Page 10 of Always You

If I didn’t know she was as white as snow underneath all that make-up, I wouldn’t even know she was ill.

“So, you’re feeling good today?” I cuddle into her side as she plants a kiss on my hair, before I break loose and take a seat on the breakfast bar of the white marble island.

“Yeah! I feel like myself today.” Her eyes are bright blue like they used to be all the time.

“That makes me happy.”

“Who was the boy?” she casually asks as she lowers some chicken into the frying pan.

“You spying on me, Mama?” I cock my head, slightly irritated by the fact that she must have been peeking out of the window, but then I catch myself, realizing it’s a blessing that she’s able to in the first place.

“Just saw you coming home.” She flashes me a sweet smile, reminding me I should cherish these conversations. They might get on my nerves right now, but one day, I might not be able to have them anymore, the past being a constant reminder of that.

“His name is Hunter Hansen,” I disclose.

“He’s cute.”

“Oh, please.”

“What? He is! And he definitely likes you.” A knowing look washes over her face as she glances at me while stirring the oil in the frying pan. A blush appears on her faded cheeks and the corner of her mouth slightly curls. Any normal seventeen-year-old would be dreading a moment like this, discussing boys with their mother, but seeing a smile on her face warms me inside, making me wish there was more to tell.

“He doesn’t like me,” I argue. “I was reading at the creek, and he just happened to be there and we started talking. He had a rough day. I’m sure he won’t even notice me when we’re back at school tomorrow.”

“I don’t know. Looks like love at first sight to me.”

“That doesn’t exist, Mama.” That only happens in fairy tales, and if my childhood taught me anything, it’s that fairy tales only happen in books.

She stays quiet, lifting the fried chicken onto two plates, then pours us both a glass of freshly made sweet tea. She takes the seat next to me, making me beam at her in excitement.

“This looks so good, Mama. Thank you.” I wait until she settles in her chair before I pick up a piece, tearing off the crispy skin to pop it in my mouth. The herby flavor is everything I remember it to be, and I savor the bite fully before digging in.

There isn't anything better than my Mama’s fried chicken.

I let out a satisfied breath as Mama meets my gaze, matching my expression.

“I think he’s interested,” she discloses.

A pang of hope flicks inside of me, but I push it away. “Even if he is interested, I’m sure it’s just to get in my pants.”

“Don’t be so sure, honey. I’ve seen that look before.”

“Yeah,” I chuckle, “what look is that?”

“The look of a man that wants to know what ticks you.” Her gaze turns dreamy as she stares out of the window as if she’s recalling a memory. “A man who wants to peel back all your layers, one by one. And I’m not talking about your pants. Although I’m sure he won’t say no if you offer.”

She shoots me a look and I laugh.

“He has girls lining up for him.”

“Exactly.” She tears off a piece of chicken before she points her slender finger at me. “And the reason you are not makes him interested.”

“Hmm, I doubt it,” I tell her. But right in that moment, a current of something ripples through my heart, lifting all the hairs on the back of my neck. Because deep down, I’m wondering if maybe she’s right.

* **

I’m sitting on the cobblestone wall next to the front door of my high school, reading a book while I wait for Julie to be done with her last class. The September sun is warming my face, while my sunglasses protect my eyes from the blinding light reflecting off the words on the page.

“What are you doing?” a voice booms in my ear, making my heart jump out of my chest, and I slap it with my hand as my book falls to the floor. My gaze meets Hunter’s hazel-brown eyes with suspicion, and a weird look of familiarity stares back at me, as if he’s been my friend since the first grade.

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