My alarm sounded, waking me up immediately. My eyelashes were pasted together, my vision foggy. I rubbed my eyes, it was a failed attempt to wake myself up. I opened my windows and the smell of rain, from the night before, overpowered my room. I took my retainer out and tossed it on the counter. I sloppily threw my hair into a bun and went downstairs for breakfast. My dad had already left for work, he was the local mechanic, and my mom was still asleep. I reached for the Fruity Pebbles on the top shelf, I had to get on my tiptoes to reach the box. I grabbed a bowl and poured the cereal, followed by the milk. I checked my twitter while shoveling the cereal into my mouth. When I was finished I threw my bowl into the dishwasher and jogged upstairs. I checked the clock, realizing that I only had 25 minutes to get ready. I slapped on my foundation and added liquid eyeliner. After some mascara and lip gloss, I jogged to my closet and grabbed a band tee and a pair of high waisted shorts. I slid on my converse and slung my backpack over my shoulder. My mom was sitting at the table when I went downstairs, I kissed her on the cheek before heading out the door.
"Bye sweetie, have a good day!" My mom sang as the door swung open.
I waved goodbye and walked to the bus stop. I get it was stupid that a senior in high school was still riding the bus bit gas prices were too fucking high and the only income I had was from the local diner down the street.
I climbed onto the bus, my earbuds already shoved into my ears.
My bus driver smiled, "Morning Rylie", I waved good morning and went to to backseat. When I sat down I turned on Blink182 and realized how fucking glad I was that it was Friday.
I practically jumped off the bus when it came to a stop. I wasn't excited to get to school, I just wanted to get off the bus full of irritating kids. Since school started in a few minutes I went straight to my first period class, World History.
I was in my seat as the bell rang and the morning announcements flashed onto the television in the corner of the room. I felt my phone buzz in my pocket seconds later, I quickly checked it. Of course it was a text from my friend Marissa.
Marissa and I had been friends since the third grade and lately she'd been different. She blames it on her parents divorce but I think it's something else. Anyways, she started to hang out at clubs more often and sleeping around. I'm not saying I'm the perfect daughter, I've snuck into clubs before but I'm still the biggest virgin you'll ever meet.
Of course her text was inviting me to go to the club with her tonight. I told her I couldn't go, I already had plans. My parents had been invited to a barbecue by the family that had moved in a few houses down, and I'd already given them my word on going.
She was pissed that I said no but honestly I didn't even fucking care anymore. I shoved my phone into my pocket and realized I was actually excited for tonight.
First period went by quickly, we were just reviewing the genocide unit. Second period was just a Calculus test, and now for third period, PE.
PE was always my least favorite. It's not that I'm unathletic or lazy, it just brings out my insecurities. I hate having to change in front of people and then having them upstage me in whatever sport we played that day. I'm not bad at the sports, the other girls are just better. I changed clothes quickly, trying to avoid the judgmental eyes of any girls in the locker room and ran into the gym. The class was already running laps and I was told to run 5 laps around the gym as a warm up. I started running, and thought about how good a damn burger would be tonight.
School was finally over and my mom told me she'd pick me up. I climbed into her car and threw my backpack in the backseat. My mom started with the typical mom questions (Ex. How was school? How are your grades?) and I answer them with "okay".
When we pulled into the garage my mom reminded me about the barbecue tonight and I smiled, "I know mom."
I went up to my room thankful that I had no homework and picked out a summer dress. I figured I might as well look nice meeting the neighbors. I brushed on a bit of blush and reapplied my lipgloss. I stood in front of the mirror, content, and walked downstairs. My mom was watching Americas Next Top Model and I crawled onto the couch to watch with her.
"Well don't you look nice today Rylie" she was almost suprised.
I smirked, "Pretty sure I always do."
My mom rose from the couch and returned minutes later with two cups of lemonade. I thanked her as the cold glass met my fingers. My mom and I sat there for such a long time, sipping our lemonade and scrutinizing the models on tv, we barely noticed my dad's arrival. He walked in and greeted us both with a hug.
"I'm going to go change we before we leave" he mentioned.
I had totally forgotten about the barbecue I'd been so ecstatic about.
I checked my phone and it was already 4:48, the barbecue started at 5:00.
My parents and I were soon in the car on the way to the gathering along with the cookies my mom had baked as a gift. A blonde woman opened the door, "Hello! I'm Anne Marie". It was apparent she was Australian, her accent was obvious. We smiled and introduced ourselves before she lead us to the backyard; she was more than thrilled with our gift of cookies. I quickly surveyed the party and most of the kids looked to be in about middle school, damn. Anne pointed out the coolers and told us the burgers would be on the grill soon. I smiled and thanked her. I went to grab a Pepsi and walked over to a bench perched under a tree in the corner of the yard. Maybe this party wasn't as fun as I had been expecting. I opened the Pepsi can and took a long gulp. Trying to look less socially awkward I took out my phone. As I entered my passcode I noticed my mom waving for me to come over to her. I moaned and stood up. I set my can on the bench and jogged over to her.
"Hey hun! There's some people for you to meet. They're Anne's kids", my mom stated.
Two younger kids introduced themselves as Harry and Lauren, I smiled and told them my name, they seemed cute. After they ran off to play a taller boy walked up. He looked to be about my age. He had tousled hair that resembled a silky, dark, caramel color. He smiled, his smile could've lot up even the darkest of skies. His eyes were a ring of green, with a hint of hazel towards the middle. When I realized I'd been staring at him I spoke up, "Hi, I'm Rylie."
Hey held his hand out for me to shake, "Nice to meet you Rylie, I'm Ashton".
