A Spark of Something New
I woke up to the smell of fresh pancakes wafting through the air. For a moment, I forgot I was at Vee's place. The bed felt softer, the air lighter. I stretched and looked around, the morning sun spilling through the lilac curtains.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," Vee said, walking into the room with two plates of pancakes balanced expertly in her hands.
"Morning! Did your mom make these? They smell heavenly," I said, taking a plate.
"Nope, all me," she winked. "Trying to prove I'd survive in the wild if I ever got lost."
We laughed as we dug in, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for her friendship. Vee had always been my safe place. We talked about school, family, and then, inevitably, the bonfire.
"So, are you really not inviting Elam?" Vee asked, nibbling on a slice of pancake.
I sighed, setting my fork down. "He's a menace, Vee. He thinks teasing me is his life's mission."
"Still... He's kinda cute in that annoying way," she said with a shrug.
I rolled my eyes. "I'll pass. My birthday party is supposed to be peaceful, not a WWE showdown."
After breakfast, Vee and I made plans for the rest of the day-shopping for outfits, making a party playlist, and organizing the invitation list.
When I got home that afternoon, the house was unusually quiet. Kei was napping, and Mum was sitting on the couch flipping through a magazine.
"Had a good time?" she asked.
"Yeah. Vee made pancakes," I said as I flopped next to her.
"Sounds like a keeper," she smiled. Then she glanced at me with that mum's-about-to-say-something-serious look. "Listen, Ally... I got a call from your class teacher. She mentioned something about Elam-again."
My stomach clenched. "Seriously? What now?"
"He told the teacher he doesn't want to sit behind you anymore."
"Good! I don't want him there either."
She gave me a knowing look. "Are you sure it's not something deeper? Sometimes, when kids act out, it's because they don't know how to say what they really feel."
"Mum, please don't make this some tragic teen romance. It's not a movie."
She chuckled. "Just keep an open mind."
Later that evening, I was lying on my bed scrolling through my messages when I saw one from an unknown number.
Unknown: Hey Ally. It's Elam. Don't ask how I got your number. Just... thanks for punching me. Made me realize I probably deserved it. Also... your photo frame? I know someone who fixes glass. If you want it fixed.
My fingers hovered over the keyboard. I didn't know how to respond. He was the last person I expected a message from-let alone a semi-apology.
I stared at the screen, heart racing a little. Then I typed back:
Me: I'll think about it. But don't make it a habit to annoy people just to get their attention. Not cute.
Elam: Noted.
I couldn't help the tiny smile tugging at the corner of my lips. Maybe, just maybe, there was more to Elam than I thought.
To be continued...
YOU ARE READING
I Came Back For You
Romance"Did you ever think of us and what we used to be?" "There's not a single day passed that I failed to think of you. It killed me not knowing where to find you.Am glad I have you back"
