mouth water even though I had taken the first bite.

"Is it good?" Carol leaned her elbows on the table looking at me carefully.

"It's very delicious Carol." I complimented with a mouthful. She flashed me a smile, and continued to eat her own breakfast.

"So dad what's the plan?" John laid the newspaper down and removed his glass holding the bridge of his nose.

"Well the movers should have all the boxes moved to the new building around one o' clock. So at that time we should get there and start unpacking everything." he replied. "That say we can open up faster and continue with our business."

Jen pouted, "But Daddy, I have plans tonight.."

"No exceptions Jennifer." Carol butted in. "We need all the help we can get."

Marc, who was sitting on the marble island jumped off and rustled Jen's hair. "Aww.. Sissy's afraid to break a nail. You should be a little bit more like Andy."

My eyes widened, nobody ever compared us to each other. I giggled softly, my foot beginning to jump nervously.

"You know Marc's right honey. You should be like Andy, hardworking, smart, resourceful..." John began, a loud chair screeching interrupted him.

"Alright I get it. Andy's better than me." Jen snapped. Carol set her coffee mug down while I nearly choked on my juice. Since when did Jennifer become so insecure? And worse because of me?