Simply Short

My Best Friend

I start the machine when I hear Mum and Dad moving around upstairs. I set out a travel mug for the both of them and pop a few muffins into the microwave.

"Good morning Sweetie," Mum greets me with a kiss on the head as the microwave beeps.

"G'morning," I mumble, smothering a yawn.

"Have you got any plans for today?" She asks, setting the plate of muffins next to the coffee machine.

"Practice." I help myself to a blueberry muffin, fetching the margarine from the fridge.

My phone chooses that moment to ping. I scoop it up and unlock the screen, opening the message from my best friend.

Have you seen the weather out? I'm coming over.

Aria and I have known each other since we were kids. We've known each other so long that I can't even remember the day I met her. She's the closest thing I have to a sister. Yet, these I never get to see her. She's home schooled and I'm bulked down with schoolwork and meetings. Even on the holidays we are both fully committed to our sports clubs.

I glance out of the kitchen window, the sky is still overcast. Its been this way since yesterday afternoon. This weather is not fun Georgia weather. This weather brings my spirits down considerably.

Grey skies also means cancelled practice.

I send her a reply.

Please. You can keep me sane.

"Who are you texting Sweetie?" Mum asks.

I glance up at her in time to see Dad come into the kitchen, "Aria."

They both share a look. I know that look. That look has been a familiar sight these few years.

When Aria and I were younger, Mum and Dad didn't mind our friendship but in recent years, they haven't been so welcoming to her. I think it's something to do with the fact that she's one of those girls with a loud personality. My parents are relatively quiet people.

"Georgia-" Mum starts with a little frown.

"She's my friend," I interrupt quickly before she tell me I can't have Aria over.

"Sweetie-" Dad tries.

"Don't," I grab my muffin and flee upstairs.

There are no locks on my door. Mum and Dad claim it's a safety hazard. I guess, trying to unlock a door whilst your house burns down around you would disable you from getting to safety.

I stick my chair under the door knob like in the movies and listen to my parents leave for work.

Bring loads of chocolate.

Pls.

~

"Hey! I'm here! I come with gifts!" A familiar voice hollers from the front door.

I turn off the TV and unlock the door. Aria pushes her way into the mudroom, shedding her damp coat. I didn't realise it had started to rain.

"Hi," I grin wide at my best friend before throwing my arms around her.

She laughs and untangles herself from my grip. I follow her as she comes further into the house, heading up the stairs.

She takes a seat on the end of my bed and claps her hands with a childish glee.