Perfectly Imperfect

8

My eyes were trained on the white ceiling of my room as I laid in bed thinking about everything that had happened last night. I hadn't been able to sleep properly. It was scary to know how deeply I still cared for Chris.

I always knew that I missed him, but not to what extent.

I mean, there was a moment last night, when I definitely wanted to jump on him. Apparently, Cassie would have been delighted to witness that. I rolled my eyes as I pulled my cover tighter, cuddling into it.

A part of me was stupidly relishing on the fact that he might feel the same way. The tender way he'd brushed my cheek and the mesmerizing eyes were not lost on me. There was something there. I wondered if it was true the whole where there was fire, there are always ashes.

Could it be it? Was there more to it?

Either way, it was pointless. My stomach sank as I closed my eyes. I was still going back to California. There was no way that I'd leave the university just for a guy, my parents had been working too hard for me to get in and I couldn't change my mind now.

What if he's the guy, though?

Ugh.

I pushed all those thoughts away before pulling off the covers and actually getting up. By the time I finished showering, they were well tucked inside a little box on the back of my mind.

This was one of the things I'd missed most. My family. They could be overwhelming most of the time, but we loved each other.

I crossed through the threshold and leaned on it, watching the scene unfold. Riley and Haley were both making their own lunch. Mom complained at the jam-packed knife left on the counter, while Riley blamed Haley for leaving it like that. They started groaning and glaring at each other. My smile widened when Mom's blue eyes turned to me. Her lips curved up, too. Uncrossing my arms, I stepped through the room to grab a plate and my put some fried eggs on it. The toaster chimed in and two steaming toasts burst out.

"Hi Mom," I beamed at her as I grabbed one and placed it on my plate. Haley and Riley were still fighting over who was going to pick up the knife, when I grabbed it, spread the jam on my bread and placed it on the sink, ending the argument for once and for all.

Mom sent me a thankful stare. "Did you have fun last night?" She asked before grabbing her mug and taking a sip.

I nodded as I swallowed a fork-full of eggs. "Yes, Cass and Nathan are really fun to hang out with."

She placed a steamy cup of coffee in front of my plate. "I heard a bike after midnight," she trailed carefully, not wanting to ask the question we both knew she was itching to.

Haley beat her to it. "Was Chris here?" Her brown eyes sparkled excitedly.

All eyes were on me. I chewed fast and tried to look nonchalant, because there was nothing exciting to begin with, before I shrugged. "He did." Mom raised an eyebrow. "No big deal," I muttered annoyed.

Gosh. Forget that thing I said about missing my family. I shoved another spoonful of eggs into my mouth trying not to roll my eyes.

"That's awesome," Mom added cheerfully. "Because Luke is coming for dinner tonight. And usually, Chris comes with." The eggs got stuck down my throat and I started to choke and cough erratically. Riley patted me on the back as I reached for my coffee to take a drink. Which was totally stupid since the darn thing was hot and scalded my tongue before burning down my throat.

Mom's lips twitched as she tried not to smile. Not quite hard because a chuckle left her lips before she clasped a hand on her mouth.

My sisters went upstairs to brush their teeth as I sulked all the way until I finished my breakfast, not really hungry anymore.