The Brightest Stars

Skyler

I used to think that there are some parts of life that are inevitable.

For example, friendship.

After meeting Julia, friendship has a new perspective for me. Though, I was pushed back to the doubtful beginning as I observed my sister disconnect with Annabelle this whole week. The magnificent duo...slowly faded away as I watched my sister fix my hair. She hasn't told me anything yet. The fact that she's helping me fix myself for tonight is probably to distract herself from the problems she has with Annabelle or because she is genuinely interested in my date.

But as she gives me a fake smile and I look at myself in the mirror, I'm reminded of another aspect in life that becomes inevitable.

Love.

The kind of love that sends adrenaline to your veins at every touch of their lips. Something my sister has experienced a lot recently.

The kind of love that sends butterflies to your stomach only with their touch and leaves you frozen. Annabelle would understand this inevitability.

While the kind of love that hurts the deepest parts of your heart with only a look. My brother would understand this after many years.

The kind of love that only seems like a small spark at first only to turn into a blazing fire that will burn down any shadows of the past.

The kind of love that envelops you and makes you stronger. A love so bright it becomes the small nightlight in a dark room.

I don't know which group I fall into, but I push aside every uncertainty of love as I walk down the stairs and look into those mysterious eyes.

Ty stands up from the couch. He has been talking with my mother and AJ. I'm surprised Kristen was able to convince my mother to let me go out tonight. Kristen practically begged her. Little does my mother know that Kristen has her own moments with her biker boyfriend.

She has been staying after school to "study" a lot. Therefore, my mother gives little interest in Kristen now that she has to get another job. Since Annabelle isn't in the picture, for now, I'm her guardian angel. Covering for her could risk my own outings with Julia and Ty. The least she could do today is let me borrow one of her dresses.

For the first time this week, Mom's eyes shine and her smile widens with pride. I can see she just got home from work as she stands to wipe her hands on her black uniform pants. She's the first to give me a tight hug and kiss me on my forehead. I let her embrace give me warmth and calm my nerves.

"Take care of her." AJ stands tall and gives Ty a firm look. All glimpse of friendship with Ty has disappeared as he straightens his broad shoulders.

"Relax, AJ," Kristen says as she stands beside him. I return Ty's small smile and Kristen gives us a smirk as she observes the way Ty takes a hold of my hand. "All I'm suggesting is don't have too much fun, kiddos."

"Shut up, Kristen."

We all laugh at AJ's annoyance and Mom shakes her head with a smile. "Alright. Be back by nine. Understood?" She raises her brows at us and we nod with a smile. "Okay." She gives me one last hug and says, "Be safe, you two!"

"Thanks, Mom!" I say as we walk out.

"Emphasis on being safe, Ty."

I can hear Kristen from the open window by the door and I roll my eyes at the curtains. We walk off with the small giggles of my sister coming from the window.

Yet, their voices fade away as Ty opens the door for me, and I enter with the image of his tender smile as he closes the door.

"Do you remember the first time we met?"