That Summer

Chapter 3

The house is quiet as I sneak in the back door. I try to be inconspicuous as I meander through the kitchen. I open up the oven and devour the meal Aunt Carol had prepared. There's a pot of tea waiting on the stove. I can't help but grin. They know me so well. I fill up my cup and head to the guest room upstairs. The room faces the distant woods and I gaze out at the glow of the moon. The night has always felt more like home. I love the way a landscape changes in the moonlight. Everything looks mysterious and full of wonder. Sipping the last of my tea, I grab my pajamas.

I figure if I take a shower tonight, I can sleep a little later in the morning and the other girls can fight out who gets theirs first. I probably shouldn't laugh but I honestly can't help it. Seeing my friends grouchy and arguing over the shower is honestly hilarious. I can't stop grinning as I let the steam relax my tense muscles. It doesn't take long to wash off. I pull my sports bra and shorts on, quickly brush my teeth, and get in bed. Sleep comes quickly and my mind creates dreams from a dark-eyed gaze.

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"Hurry the fuck up Emily! You've been in there for half an hour. Don't think I won't beat this door down!" Well at least we know who got first shower.

"Don't rush me Lynn. I will be out in a minute," Emily muses. If Lynn saw the smirk I'm assuming is on Emily's face right now, Emily would be dead.

With a huff, I roll out from under the covers and face the blazing sunlight streaming through the emerald curtains. So much for getting to sleep in a little more. I stretch my arms out and do a little morning yoga. I'm pretty sure every bone in my body just popped at least once. I really do hate flying. I head to my suitcase and start unpacking. I keep my skinny jeans and a purple v-neck out as I organize my clothes in the drawers. It'll be nice staying settled in an actual house and not a hotel room.

I make my way downstairs to the kitchen. Uncle Dave is reading the newspaper while Aunt Carol cooks a meal fit for kings.

"Good morning!" Uncle Dave looks up to give me a quick smile before diverting his eyes back to the paper.

"Morning Uncle Dave, morning Aunt Carol."

"Oh good afternoon dear! Do sit down. There's a cup of tea already waiting. I just knew you wouldn't be much longer," Aunt Carol says with enthusiasm.

"Thanks," I give her an inquisitive look before sitting down.

"Oh Dave, these poor girls don't know the time. Take care, your jesting," Carol emphasizes her point by waving her spatula. \

I nod, "Oh, and I'm sorry about my friends. I promise they're not always this bad."

"We've raised a girl already," Uncle Dave reminds me. "This is nothing new. And you ladies have to adjust to our time zone. Carol and I understand that." He smiles knowingly.

"You guys are the best," I beam. "Hey, how is Niall doing Aunt Carol? It feels like forever since I've seen him!"

"Oh! Niall has been asking about you! He's doing fine! You'd do well do see him. He's probably in that garden of his. Goodness that boy has such a way with the earth."

"Okay! May I go now?" I'm already fidgeting in my seat remembering my best friend.

"Of course, of course. Go ahead dear. Take a muffin though! I know you can't sit still to eat this large of a meal when your mind is already turning," Aunt Carol laughs.

"Ha. Ha. Very funny Aunt Carol, but very true," I joke back. "See you all later!" I practically sprint out the front door.

Niall and I played together when we were little. When he moved next door from Ireland, Carol and Dave were having me over for the first time. When we played that day on the lawn he wrestled me, won, and then made me a flower crown because 'Princesses will always win, even if they lose.' We've been best friends ever since. He's only visited me in the states once. Last time, I was 13. A lot has changed since then. Change I'm very thankful for. We have Skype'd but it is just not the same. He's so charismatic and his laugh is absolutely contagious. I miss his bright blue eyes that always carry a hint of mischief. His crazy blond hair that sweeps slightly to the side over his brow. I don't know why he dyes it from its original but it works for him. He was always so cute! I had the biggest crush on him years ago, but now it's just extreme fondness.