Everything

Cleo and Autumn

     I looked up at my popcorn ceiling and fiddled with my clunky Polaroid. I pressed the viewfinder to my eye and smiled when Autumn blocked my line of sight. She tucked a strand of auburn hair behind her ear and tilted her head. Her bow lips were parted in a smile and her white teeth sparkled. I quickly looked away when I realized I had been staring, but Autumn never noticed when my eyes lingered. She pulled me up and swiped the camera from my hands. She crossed her legs on my sky blue comforter.

     "Do you remember when we bought this?" she asked.

     I smirked. I remembered all too well. We had been driving around Maybury in her Jeep when we came upon this rundown thrift store. Being friends with Autumn meant we had to go inside. We raced across the desolate parking lot and burst into the dilapidated building. The lights were flickering and dust was practically stuck to the metal shelves. I had looked at Autumn and said, "Cool." She nodded and grabbed my hand. It was the best two hours of my life.

     I plucked the camera from her hands. "Of course I remember, doofus. How could I forget Sir Heely-Boots?"

     Autumn giggled and it sent a shiver up my spine. "Or Madame Boa Constrictor?"

     We burst out laughing, squirming and flailing all over my bed. Autumn shrieked when she tumbled over the edge and I had to hold my stomach to relieve the forming cramps. I crawled to the edge without trying to conceal my amusement and held a hand out for her. She grasped it and when I was moving to pull her up, she yanked me down, hard. I flew off the bed and landed on her. She was still laughing like it was the funniest thing in the world, and I tried to play along, but a lump had formed in my throat and I knew my face was on fire. The funny feeling was back and begging for attention. When she had calmed down, I sat at my desk and let her take the bed.

     I watched Autumn adjust the strap of her camisole and tie her long hair up. She flashed a smile at me and I weakly returned it. I rolled my eyes at the sound of footsteps and spun my chair to face the door. I was happy to ignore the ache in my stomach and focus on something of importance. "Hello, Catherine," I drawled. 

     Catherine raised an eyebrow and leaned against the frame of the door. Her long brown hair was pushed back by her glasses and the lines around her mouth were set deep. Her green eyes were shaded with fatigue, and I hated to admit I was the tiniest bit worried about her even if she was my adoptive guardian. I've known her for almost four years and I still haven't decided if I can call her mom. I knew the toll it was taking for her to invent something for her company and it was showing. She had always been good at keeping it together in front of company, but I guess Autumn didn't count. 

     She rubbed her eyes and placed her head on the frame as if it was the only thing keeping her on her feet. "Girls, do you know what time it is?" I shared a look with Autumn and she shrugged. "It's nearly midnight. I know you're having fun, but please keep it down. I have to get up early tomorrow."

     "Absolutely, Miss Hatfield. Sorry to disturb you," Autumn chirped. I grunted and turned away. Catherine sighed and the door closed with a click. Autumn smiled softly and I huffed. She punched my shoulder and my lips quirked. "Come on," she whined, "be nice to her. You know she loves you, Cleopatra."

     I wrinkled my nose. "Stop calling me that. I'm not some regent of Ancient Egypt."

     Autumn bowed on the bed. "All hail, Cleo. Our sexy queen."

     I blushed and scowled. "I am not sexy," I mumbled. I pinched a lock of purple and black hair and frowned. I would have to redye it soon. Autumn flicked my nose ring and I recoiled. 

     "You are so sexy," she assured. She sat on her heels and grabbed my hands. "If you just put yourself out there-"

     "Here we go again," I complained.