The Sunflower Keeper

Annoyance

“Nevaeh! Wait up!” I grab her by the hand.

          “Do you really want to know what I think? I know you didn’t ask but I’m going to tell you anyways because I would like to think that we are friends. Our friendship means something to me and I don’t want to lose it.” She looks completely serious.

          “Shoot.”

          “I think that this is going to end badly for you and for the guy you don’t choose.” She crosses her arms.

          “I know. I don’t know who to choose though.” I sigh.

          “Choose the person you have the best connection with. It has to be emotional not physical. Think about that and you’ll get your answer.”

          “Thanks. I will.” I agree.

          “I want to know who you choose before you say anything. I need to have you back.” I smile at my new friend. “Is it true?”

          “What?” I curiously ask.

          “Is your mom the Sunflower keeper?” The words cause my heart to ach. Tears fill my eyes. I nod. She pulls me into her embrace. She hugs me tighter. “I’m so sorry.”

          “I don’t know what to do. My mom is going to die because I’m essentially taking her job. When she dies… I don’t think I’m going to be able to live with myself.” I cry into her shoulder.

          “You’ll survive. I’ll be her for you.” She pulls away and wipes the tears from my face. She cocks her head to the side. She braids my hair over the side and secures it with the hair tie that was on her wrist. “Now. Dry up those eyes. You need to appear strong because deep down I know you are. Now let’s go join the boys.” We scurry off.

***

I take my place between Elijah and Damian. Booth look especially unhappy to be here. They had a good thirty minute argument about who should stand next to me and who could protect me better. Nevaeh finally put a stop to the testosterone fight by telling both of them to pick a side of me and shut up.  The awkwardness starts to build.

          “So… When is the Sunflower Keeper coming? A.K.A. My mom…” I hesitantly ask.

          “Soon…” Elijah flatly answers and refuses to make eye contact with me.

          “I could have told her that.” Damian says in an aggravated tone. I roll my eyes.

          “And let the battle begin!” Nevaeh snorts and throws me a wink. I just shake my head.

          “There’s no battle!” Elijah snaps. “I’ve already won.” He says confidently.

          “Bull! She hasn’t even chosen yet! It’ll be me. She made that very clear last night.” Annoyance steams inside me.

          “Can I just…” My voice sounds squeaky.

          “You’re lying! Why would she do anything with you? I kissed her and it was perfect. Why would she ever downgrade to the likes of you?!” Elijah points to Damian as he yells over my head. It’s like I’m not even here. My eyebrow twitches with anger.

          “Shut up!” I cross my arms. A pissed off gush of air blows out of my nose. I grab Elijah’s hand and push him against the wall. “You Stay.” A train of laughter exits Damian’s mouth but I whip around and flash him a wicked frown. His laughter stops dead in its tracks. I grab his hand and shove him against the wall on the opposite side of the room. “Stay.”