We start driving back and David starts chatting about his classes, his friends and the parties their school has. I just listen and stare out to watch the beautiful wintery landscape. One of his college friends, James, had just started a band so David rambled on and on about himself playing the drums at all the local college bars in Pasadena. Meanwhile, I talked about Olivia and her dream to attend a school in the East Coast, all my work-in-progress college applications including CalTech, and how the family was doing.
Before I knew it, David was pulling up to my driveway. Coincidentally, Mama's car is also in the driveway. How fitting.
"Thanks David, I'll see you at the Christmas dinner!" I say as I exit his car.
He rolls down the window even though it's snowing. "Later Ange, tell your mom I said hi". He winks at me. This man is insufferable.
I watch as his car drives off before entering my cozy home. I drop my bag and slip my shoes before entering the hallway. I can hear chatter in the kitchen.
"Baba, Mama, I'm home!" I say.
"We're in the kitchen!" Mom replies. I walk in and start making myself a yogurt granola bowl and a cup of green tea.
"How's David doing, sorry I couldn't come pick you up Angie." Mom says.
"He's doing well, he just started a band with some of his friends." I reply. I finish filling my cup with hot water before carrying them with me to the living room "I'm gonna to watch some TV".
"Okay. Don't forget NaiNai and YeYe are arriving tonight" Mom replies. Grandma and grandpa were flying in from Vancouver, Canada. They used to visit a lot more, but they've traveled less as they're getting older.
As I continue watching from my last Vampire Diaries episode, I start shopping online on my laptop. I watch a few episodes before I go back to my room and get ready for a quick workout. I pull out my yoga mat to do some stretches and body exercises. I've been so inactive since I put all my energy and time onto my college apps. It better pay off haha!
Ding Dong.
I quickly change back to my regular clothes and make sure I look put together before racing down the stairs and opening the door.
"NaiNai YeYe!" I welcome them in. I help bring all their luggage in, while mom and dad greet them in the kitchen. We have a nice dinner together and gather into the living room to continue the conversation. Dad lights the fireplace, the fluffy snow is piling up by the patio and on the thick pine trees outside. Everything feels so complete. I can feel my eyelids drooping, trying to fight the exhaustion off but I. Just. Can't...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was mid-July. The cicadas had been buzzing since the crack of dawn. The Colorado air was dry and it was way too hot for my liking. I remember I started the day with making my favorite smoothie bowl that morning, like I had every morning that summer. I was binge-watching Gossip Girl that summer, I was obsessed with everything Blair Waldorf.
David called me that morning and asked if I wanted to hike the Rocky Mountain National Park. Our moms always brought us here when we were growing up. Sometimes David's older brother Lucas, who moved to Alaska 4 years ago, tagged along. Lucas hasn't been able to come back since as his work was super important and confidential.
I, of course, had agreed. David would come pick me up in 20 minutes. I quickly packed my hiking bag with some granola bars and trail mix, bunch of water, some bug spray, sunscreen, my emergency hiking kit, and my trust old camping hammock. I left home and walked towards David waiting in the car.
I remembered our tan skin and our laissez-faire attitude. On our drive there, we chatted about everything, David's summer plan, our moms' friendship and everything in between. The sky was a true blue, with big fluffy clouds sprinkled across. We finally got to the park and started hiking up.
A while later, we had found a nice shaded spot with the coolest view of the Colorado mountains. We set up my hammock and jumped in. Our shoulders touched each other and a silence appeared as we caught our breath and ate our snacks.
"Here" David had offered his arm as a pillow for my neck. I gladly accepted it, resting my head close to his neck and head. He continued staring at me, which made me so uncomfortable. I've known David since I was born, and we had never crossed outside of family friend territory. If you know what I mean.
He used his right hand to grab my left hand, taking a scan of my rings, before interlocking our fingers together. I hadn't resisted. We took a short nap before we decided to head back home. Our drive home wasn't awkward even in the silence. My favorite songs Cruel Summer, August, and West Coast were played on repeat, David gave me the Aux. There was the most beautiful sunset as we drove back into the city.
He pulled up in my driveway. As I was getting out of the passenger seat, he had already grabbed my hiking bag for me. "Thanks David, I had a fun time" I start. He hands the bag off to me and wraps his arms around my shoulder. This day is so weird. "Of course Angie". As I stepped back from the hug, I could feel his peck on my left cheek. OMFG!! I went back home and had dinner with mom and dad before heading. off. to. sleep...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wake up so groggy. I sigh as I lift myself off the couch and head upstairs. I flop onto my cold bed face first and close my eyes. I try and resume the replay of my flashback but it's no longer working. Instead, I pass out on the bed trying to numb my mind of David.
YOU ARE READING
Invisible String
Teen FictionAngelene has always known David, their mothers were practically sisters. But what happens when Angelene goes off to college and crosses paths with David's best friend, James? James is the opposite of David, but what will Angelene choose? ...
