Everlasting Love

Chapter 5

Hyatt and I met in 6th grade. He went to a different elementary school then Adam and I did. Adam and Hyatt went way back because they started playing sports together when they were five years old. He was a spit fire, even back in the day, but he did have a good heart. Girls were always drawn to them because they were not only cute, but they were nice to anyone. Their circle eventually grew when they reached middle school to including Justin, Matt, Miranda, Joni, Sierra and Zack.

When my alarm clock went off Monday morning all I could think was how important is getting an education? I would be perfectly happy sleeping in my nice, comfy bed then having to sit through classes. Especially knowing I had a class with Hyatt and he was waiting on an answer. There was no way I could tell him my true feelings while in math class. There would be too many noisy teenagers that wanted to hear today's gossip.

Kyra picked me up, like every other school day morning, with her brand-new Ray Ban sunglasses. She smiled at me and handed me a hot, fresh coffee. This tradition started a couple years prior when she realized she was an early riser and I was not.

"You are an angel. A beautiful, beautiful angel," I said to her. I sipped on my hazelnut latte while watching the tree blur together as we drove past them. I still hadn't told Kyra about what happened with Hyatt and I knew when I did she would freak out. She told me, when Joni and Adam started dating, I should give Hyatt a chance. At the time, I thought she was trying to protect my feelings, but now I wonder if she knew something I didn't.

I started to tell her about what happened, but before I could get it out she started to talk. "Please don't freak out it is nothing special, but Max and I kissed," she rushed out as fast as she could.

Saying I was surprised, would be an understatement. I pinched myself to make sure I was not dreaming before staring at her like a fish out of water. "Kyra! What are you thinking? That is totally something special. You know how he feels about you and you kissed him. Why? When?" Before I could ask her anymore questions she cut me off.

"I told you not to freak out. It was yesterday. He came over to study for our psych test and my parents had just left for another one of their trips. I was feeling down and he was there for me and one thing led to another and we kissed. So, like I said no big deal," Kyra responded.

I was trying to process all this new information and think how I should respond. I know how Kyra gets down when her parents leave her like this, which explains the new sunglasses she is wearing. I also knew that it wasn't fair for Max seeing he probably thinks he has a chance now.

"I want you to be careful, not only for Max's sake, but your own as well. I know it is hard when your parents leave like this, but before you know you could be attached as well and one fling between you both won't fix it," I said. I could see she was thinking carefully about what I said and trying to think of something to say.

"Neither of us are going to get attached, one kiss is not a big deal. Please, for today at least, drop this," She said while resting her head in the palm of her hand. She opened her car door before stepping out. That was the end of the conversation, for now at least.

By the time I made it to my locker I only had five minutes before class started. I could not be late again, eventually he would start counting me tardy. I started with my fast-paced walk to class when I started humming a new song. I think it was by Halsey. I got to class with seconds to spare and gave myself a fist bump in my head. Throughout class, I kept dazing off thinking of what it would be like for Max and Kyra to date. I could not imagine them holding hands walking down the hallways or kissing each other goodnight after going to see a movie. As far as I know, they have two different views of what love truly is.

After a long day, and having to walk on eggshells with Kyra to not make her feel worse then she already did, I made it home. On the bright side, Hyatt was not in class today which gave me one more day to think about everything he said.  I immediately started making Peter an after-school snack. He started pre-school this year and although he was hesitant at first, he now loves it. When he grows up he is going to be quite the ladies' man because the girls in his class won't leave him alone. Peter came in, with mom close behind him, smiling at me with his 1000 watt smile.

"Ash what are you making me today? I want cookies! Wait, I want a cupcake! Or can I have a cookie cupcake? You can make that for me, right?" Peter said energetically.

"Sorry Peter I already started making some many pizzas. You love those. Tomorrow I will make some cupcakes," I told him.

To my surprise, my mom walked to the cupboards and stated getting out the ingredients to make cookies and cupcakes. She must have went to the store today because the cupboards have not been this full since dad lived here. Even when I do the shopping the budget is too tight to be able to buy luxury foods.

"Well why don't we eat both? Peter wash your hands and you can help me mix the ingredients for the cookies while I start on the cupcakes," Mom said with a smile that almost looked genuine.

Peter's watchful eyes quickly turned to excitement before running over to the sink to wash his hands. I wish I could forgot the normal mom to enjoy today's new version of herself, but I always had to be there for Peter when she relapsed again. He would be the one hurt when she told him to go away or he could cook for himself.

"Where did you get the money to buy the groceries Mom?" I asked her while going back to finishing the pizzas. Instead of becoming defensive or telling me she pawned a piece of jewelry one of her love buddies bought her, she told me something that made me drop pizza sauce all over the floor.

"I got a job. I used to be a pretty good baker back in the day and the corner deli was hiring for someone to bake their pastries. It is a nice environment and I get to do what I love again," She said with a slight sparkle in her. While talking to me, she grabbed a towel and began to clean-up the pizza sauce I spilled.

That's odd, I knew she liked to bake, but I didn't know it was passion of hers. I don't remember her ever saying she used to be a baker besides the occasional cookies or brownies she would make me when school ended or I got an A on a report card. Maybe she was a baker before she met my dad or stopped when she met him. Whatever the reason left me feeling confused.

"Well, that's great, but let's not jump the gun. We cannot splurge when you haven't even received your first paycheck yet," I said. Again, what she said next surprised me.

She walked over and gave me a kiss on my forehead, "Sometimes I forgot you're still in high school with how you act.  You should go out more. I can watch Peter, after all he is my son."

"Yes he is, but he is also my brother," I said back to her. We could've kept going, but Peter started asking questions about what to mix together and how much salt is needed. I made a mental note to ask her more about the job later like the pay, benefits, taxes, hours and work environment. After both the pizzas and cookie cupcakes were done, we sat at the dining room table and enjoyed not only the food, but each other's company. For the first time since my dad had passed away, it felt like a real family again.