We are the Universe - "Noi siamo l'universo"

Chapter 1

It's the Summer of 1986. In two weeks I will start my second last year of high school. Most people call me crazy but I just love school. Every day I learn something new. Every day my eyes and mind are opened just a little bit more. Although I still am disappointed that the holidays are ending, so that's why my friends and I were going on an 'End of Summer trip'. Not to another state but to somewhere very special for us.

I woke up at around eight in the morning on Monday. A weekday, which meant the house was going to be busy. Mum, Dad, and my older brother River will be rushing around trying to get my little sister Leilani ready for daycare, as well as prepare for their jobs. River is 18 and works full-time at the service station with our Uncles. I don't know what it is about men but they're all so into cars. 

I walked down the hallway to see Mum cooking some eggs in the kitchen and Dad looking for his car keys. Leilani was in her highchair at the table attempting to eat her porridge, but the spoon kept missing her mouth.

"Morning your majesty" I curtsied playfully as she giggled at me.

It had always been an inside joke between us, even though she is only 3.

"Well look who woke up early" Mum teased as she turned to look at me.

"Mum!" I whined,

She only laughed and hugged me.

"Want some eggs?" she offered,

I looked into the pan and scrunched up my nose. Eggs always made me feel sick in the morning, even the smell was terrible.

"Nah, I'm good thanks, Mum",

I kissed her cheek and went to go see Dad.

He was still looking all over the place for his keys. I rolled my eyes and giggled at the sight. He was really good at losing things. I walked over and picked up his keys from the bowl near the door, the bowl specifically designed to put keys in, and I hid them behind my back as I crouched down to Dads level. He was too busy looking under the couch to notice me. So I tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention.

"Missing something, Daddio?",

"Oh, Good Morning, Princess. Yes....I seemed to have lost my keys" he replied with a look of defeat.

I pulled the keys out from behind my back and smiled,

"You mean these keys?".

He looked shocked, but only for a second before a mischievous smile replaced it.

I knew what that look meant. Before he could think about moving I got up and sprinted to the other side of the coffee table. He got up and narrowed his eyes at me before chasing me around the living room. I was screaming for my life before River came out and threw me over his shoulder.

"What do we have here?" he teased,

"River! Put me down!" I giggled.

"Or I could do this instead",

And before I knew it I was being spun in the air.

Dad chuckled, as I yet again screamed for my life, and walked into the kitchen. He kissed Mum and Leilani goodbye before coming back into the lounge room. Just in time to ruffle a sleepy Zanders head and a slap of my butt. Zander is my twin brother who was clearly grumpy about being woken up so early. River put me down and kissed my forehead goodbye, and then doing the same to the rest of the family before following Dad to his car. 

I walked into the kitchen where I saw Zander making faces at Leilani.

"That's when you make this face at him, Leilani" Mum told her as she showed this weird face that made her go cross-eyed.

This sent Leilani into fits of giggles while Mum dished up Zanders food.

"I'll be going now. Stay out of trouble you lot" she warned us before picking up Leilani and leaving through the front door.

I wonder if my family will ever become serious.

As soon as I heard her car leave I ran into my room and got changed, making sure I was wearing my swimmers on underneath my clothes. After I finished getting changed I walked back into the kitchen to grab some lunch for today. You could say that my parents don't know where I'm going today. But I would prefer if you didn't.

"Where are you going?" Zander asked with a mouth full of eggs and toast.

"The river" I replied, not bothering to look at him.

"With Aurora?",

"Yes. What's it to you anyway? I thought you stopped liking her".

"How could I ever stop liking her? She is hot! And I also know that she likes me as well" he grinned triumphantly.

"Whatever".

I wasn't going to deny it because I know it's true. Sadly my best friend has a crush on my brother and vice-versa. Too weird to be true.

"I might be down at the river too" Zander stated,

I turned around in horror. Cue whining.

"No! Zander don't follow us. This was meant to be a day with my girls".

"Hey, not my problem. James said something about going down to the river. Just coincidental that you guys will be there too" He shrugged.

I sighed and headed towards the door grabbing my keys. I was pissed at him but I still love him. Before I left I turned to Zander,

"Be careful, yeah?".

"Always" he smiled.

~~~

I hope you all enjoyed it. It may be short because it's just the beginning but they will get longer. Let me know if there are any corrections to be made.

xoxo