Him

Chapter 2

I wake up to the smell of pancakes. My stomach grumbles as I get out of bed, slip on my shoes and head toward the bathroom.

I freshen up and brush my teeth and go downstairs. My room is the last, furthest away from everyone else's. That is the best part. I have the most privacy and I enjoy being alone in my room.

I find my way to the kitchen, phone in hand and I see my 3 other siblings scattered all over the place. Josie is sitting at the island while my mother tosses a pancake. Aliya is attempting push ups and Aaron is too caught up in his cartoons. Aliya and Aaron are around the same age, she is older though and more tom boyyish. Then comes me and following, the oldest, Josie.

I can't wait for my birthday which is 2 months from now. I plan on buying my own car from the savings I have over the past few years.

My thoughts are cut off by my phone buzzing. It's a text from my best friend, Zoey. Her text reads, 'Morning, I'll be over soon. You know I can't miss pancakes!'
I smile at her text. I love her enthusiasm. She reminds me of the person that I was before depression hit me with full force.

Zoey is one of those true friends who stick with you no matter what. I honestly am so grateful to have her as my best friend.

A few minutes later, a knock on the door gets everyone's attention. I know who it is so I get up to open for Zoey. As I walk towards the door, my excitement grows to see my best friend after an entire month of her being on holiday. Her family and her went to Hawai for the holiday. How nice would that be... I shrug knowing I would never get to experience that.

I open the door and to my suprise it isn't Zoey.

"Hi." he greets.
The first thing I notice is his eyes. They are hazel with a slight green outlining. He has black hair with a fade on the sides and his lips are pink as if he's wearing lipstick. He is of a very fair complexion and quite tall.

"Uhm...hey, can I help you?" I reply nervously. I can't help but stare, he's super hot.

"Good morning fam!" I recognise that voice. Its Zoey, coming to my rescue. What great timing!

I grab her into the most biggest hug ever.
"Oh my god, I missed you so much" I cry into my best friends shoulder.

"Who's the handsome hunk at your door? Oh and ofcourse I missed you too!" she whispers into my ear.
We both turn around as fast as we can.

"I'm Shawn...and you are?" He turns his attention from the pot plant on the patio to me. His facial expression seems almost annoyed, but that doesn't change the fact that he's hot.

"I'm Jess..." I'm cut off by my mother cursing because she burned her hand. Zoey and I rush over to help her.

We get her all banded up and I look back to see if Shawn is still at the door, but he isn't. That was awkward.

"So, crushing on the mystery guy I see." Zoey interrupts as I realise she noticed me looking at the door.

"No no, I was just seeing if the weather's good to go to the beach...wanna go?" I lie.

"Yeah...kinda weird hearing you suggest we go, what's gotten into you?" she nudges me and we both laugh.

"I suddenly have a ray of hope." I smile and she returns the smile.

"I'm proud of you girl! You're doing so good."

We quickly finish up our pancakes and head to my room to take whatever we need to go to the beach. I change into a long blue tights and long sleeve plain black shirt. I'm not very confident about my body. My older sister always made me feel like she was better. Her teases about me not having an ass or legs too thin, which she thought didn't phase me, ofcourse did. I became so self conscious about my body that I resorted to sweat pants and sweat shirts my entire life.

Growing up, my small brother was very abusive and I was on the receiving end of getting a beating. So I guess those are one of the reasons as to why I'm such an angry person. There's never justice for me.

Before I know it, Zoey and I are headed towards the door to leave for the beach.

"Jessica." my mum calls out.

"Yea, what's up?"

"I was just wondering if you got anything in order for the move."

I completely forgot about going to the dorms. Fuck.

"Oh yeah, totally." I lie.

I give Zo a desperate look and she nods in agreement to help me.

We leave for the beach. Zo and I sing and dance to my favourite band 'Why Don't We'. The drive was short because I don't stay too far from the beach.

As we jump off, I take in the amazing view and the peaceful sound of the waves crashing onto the surface. The beach is like my favourite place in the world. I can smell the salt in the air which immediately gives me the 'this is going to be fun' feeling.

"Last one to the water is walking home!" Zo says as she races and laughs towards the ocean.

"Hey...no fair!" I giggle and follow behind her.

I sense a volley ball coming my way and try to dodge it but instead I crash into a huge frame, taking the person down with with me.