Our Hope

4 - Cole

After school, they went to a local department store to buy items that Skye needed. They did not have everything, so she sent her driver to pick up the rest. They wanted to go home and lived close, so they walked instead of waiting.

Hope, Skye, and he strolled down their street toward his house. It was one of the first days of fall. There were no clouds, and a fresh breeze blew through the trees. They passed their neighbors' houses and the aroma of baked apples and cinnamon emanated from the Reynold's residence.

"Melanie's dad must be baking apple pies," Hope announced to Skye. "He's a world-renowned chef."

Cole strolled behind them, crunching dried leaves under his shoes. He reminisced about his first day back. He met the Trillionaire Princess and in 213 days, they would leave for Mars. This was the perfect day. He chuckled.

"What's so funny?" Hope asked.

"We're finally going to Mars."

"213 days. Yay!" Hope exclaimed and gave him a high-five. Then she held his hand while they walked.

Cole said, "I am going to miss our hill."

"What hill?" Skye asked.
He nodded toward the massive mound behind their houses. A layer of emerald grass covered it. A green oak tree that had splotches of yellow and red leaves stood at the top.

"We spent every day of our childhood playing on that hill and dreaming about going to Mars. Well, usually Hope studied under the tree while I played."

"I'm pretty sure we'll find one there. If we don't, I'll build one for you." He flexed his bicep on his free hand.

His mom waited for them on their front porch. She waved, wearing dusty blue jean overalls and a white short-sleeve shirt underneath. When they were in front of his house, she shouted, "Hey kids, I hope you had a good first day."

"Name Jinx!"

He was not paying attention at all.

Hope reached over and painfully pinched under his arm. "Holy crap, that hurt!" He let go of Hope and rubbed the skin on his arm. He quickened his pace to his mom and said, "You did that on purpose."

"I would never do anything to hurt my little baby." His mom hugged him, then she grabbed his cheeks and squeezed. She did not do it hard enough to hurt, just enough to make him uncomfortable in front of Skye.

"Stop, Mom," he declared with aggravation.

She released him and motioned toward Skye. "Excuse me, we made it clear that the only pretty girl Cole could have in the house was Hope."

"We need to study. Mom, this is Skye."

"Yes. You do. Top three, we believe in you."

He nodded, moved around her, and headed inside.

"I apologize for my son's lack of manners. It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Julie."

Skye put her hand out.

"We hug around here," she said, embracing Skye. "So, why are you here?"

"My dad wants me to shadow Hope before we go to Mars."

"Well, he picked the best person." She motioned toward their kitchen. "Come on in and make yourself at home."

Skye headed inside.

Hope was next in line.

"Here is the birthday girl." She hugged Hope and asked, "How was your first day back?"

"Easy. No tests, yet."

"I spoke to your mom, and they're running late. So, we'll celebrate here later. That will make it easier for everyone."