The Wonders Of You

4

I'm sitting with my brothers on the bus and they're talking about their days at school but I'm only half listening. I'm looking out the window admiring the sky. That's something I want to do with someone one day, stargaze. The thought of watching the stars with someone gives me a sense of calmness.

 I've always been a hopeless romantic and with that comes a lot of disappointments. You're days won't always be fun and nostalgic. Relationships don't always have rom-com endings. But it also has it's advantages. I see the beauty and excitement in the little things.

I yawn, close my eyes and suddenly I'm in a grassy field. It's sunny and the sky is light blue. Wispy clouds move slowly above me. The tall grass surrounding me rustles against the gentle wind.

Suddenly, I hear someone call my name in the distance over and over. It sounds like they're getting closer.

I turn around in the direction of the voice and see a girl in an emerald green dress running towards me. The wind blows her dark hair as she approaches. She grins when she reaches me. 

Arden? 

Her eyes, a melt of autumn tones, connect with mine, making my stomach flutter. I smile and reach out my hand to tuck some stray hair out of her face. She does the same for me and I lean into her touch. 

I look down at her mouth as she chuckles softly. My face gravitates towards hers until I can feel her breath on my lips.

"We're here." she says softly. We're centimeters apart.

"Where are we?" I ask in a whisper.

"We're home." she replies. Then she grabs my shoulders and starts shaking them.

What? My eyes pop open to see Matthew, who's shaking me aggressively.

"Mal! We're home! We're home!" he exclaims, then scoots out the seat and exits the bus.

Still feeling drowsy, I grab my bag and do the same.

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The smell of apple pie hits me as we enter the house. I furrow my brows in confusion. Mom wouldn't be home this early, let alone baking.

"Nana!" Matthew and Miles exclaim happily. I gasp and rush to the kitchen to find my nana in a powder covered apron, hugging my brothers. 

"Nana, what are you- how did-" I put my bag down and go in for a hug, still baffled. The smell of lavender calms me and I feel my shoulders relax. I pull away, smiling.

"I came to stay for a couple days. I wanted to spend some time with your mama...and you guys too, of course." 

I nod. My Nana lives in California. She grew up and raised my mom in Oregon. She moved after Grandpa died.

"Well, I'm glad you decided to visit. I've missed you so much. I've been feeling pretty bad about everything. I- I can't believe he... cheated. I was in shock but reality slowly started to seep in like p-poison."  I feel tears start to roll down my cheek as I reach the end of my sentence. Don't cry.

"Oh, baby, come here." Nana pulls me into another hug and rubs my back until I calm down. I already ranted to her about it over the phone not too long after I found out, but it's not the same as in person.

After I'm done crying like a baby, I wipe my eyes and look over at the pie she's baked. There's already two slices missing. 

"Have some pie and you'll feel a little better. Leave a piece for your mom, okay?" she says, taking off the apron. 

"How was school? You like it?" 

"Yes, ma'am. I made some friends and they're cool so far. The school is smaller than Crestview High, though." 

She nods as I speak. 

"Well I'm happy to hear you made friends." she says as she wipes up some flour residue from the counter.

I feel my phone buzz as I take a bite of my pie. I check it. Well, speak of the devil.

u still on for the park? text me ur address if u are. - Osana

yeah. i'll send it rn. - me

I send her my address and take a few more bites of my pie. When I'm done, I run up to my room to change and get my roller blades. I go to my closet and grab my cropped pink top along with a pair of Adidas athletic pants. 

I look around for my favorite socks. They have mini cats farting rainbows. They were a gift. Grandpa got them for me when I came out as bi. I like to wear them when I roller blade.

I rush around some more, looking for my pads, before I hear the door bell ring.

ring. ring. ring.

I make my way down the stairs after grabbing my knee pads.

"Should I knock? Maybe she doesn't hear us-"

 I open the front door to a smiling group of teens. Well, except Lin. She isn't smiling.

"Ready to have some fun?" Sasha asks.

Hey! Thanks for reading! I hope you're enjoying the story so far. :)

-gabbs <3