When The Rain Falls

Chapter 1 - Cornelia

It's late in May and the humid air is making my skin sticky from sweat. Drowned in reading a new book, I didn't notice that my brother creeped in to tell me to go and get ready. He's dressed in a blue striped shirt, khaki shorts, and black Vans. We'll be dining out, just like what we've been doing for the past weekends this summer.

As Cameron left my room, I hopped in the shower, washed my hair, and brushed my teeth. I dressed myself in a plain yellow sundress with a pair of white sandals. I grabbed my scrunchy, tied my hair in a messy bun, put on sunblock and Voila! All done.

“Cor! Hurry up! We'll be leaving in five.” Cam impatiently shouted. “Yeah, sorry. I'll be down in a sec.” I answered as I quickly grabbed my phone and cardigan. As I got downstairs, mom was already holding the door for me. “I'm sorry mom, I got carried away reading again.” I apologized with a sheepish smile. “Just hurry up, Cornelia. Your brother's in a mood again.” Mom replied as she locked the door and walk towards the car. “Isn't he always?” I snickered back as she laughed and gave me a squint, the lines in the corner of her eyes showing. She ages gracefully and has the cutest button nose. I wished I got it but I got dad's small pointed nose instead.

Lost in a train of thoughts while on our way, I remembered that it's Saturday. So it's dad's turn to choose where to eat, and of course he'll choose New Orleans nonetheless. It's the seafood restaurant by the beach. It's a very open and airy place, with the view of the sea.

“So Cor, you're so wrapped up in your new book a while back, what is it about this time? Vampires?” my brother teased, disturbing my thoughts. “You know I never like that! Ugh. You're so annoying.” I answered. Cam gave a loud laugh that he knew would annoy me. He's a fun, responsible and protective big brother, but annoying at it's best. I love him though.

Cameron is older than me by two years and looked like our mom, except for his hair. He got her heart shaped face with almond shaped eyes, cute button nose, full lips, fair skin and dad's straight jet black hair, body built -- lean, a bit of muscles, and really tall. I, on the other hand got mom's light brown wavy hair, heart shaped face, full lips, fair skin, small frame and average height but with dad's big doe eyes, and small pointy nose. I'm not conscious about how I look but the thing that gets me noticed is the lizard-shaped birthmark above my left eyebrow. I got teased a lot when we were little by how prominent it is.

Keith, my brother's best friend was the one who started to call me Newt when I was six, which I think is a kind of amphibian or some sort. And everybody, even in school, got stucked with the nickname until eighth grade. I'm glad it stopped, but Keith never did. And honestly, I kind of hated it.

As we waited for our meal, Cam excused himself to meet someone outside for a minute. Maybe another girl from the cheering squad. As he rose from his seat, I quickly fetched my phone and started reading just to pass the time. Engrossed in the new ebook I downloaded, I heard Keith called, “Hey there, Newt! Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Dale.” Oh my God! Keith is here. He's supposed to be Italy with his parents, and was not supposed to be home in two weeks. “Hey!” I greeted back, replied as he and Cam joined us. Why is he here and why didn't I put on some make up mom gave me?

Keith. Keith Eli Marion. The star quarterback of Kingston Valley High and my long time crush. Well, my one and only crush. Popular among the girls, I stand no chance even if he's around the house a lot. He has a certain type: tall, blonde, confident, and intimidating. All opposing to me, of course. I may sound as if I'm exaggerating when I say he's dreamy, but he really is. He's height is the same with my brother but his built is more muscular. With his defined jawline, downturned shaped eyes, pointed nose and a killer smile. He dates a lot too, but is never in a relationship. He and my brother both. I think he gets the idea that I have a crush on him way before I got my period and teen angst. And he never made fun of me for it, which made me like him more. He's kind enough, serious, a little playful but treats me like a child most of the time. Sometimes, I do wish he'll take me seriously though, like the blondes he dates too.