Wednesday. October 17th. 1999..
I sat with my head face down in my pillow, snoring, unaware that the sun came flooding through my tinted windows. My mother tossed the silk curtains out of the way, so i could catch a glimpse of the new morning. I curl into a ball, closing my eyes hearing my moms feet get quieter, and quieter till my door slamed closed. I stretch releasing the energy i have gathered when i was sleeping, and dreaming of my soon to be exams. The smell of sage runs around my nostrils, as i stare at the freshly lit incense stick my mom just lit, laying against a shiny metal tray. Soon, I'll hear her call for breakfast so i decide to walk to my living room early, before my brother beats me to it. He always hogs the fruit bowl. I take a big yawn before, slipping into my fluffy slippers and trying not to slip down, my wooden stairs, so I could keep a good pace. Fresh pineapple, has been laid out across the dining table, with a mint green gift box next to it. Pineapple is my favorite. " Happy birthday nerd, " My dad says tugging on the sweater i was wearing, pulling my attention away from the food. " Thanks dad, Can I be sixteen again... less bullying from you" I say with a slight hint of laughter. My dad has always been my favorite, with jokes considering. He is one of the dads to take you to the nearest diner, for a shake, if u just get bruising on your knees. If girls even shared the slight bit of attitudes to me in my primary school years, and i showed one sign of sadness, he would buy me new chucks, and rewatch Star Wars movies, with me till we both couldn't take it and longer. We make our way to the table giggling, about a stupid dad joke he just made. My mother was sitting at the chair that took up the most sunlight in the whole room. She lived her whole life in sun. We live in Santa Barbara, California. My mom grew up here, and this is where her and my dad fell in love, and stuff. Even if she did temporarily move, It was to, Long Beach, or to Newport. She was always surrounded by water. My mothers name is, Rose. She has always been envied by other mothers for her striking beauty. When she was my age she stopped crowds, just if she smiled. She was stopped everyday by talent, and modelling agencies trying to make her their next star. She never shared any interest, because that was not what she wanted. My grandma Ellie, my mom's, mother, was a model. And it ruined her. But let's not get into that now. My mother has always been known for her understanding and kindness. My parent are seemingly perfect.
I open a letter, made by my most favorite person in the world, Joyce...
dear Cynthia, I really can't believe your dumb ass is 17, years old. We've been best friends for a year now, and you are currently 14, and so I am. Well, I'm 1 month older. But anyways, when we are both 17 I hope we DONT fight over boys, paint each others nails, cry over how we wanna Mary young-heart throbs, and just love each other. Love you future bestie... love, 14 year old Joyce (joycie) signed... Robert, Jenna, Emily,
emerald, and CJ...
This was made freshman year, three years ago...
I close the letter, turning to the bright yellow backpack sitting on the stool next to me. I play with the keychains, that had the names of little towns I visited throughout the years, I love collecting little memories like these. My mother kissed me on the forehead, looking down at me to say this, "you are the most beautiful soul, c" she whispered while her eyes twinkled in the perfect light. "I love you mommy." Never hurts to be five again, and call your mother mommy..
My brother eyes me, and says a light, "I love you too," under his breath. "Awe love u too, Cade." I slipped out while shoving a piece of pineapple in my mouth. "Okay, okay, family hug," my dad shouts out while making an open hand gesture to all of us." We look at each other, and nod in agreement, that we need to embrace. I latch onto the back of my brothers jersey, and then the back of my mothers long dark hair. We hug for what felt fifty years, but I was a mere fifth teen seconds. Lots of love filled this dining room today, was the perfect start to a birthday.... for me. . .
