Maybe It Was Fate

Chapter Fifteen

I was up at 7:30 to start getting ready to meet Chris. I swear I have never been up this early in the morning. There is a slight chill to the air, biting at my bare skin.

I cross the hall to the bathroom, and literally almost gag when I see myself in the mirror. I have mascara smudged under my eyes from yesterday that I forgot to take off, my hair is snarled and sticking up everywhere and I just look like a troll in general.

I laugh to myself at that thought, as I turn the faucet for the shower, adjusting it until I get it right. Once it gets to the right temperature, I strip my clothes off and ease under the stream of water. I squeeze a dollop of shampoo into my hair and massage it into my scalp. I continue with the rest of my shower routine and then just stand under the water for a while.

Eventually, I decide I need to get out. Stepping out, steam swirls around me as I reach for my towel. I head towards my bed, where I lay out an outfit last night. It consists of jean shorts and a flowy top over my black bikini.

I slip them on and then check my phone. I have half an hour to kill before I have to walk over to Chris's house.

A text from Chris appears on the screen. I smile and open it as I walk down the stairs to the kitchen.

Keen for today?

Sure am.

I reply quickly before dropping my phone on the table and pouring a bowl of Milo cereal. After adding a splash of milk I sit down.

My phone vibrates again and I grab it.

I'm eating Milo cereal. It tastes good

I laugh at the coincidence that we're eating the same cereal.

Same here. Got my bowl filled to the brim!

I shovel the cereal into my mouth as the clock ticks, getting closer to the time I have to leave. The bowl slowly empties, the more I shove into my mouth.

God, when we go to the cafe he'll be in for a surprise with my table manners. My phone beeps, signalling an alarm I set to tell me when to leave.

I spring out of my seat and rush up the stairs. I grab a back pack with sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen, a book and some food in it. I throw the bag at the front door and run back through the house to my Mum's bedroom. She's sitting on the bed with Michael, reading a book.

"Hey Allie," Michael yells, bouncing on the bed.

I smile and walk over to the edge of the bed.

"Hey Mikey," He runs along the bed and throws his arms around my neck.

I laugh and spin him around before placing his feet back on the bed.

"I'm leaving now Mum,"

"Okay sweetie. I'll see you back here soon then,"

I wave good bye and walk out the room. I grab my bag and slip some converse onto my feet.

The minute I step outside, the cool air bites my skin. A soft breeze flurries by, carrying wisps of leaves along with it. Dew softly blankets the front lawn, leaving it to glisten in the sunlight.

The pavement along the side of the road is cracked and worn, making nice little homes for the friendly critters of the neighbourhood. I follow it along to Chris' house, until it stops, changing into the gravelly driveway.

I inhale a deep breath as I approach the front door. My hand raises, poised to knock when something tickles my legs. I look down to see a black cat, brushing against my leg. My hand gently follows the shape of its body, as its soft fur flows under my hand.