A Summer of New Beginnings | Completed |

Chapter 5

I head over to May's. Maybe he left an explanation. I need to know why he never showed. The bell rings, and May looks up. Her hair is in a bun on top of her head a white shirt with flowing sleeves, cuts at the shoulders, with a jean skirt. "Hi. Long-time no see."

I smile. "Yeah. I was with friends."

She smiles. "That's good. I'll go get it." I wait at the counter, nervously fidgeting my hands. why did he never show? Or did he show and just never approached me? She comes back, holding a letter. "Here you go, aspen.'

"Thanks." I grab it off the counter, walking off to read it in private.

Dear Starlight,

I'm so sorry I never revealed myself. Anxiety got the best of me, and I chickened out. I was looking forward to meeting you and just was nervous. I'm really interested in you and hope you feel the same about me.

I hope you're not mad.

Sincerely,

Firefly

I wander on the beach, couples everywhere. My heart aches, wishing I have what they have.

I pick up my phone, dialing Jessi. "Hey Jessi, set me up."

She squeals. "Finally! Meet me at your house!"

I head back home, anxious to see what she has planned.

Jessi rushes in, smiling wide. "You ready to have the best night ever?"

"Yeah." She frowns, glancing at me.

"Not in that I hope."

"What's wrong with this?" I look down into the bathroom mirror, in my huge t-shirt and small running shorts, my tan skin dry, my pale blue eyes bloodshot, my wavy red hair, a ball of frizz. "Oh."

She nods. She disappeared into my closet, reappearing with a dark blue summer dress, intricate patterns of flowers lining it. "Isn't that too much Jessi?"

"No. Now put it on and then we'll do your hair."

I disappear into my bathroom, pulling on the dress. I walk out, and Jessi gasps, staring at me.

"What? Is it too much? Cause I can change."

"No, no. It's perfect. Now let me do your hair."

She pulls me into the bathroom, grabbing a hairbrush and brushes out my hair, strand by strand, using water when necessary.

Jessi stands up, putting down my brush. "Ok. I'm going to go. His name is James and he will be here in five minutes."She rushes oh the door, pausing to look at me before shutting the door. "Oh, and Aspen?"

"Yes?"

"Have fun!" She walks out the door, grinning.

I sigh. I hope this goes well. I want to have what Jessi and Miles have, true love.

The doorbell chimes, announcing my dates arrival. I pull on my flats and grab a small wallet, heading to the door. I pull open the door. Standing on my dimly lit porch is a broad-shouldered, blue-eyed, black-haired boy. He smiles, holding out a bouquet to me.

"These are for you."

"Thanks." We both stand there awkwardly, unsure what to say. I pull the door shut.

"Ready to go?" I nod as he starts walking down the driveway. I follow him and we head down the pier, towards Monti's, the most expensive restaurant in town, serving Italian cuisine.