One day, Diedra asked if her older brother and a friend could come over. I didn't see why not. The pool was in full view of the kitchen window and french doors, where Dad was doing bills.
Diedra's brother was like her twin. Gorgeous. Dark hair, blue eyes, and smile that would make Helen of Troy pass out.
Funny thing, his name wasn't Troy. It was Aiden.
I looked it up. It means 'little fire'. He was opposite from Diedra in personality. She was quiet and calm; Aiden was full of energy and life. And I was in love.
Stupid, stupid me.
Aiden didn't notice me right away. He was a sophomore next year and me a lowly eighth grader. But that didn't deter me from my crush.
Nor did the girls that followed him and his buddies around town and sometimes right into my backyard.
Jake was Aiden's best friend. He and I had long talks under the big willow tree that grew along the creek. Diedra had a crush on him so I tried to help out by inviting her to join our conversation. I think she was as content to quietly drink in the sight of Jake as I was Aiden.
By the end of summer I was pretty tan. I asked Dad for money to get a hair cut and buy new clothes. He clutched at his chest like he was having a heart attack before turning over his credit card. I punched him in the arm good-naturedly before grabbing my bike and heading to Diedra's.
Georgie called out from the porch. I stopped impatiently. She surprised me by asking if she could go to.
She never wanted to hang out with me. All I could do is stare at her while my brain wrapped around the fact that my family felt normal for the first time since I could remember. And I so desperately wanted the feeling to last. I said yes.
The three of us had a great/fantastic/stupendous/amazing/awesome/whatotheradjectivecanIuse? day!
We all got our hair cut and I got highlights.
We bought new outfits and giggled and ate.
It was the best and brightest day I've had. Ever. Then mother shows up and ruins it.