Splinters: Part One

Part One | 22

I smiled at her.

"Seriously, Brayden," Odera continued for her. "They're amazing."

"Guess I'll have to try some," I smirked.

...

"Wow," I groaned.

"Good, huh?" Melissa laughed.

I stabbed another square syrup covered piece of the pancake and shoved it in my mouth. It was good. I had no idea what she did, but a miracle might've taken place. The fluffiness of the pancake was perfect and the flavor was delicious. I'd never tasted such greatness.

"So, Brayden," Robin began. "How's your first Christmas with the Piersons been?"

"Good," I nodded. "Fun."

"Better than St. Anne's?" Ursanne asked.

"Much better!"

"Well, no time to waste! We have to make it to church in a couple hours. Finish up breakfast girls and boy," Greg said. "You comin', Mom? Dad?"

Daryl put her hand on her son's shoulder. "When we do not?"

And after we all ate, we all dressed in our Sunday Best and drove straight to the church. It was a longer service, probably because it was one of the most important days in the Church Calendar, and gladly, Collie was there. Just two pews behind us to my left.

She glanced at me, smirking. I was glad that I sat on the far end so that I wouldn't get caught by anyone. I sat next to Eda and everyone else was further down the pew. They were paying attention to the priest while I paid attention to Collie. I knew it wasn't very reverent, but I didn't believe in God and my girlfriend was distracting me. Collie's hair was neatly curled and she wore a light green dress with some white sandals. She looked beautiful.

I wiggled in my seat throughout the entire service. My slacks made my lower back itch for some reason and I struggled to satisfy it because I didn't want to look like an idiot in front of Collie now that she knew exactly where I sat. It was very difficult.

But afterwards, the service ended and I asked my parents if I could say hello to her. They nodded, reminding me to not take too long. I hurriedly tried to get through everyone to reach her. She glanced back, but she didn't see me. Finally, when I was out the doors, I searched for her, but there were so many people that I couldn't find her.

I sighed.

"Did you see her, sweetheart?" Melissa asked, putting a hand on my shoulder after they'd gotten out.

I shrugged on my coat as the cold air nipped at my cheeks. "No. She left before I could reach her."

"Don't worry," Ursa said next to me. "Christmas break is over in a week. You'll see her then."

"Let's head on back home, Gang."

"I wanna go with Grandma and Grandpa," Annetta announced.

"Me too!"

"Me three!"

Odera, Ursa, and I were the only ones who didn't want to which was good because Daryl and Robin only had three spare seats in their car, unlike ours.

"Is that okay?" Melissa asked, almost hesitant.

"Sure!" Daryl exclaimed. "The more the merrier."

We laughed and then parted ways. My phone vibrated in my pocket. I took it out and smiled as Collie's name and picture popped up.

I saw u but had to leave pretty quick. sry. ily c:

I grinned.

"Is that her?" Ursanne asked.