Chapter 1
Mom,
Jeremy and I have left. We want to keep our baby and I know you’ll never let us. I’m so sorry. Hopefully one day you’ll forgive me. We’re happy! Please don’t look for me.
- Emillianna
“MOM, WE’RE GONNA BE LATE ON MY FIRST DAY!” Leela says, screaming up the spiral staircase. The echo of her voice finds her mother putting on her pearl earrings ready to begin her day. She pulls her long black hair into a tight bun. Her green eyes glistening as she finishes applying her mascara. Her tan skin glowing as she applies her lotion to her long flowing arms.
“I’m coming!” I respond, “ Jeremy, that girl is always in such a rush. I swear I don't know where she gets this need to ALWAYS be on time from.” I say walking over to my husband to adjust his tie. Jeremy, my Jeremy, is 6 feet, light brown skin, short brown hair and melting hazel eyes. He’s wearing a navy-blue suit with a tie to match. I love when he wears that suit.
“MOM! SERIOUSLY, COME ON! I DON’T WANT TO BE LATE.” Leela states loudly.
“Coming, Honey,” I respond, while pulling Jeremy’s tie closer to his neck.
“You better go before she sends in the calvary” Jeremy states. I straighten his jacket and begin to walk away. He grabs my arm, pulling me back to his chest. My white suit melting with his when he says, “You can’t leave until i get my kiss,” He’s smiling now.
“You’re right,” I say as I plant a soft kiss on his lips, “Have a good day at the hospital.” I stated as i Pull myself out of his arms. I rush through the French doors of our bedroom, when I hear Jeremy mutter something so quietly, I almost missed it.
“How’d I get so Lucky?” he states. I smile and rush down the stairs to find Leela sitting impatiently in a Large flowered chair. Gosh She looks so much like her father. Leela’s Soft features, tan skin and dark black hair echo against her Hazel eyes. She has his eyes.
“MOM-” Leela begins to shout again.
“Leela, we are not going to be late. You still have another hour. Chill!” I interject while descending the staircase.
“One pleeeeaaaasssseee don’t say chill, especially when we get to the school, and 2 it’s my last first day of high school and Sami and I always walk into any new school together. It’s our tradition.” Leela states plainly as they are walking out of the door of their modern 3 story home. There are high ceilings and large windows. There’s a 2-car garage and wrap around porch. The light blue house blends right into the modern suburban neighborhood.
Emillianna drives a Silver Chevy Silverado. An odd choice for such a proper woman. Leela throws her Bright pink backpack into the backseat and climbs into the front.
“I can’t Believe you’re done with high school already,” Emillianna states while holding back tears, “It seems like only yesterday I was in labor for 53 hours waiting for you to arrive. If only you could’ve been on time, then”
“Moooooommmmmmmm” Leela Whines.
It’s a short 10-minute drive to East Maine High School. Where Leela’s Best friend Sami is waiting by the front entrance for her. Sami is short for his age, but he makes up for it with his broad shoulders and thick biceps. Sami has Played Football since he could walk. He has Short Blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. He stands tall at 5’6 equaling Leela in height and nothing else.
“SAAAAMMMIIIIII” Leela shouts as she hops out of the truck into Sami’s arms. “How was your summer?” she asks.
“Lee, we literally talked every day all summer.” Sami replies.
“Not when you were at camp for a whole month.” She Quickly responds back.
“Listen Lee, we talked about that. I was the only Freshman to make varsity in the history of this school. I have to keep that energy and be better than all the other guys. Which means practicing harder and longer than anyone else, especially because I need that scholarship if I’ll ever have any hope of joining you at Brown next year. Also, it’s not like you weren’t just as busy at band camp most of the summer.” He replies.
Leela walks towards the car to grab her book bag while stating, “True.”
“Don’t forget your guard flag honey!” Emillianna reminds as Leela opens the back seat passenger side door.
“Thanks mom” Leela says quickly as she shuts the door. Emilianna waves goodbye as she drives away.
“I can’t believe this is our last year,” Leela states as she and Sami approach the giant stone building. There are grand pillars holding up the front awning, and large double doors in the front of the building.
“We got this, Lee!” Sami reassures her. “Where’s your first class? I’ll walk you” Sami states while slipping the flag from Leela’s hands.
“I don’t remember, let me check” Leela says as she pulls out the latest iPhone to check her schedule.
“Seriously, Lee?! ANOTHER brand-new phone?” Sami berates.
“Uhh, yes. I dropped mine during practice and the drum line trampled it.” Leela Responds as the walk toward the grand staircase.
The white and gold marble staircase stands out against the bland beige wall and brick surrounding it. Almost as if the school was built around its beauty, and many people have stumbled on them while basking in it.
“Lee, that's why you leave your phone in your bag”
“I know Sam i forgot.” Leela Says laughing. “Also, My first class is Mrs. Shama, in E203.”
“Oh, I have weight training first in H125, but we have time since we’re here 30 minutes before classes start.” Sami mocks.
“Listen, one day you will appreciate my promptness.” Leela says while pushing Sami’s shoulder.
“Yea you’ll need to make me one of those infamous schedules next year too lol,” Sami Responds.
