Paper Planes

∞ Chapter Four ∞

My mom woke me up at eight o'clock, the saturday after the report card dinner. She sat on my bed, and shook me awake.

"Honey, my coworker Janice has two children who you are going to be babysitting today."

"Carry me." I ordered groggily, lifting my arms into the air. She laughed at me, and playfully swatted my hands down. I sat there for a moment, wondering why I wasn't being carried.

"C'mon. You don't want to be late for your first babysitting gig. You want to leave a good lasting impression. You do want that phone screen to be replaced, don't you?" That got my attention. I sat up. My mom stood up, and walked out of the room. She said she was going to make breakfast.

I Paul Blart tuck and rolled off my bed, dragging my comforter with me. I plopped to my butt, onto the fluffy blue blanket. Maybe, it's destiny. I was meant to sleep in. No. I need this money. I need to fix my phone screen.

I got up and walked, sleepily to my closet. I fingered a soft, white lace top. I yanked it from the hanger. I pulled it over my head. It poofed out a little at the waist line, in a cute way. I paired it with a pair of tight, jeggings. I pushed my legs into them, and hopped around until they came up to my waist. I bent down and rolled up the ends, two precise folds. My shoes were my one chance for a splash of color. I chose pink, hot pink. I also grabbed a long, pink necklace from the jewelry box on my dresser. I didn't want the shoes to look out of place. Blaire had this same necklace. We bought them at the mall, one year for her birthday.

I walked down the stairs, as the smell of hot cinnamon rolls filled my nostils. I took another deep breath.

"Oh, that smells good, Mama!" I smiled, at her beaming face.

"Good morning!" Both parents greeted in unison. My dad was sitting at the dining room table, reading the Saturday newspaper.

"Good morning." I replied taking a deep breath and sitting in a barstool facing my mom. She had just pulled the cinnamon rolls out of the oven. A waft of the delicious sugary smell made it's way up my nose. I inhaled deeply.

She pulled three plates from thje wooden cabinet. She placed them in front of me, my dad and one in front of the seat beside him. My dad stood and grabbed three glasses and filled them to the rim with orange juice. The vibrant juice brought another scent to the room.

Using a triangular pie slicer, she slid the icing covered rolls onto the plates. Glancing at the clock, I noted it was eight twenty five. I was going to be late. I was supposed to be there at nine.

I scarfed down the savory bites of the warm cinnomon rolls. I chugged all of the orange juice, followed by a burp. Both of my parents eyes widened as my hands flew to my mouth.

"Excuse me." I squeaked. My mom glared at my bad table manners. I grabbed my bag and my badly cracked phone. I hugged my mom. She kissed my cheek and I scooted down to my dad. During our hug, he pulled my down my the arm, to where my ear was level with his mouth.

" I rate that burp a six. It wasn't your best honey." He whispered. I grinned at him.

"Love ya'll." I said.

"Love you too." Both parent said.

"Oh here. You'll need this." My mom said as she dug out a slip of paper from the piles of paperwork that was sprawled on the counter. The paper had the name, number and address scribbled on it. Janice Johnston. 27 shady Grove Apartments. 555-362-9947.

That was the apartment complex near the school, I think. I started walking out the door. I walked down the sidewalk to my car. I opened the door, and jumped into the driver's seat. I started up the GPS my mom had gotten me for my birthday the year I got my first car. I looked down at the wrinkled piece of paper in my hands, that held the address written on it. I was trying to figure out how to work the GPS. I had never really tried to use it before, because I mostly drive in our town only, and the school is the place I drive the most. The apartments were close enough. I think. I kept trying to type in the address, but the GPS's screen kept going black. My hair wasn't helping the situation either. My long natural curls kept falling in my face. I didn't have to pull it back this morning.