Amber Society ✘

4

My mom placed a veggie platter and a bowl of chips in the center of the kitchen island. "So Rory," says Luca's mom, "what grade are you in?"

"I'm going into tenth grade."

"Oh! Luca is also going into tenth grade."

"Really? I didn't know that." I'm guessing what I said was funny because Luca started laughing. Luca's dad walks up to his and pats him on the back.

"Excuse him. Sometimes I'm convinced he's possessed or something."

"That's alright." My dad begins. "I sometimes think the same thing of Rory. Speaking of which, Rory?"

"Yes?"

"Why don't you show Luca the backyard?"

"Um, sure. Follow me." I lead Luca through the back door and onto the patio.

"You have a big backyard."

"Thanks. We're getting a trampoline tomorrow, so there will be a little less room."

"A trampoline? My sister is going to be here everyday then."

"You have a sister?"

"Yeah. She's over there by the fence with your brother."

"Brother? I never introduced you to my brother. How could you tell if he was my brother or not? For all you know, he could be a stray kid who happened to wander into my backyard."

"You're right. I apologize. My sister is over there with a random boy who happened to wander into your backyard."

"That's more like it - oh my goodness, she's so pretty!"

"Thanks, her name is Sienna." Sienna had curly brown hair and freckles all over her face. From as far as I could see, she had light blue eyes and such a cute smile. It's official, James has found his future wife.

"How old is she?"

"She's seven."

"James is also seven!"

"That's cool. Maybe they'll be in the same class, assuming they're going to be at the same school. Your brother is going into second grade right?"

"Yes!"

"Nice."

"Mhm." Before I could say anything else, Luca's mom came outside.

"Luca, get your sister. We're heading home."

"Alright mom. Sienna! Time to go!" He then turns to me. At that moment, I realized how gorgeous he was. Bright blue eyes, curly brown hair, muscular arms. I'm certain there are abs under that grey t-shirt of his. Okay. This is weird. He's right in front of me and I'm thinking of him shirtless. I need to stop. Sienna runs up the porch steps and grabs Luca's hand. He's still looking at me when he says "I'll see you tomorrow."

I say "sure" even though it sounded like he wasn't asking. He and Sienna both walk inside while I head over to the hammock and decide to take a quick nap.