Maybe this time

Pinky Promise?

Every since I could remember, ever since I could walk really, my heart belonged to Aaron Stevenson. I couldn't tell you the exact moment I fell in love with him. Maybe it was the way his eyes turned into liquid honey in the sun, or the way he tucked his brown curls behind his ear whenever he was nervous. It was much simpler as kids, when we would chase each other around our backyards, filling the air with our laughter, our childlike wonder running along with us.

These days? I was but a mere distant memory, one tucked back into the deepest corners of his mind. It's been almost four years since I've seen him, or even heard his name mentioned. That was, until my parents moved us to Bryce Canyon. Coincidentally, I later learned, that was where Aaron's dad ended up being stationed.

I look in the mirror and sigh, I wasn't ready to be the new girl. Cliques were already made by childhood friends, crushes were already picked, I was going to stick out like a sore thumb. Twisting my long gingery blonde hair in my fingers, I shift it to the side to brush the knots out. I feel it tugging, tightly trying to remove the dreads from within my curls, like when a nail gets stuck in a piece of clothing.

They finally fall loosely passed my shoulders, cascading around the side of my face. I tuck one side behind my ear, moving in closer to the mirror. I pick up my favorite mascara, twisting the cap off until the wand pops out from inside.

I open my deep blue eyes as wide as they can go, my mouth follows along in synchronization. Carefully pressing the tip softly along my lashes, curling upwards towards the ceiling. I slip on the new summer dress my mother got me during our trip, finishing the look with a small application of lip gloss, the shade of fresh peaches.

A smile forms at the corner of my mouth. "You got this Abby!" I chant to myself quietly. "What's the worst that could happen?" I open my bedroom door and head out into the hallway, a smell hits my nose. "Yum," I whisper, "dad's famous pancakes with homemade blueberry syrup!" I pull a chair out just as he turns to set my plate down.

"Good morning sweetheart," he smiles widely.

"Good morning dad!" I smile back, "it smells amazing in here."

"I couldn't let you go on your first day at a new school without making your favorite breakfast," laughing as he tosses more batter into the pan.

"Thanks dad, at least my morning will be great," digging my fork into the pancacke, covering it in as much syrup as I could before shoveling it into my mouth. I finish as quickly as I could, I didn't want to be late.

I slip on my light pink flats and grab my backpack. My dad hugging me tightly before tossing me the keys to my tiny Volkswagen Beetle. It wasn't much compared to others, but I loved it just the same. My only birthday present from my sweet sixteen. It was the perfect shade of pale turquoise with a little rust along the bumpers, giving it more character. I jump into the front seat, turning the key into the ignition, slowly making my way out of the driveway.

I pull into the parking lot of Davis High, my eyes scale up to the top of the schools roof. It was a lot bigger than I imagined, that's for sure. I find an empty spot tucked into the corner, shaded by a swaying willow tree. I turn off the car, grabbing my bag from the backseat, and throwing it over my shoulder. Just as I was about to turn, a tap against my window causes my heart to jump. I roll it down as a face appears through the hole.

"Hi, I'm Rachel!" A tiny hand finds it's way to mine.

"Um, hello," I shake back quickly, tucking my palm back beside me.

"You must be Abigail right?" She smiles, tossing her black hair behind her.

"Abby, yes, that's me," I say shyly, unlocking the door as I step outside. She steps out of the way, looking down at her feet.