Strawberry Blonde

十五

I woke up frantically gasping for air before rolling off my bed.

" My god, that stupid dream again."

I picked myself off the floor looking in the mirror.

" I think I'm gunna let my hair grow...maybe even-

" Who are you talking to ?"

I turned covering myself as Bee shook her head.
" Go get yourself ready we're gunna leave soon."

" Leave ? It's like nine a.m, where- oh right...his house." I said ruffling my hair.

Bee shot me a baleful scold.
" Fix your face and tone before you step out this room or else we're really gunna fight."

I laughed chucking a pillow at her as she ducked and fake screamed walking downstairs.

I stretched smelling the morning air

That's odd ? No scent of food or noise from the TV ?

" Hey Bee who's here !?" I called from my room.

" It's just us ! Mom and dad went on a date or something. They left you in charge but told me to make sure you socialize !"

I could tell she was grinning yelling that back to me.

" It seems like you want me to go to that barbecue more than you wanna go yourself !" I said walking into the bathroom.

" A fangirls job is never done, Lassan shall be a thing !" She yelled.

" Whatever !" I hollered back.

After completing my mourning routine and getting dressed I reluctantly waddle down the stairs where Bee was waiting on the couch in her one piece swim suit.

She threw pink arm floaties my way.

" What's this for ?" I asked catching them and going to the kitchen for a granola bar.

" Remember they have a pool and you can't swim." She said heading to the door.

" I'd rather die then be seen in these stupid things." I said placing them on the counter

As I grabbed my keys from the draw we walked outside.

" Well maybe you can fake drown and Laurence will come give you mouth to mouth." Bee said nudging my elbow before easing off.
" Look, Hassan you're my brother and I love you. I just want you to be happy that's all."

The cool breeze battled with the heat as the smell of a grill grew stronger as we continued to walk.

" Yeah I know Bee, and I love you so much for that !" I said pulling her in for a noogie.

She punched me in my stomach making me release her.
" You're so annoying !" She yelled.

We stopped in front of a house covered by beautiful trees holding on to their green leaves.

Everything was surprisingly lush for the heart of Fall, even the grass was manicured and healthy looking.

I buzzed the doorbell and almost instantly it swung open.

A women with soft rounded features and deep blonde hair was accompanied by a man with grayish brown hair and piercing olive eyes smiling hard at us.

" You guys must be the famous duo Hassan and Bee I've been hearing so much about." The women said stepping aside for us to enter.

Walking in I was met by a wave of fresh cinnamon apple that delighted my nose and the chill of an AC that danced on my skin.

" I'm Gina and this is Tom, but you can call us Mr. and Mrs.Peckerd ! In the back is my brother Derek and the kids." She said examining us as we marveled the house.

This place was huge ! And to think we live on the same block. Our house looks nothing like this inside.

" Bee !" A girl with wet curly brown hair and a rainbow one piece swimming suit appeared near a glass sliding door.

" Hey Michelle !" Bee ran off to her as a hand on my shoulder caused me to turn.

The couple smiled at me making me feel a little bit uncomfortable as I put my hands in my pocket.

" We just want to say thank you for being great human beings and our kids friends. We don't mean to come off as those weird parents but it's been a rough two years for them here, they've only had each other to count on but now they have you guys." Mr.Peckerd said

I could see Mrs.Peckerd's eyes were getting shiny as she was struggling to not let her tears fall.

" Thank you mom and dad for that wonderful introduction." A familiar voice spoke from behind me.

I turned to Laurence and my eyes widened.

He was shirtless in swim trunks, the water droplets slithering down his body illuminating his fit physique.

" Oh we're sorry Honey we're just so happy that's all ! Anyway your father and I will be inside watching TV, if you need anything Uncle Derek is out there. You guys have fun !" They said before walking off to wherever.

" Are you okay ? You look like you're going to set me on fire." Laurence said staring into my eyes.

I shook off my gaze of his chest.
" Y-yeah, I'm just really tired I had this dream– well, I've been having this dream and it just robs me of my sleep."

He put his arm around me guiding me outside.
" Well I'm all ears to hear about !"