This Love Is...

“Normal days could never just be normal.”

I woke suddenly, immediately looking at the clock next to me. I rubbed both my eyes before they adjusted and I could actually see. It was 10:43 in the morning. I yawned and stretched my body in every direction before getting up and going downstairs to the kitchen to see if my sister Catherine made any breakfast. “Coffee Time!” I yelled, my voice still craggy from just waking up.

“It’s way too early for that Kai’el.” Catherine spoke calmly as she sat in the living room reading her Kindle. “The coffee machine already has brewed coffee in it and your breakfast is in the microwave.”

“Thanks Cat. Why aren’t you at work? I’m pretty sure it’s Thursday.” I asked as I poured out my coffee. She got up from the couch and walk into the dining room.

“Well I took the day off so I could take you school shopping, your first day being a senior is no joke they will definitely give you work.” she said as she put down her kindle and started to pour another cup of coffee for herself. “And you will probably get homework so we have to be prepared.”

“Are you serious! Homework on the first day, they’ve got to be mental. I ain’t doing that crap!” I hissed while I got my breakfast out the microwave and sat at the table with her.

“You totally WILL do it! And don’t act like you won’t!” she laughed, “You won’t get much anyways so don’t even worry about it.” she looked at me smiling. I rolled my eyes at her and we both laughed. Catherine was a great sister. I felt that if I had no one else on this earth I could count on I would always have her. She would never give up on me. Catherine was twenty-five years old, average height, fair skinned, dirty blonde with light brown eyes. We looked nothing alike. But she does look more like mom which is pretty good since mom looks fairly young for her age. I just wanna make her a proud big sister.

“Oh mom called earlier this morning and she wanted us to go to New York tomorrow for a one day trip.”

“Are you serious, she is so annoying with that one day trip stuff! Why doesn’t she come and see us for the day. It’s exhausting and I hate her place.” I interrupted.

“I wasn’t done.” Catherine sighed. “I won’t be able to make it so you are gonna have to go alone.” My heart sunk straight into my stomach and was making me sick. I hated going to see that woman, she never comes to see us. She just flies us back and forth. Why can’t she just live with us in California. Oh my job doesn’t allow me to do that. Bullshit! Why can’t we live in the big apple? Oh would you really want to leave your friends, and Catherine has a good job there. No, the real reason is you don’t have the balls to say that you just want to live freely without your children holding you back. Well I’m glad you live five hours away by plane! Anger was building up in me the more I thought about it but my face didn’t show a single expression it was blank, like a painters new canvas.

“You have got to be kidding me Catherine!” I roared as my jaw clenched and my nostrils flared.

“You will be fine Kai’el stop being over dramatic.” she tapped my shoulder trying to give me conformation that what she just said to me was alright.

“It’s so not going to be just fine.” I mimicked her, “I can’t . . . You know what you are right it will be fine I’m just overreacting. Let me go pack my things, cause let me guess, the flight is basically late tonight and early tomorrow.” I smiled sarcastically as I slowly got up out my chair and headed for my room.

“Yeah it’s for 3 in the morning and since we are going out later on in the day you should really get that started.” she tried to sound as optimistic as she could but I could hear the slight disappointment in her voice, she felt the same way I did and I knew it. I walked into my bedroom and took the suitcase by the door and opened it. I threw in a pair of jeans and a top, underwear and other necessities and also, knowing mom, a short pastel peach colored short chiffon dress and some nude colored flats. Everything was ready to go, hip hip hurray! I laid back on my floor wanting to just get away and be in another space, other than my room, just so I can let out all my feelings. I usually go to different locations in my school but it’s closed. I know it may sound weird that I go to my school to get away from life. It’s the only place I know that has a music room where I can sit down and poke around on piano keys without getting in trouble, or be alone in some of the vacant hallways after school hours. It may be weird but it gets me through those tough days. I got up and went to take a shower to get ready to go out with my sister. As I was in the shower I could hear her vacuuming the floors downstairs. When I finished getting ready I ran downstairs to find her sitting by the window reading her kindle.

“Oh look at your hair it’s very curly and wild today, very cute.” Catherine smiled. “Let me just get my bag and we will be out of here.” she walked into her room, which was downstairs, and came out with a medium sized navy blue bag with chestnut handles. “Where is your bag sis?” she questioned as she dug in hers making sure she had her keys. “Got ’em.”

“I don’t really wanna hold one right now.” I walked towards the door and waited outside by the car, she followed behind me locking the front door and then unlocking the car door. When I got inside the car and closed the door it was like I was experiencing the most painful heat wave. “God damnit Cathy it’s hot as hell in here, are you trying to kill me.” I flipped on the cars air condition while she chuckled next to me. “Not funny, I’m dying over here!”

“There you go over exaggerating again, I forgot to prep the car, so what! Just clam up and sit down.” she said as she pulled out the driveway.

“Well I have no choice but to sit down now don’t I.” I rolled my eyes and looked out the window.

“Don’t make me kick you out this car missy.” she giggled.

“Sure sure.” I smiled, as I looked out the window and stared at the wonderfully tall trees outside I couldn’t help but think about why mom wanted us to come to New York so sudden. “Cathy why does mom want us to come to New York?” I asked softly.

“I’m not really sure as to why I think she has something to tell us or she has a surprise for us. I don’t know, it might not be anything at all.”

“Yeah right, it’s got to be something, mom doesn’t just ask us to come to New York out of the blue for nothing at all. She probably got a new apartment or maybe a house and she wants to show it off to us or something.”

“Yep, thats sounds more like mom.”

“Um, so why can’t you come with me? Do you have assist a big operation on one of your animals at the clinic?” I asked, looking at her.

“No I actually took two days off from work. Thank goodness I have no animals to attend to these past few days. I’m going down to Indiana to meet some of my old friends. I don’t know how long I’m gonna be down there but I can’t wait to see them.” she sounded so excited and ready to go.

“That’s great I wish I could go with you and not to see mom.” I sulked.

“Oh stop it, it is just one day. I promise you will be a-okay.”

“If you say so Catherine.” I sighed and went back to looking out the window. The rest of the ride was pretty much quiet all except for the radio playing and the air conditioning blowing out cool air. The silence inside the car made my thoughts wonder off.

I’m not really looking forward to school, why does summer vacation have to be over so soon. It’s like it was just yesterday that it started and now it is over. I didn’t even do much this summer, it was mostly boring. I mean that was until I met Matthew a few weeks ago. Matthew Cole is a guy that I never before noticed in school I guess I was too focused on my school work to even see that he existed. He is tall with pale white skin like that guy from Twilight, you know the vampire, he also has pretty blonde hair and brown eyes. He is like a pale vampire imitation of a young Leonardo DiCaprio, which isn’t too bad, he is very handsome, maybe a little too much. I smiled to myself as I gazed out the window just imagining his face.

“What are you smiling about over there?” Catherine said glancing at me every second she could. I tried to play like I didn’t hear her but she persisted on with the question. “Hey don’t ignore me, I totally saw you smiling over there, come on sis fill me in.”

“I was just thinking about a friend of mine and how funny they are.” I lied.

“They? Not she, so I’m guessing they are a he.” she said, I sat down silently and wondered how she could always guess my thoughts. I’m guessing it’s because she is a girl and she has been there and done that.

“No it’s not a he Catherine, it’s a they.” I replied, she looked at me and smirked.

“Liar Liar.” I couldn’t help but laugh at her knowing she was right, even though I’m not gonna admit it, she was definitely going to think what she thinks is right no matter what I say.

“How about you just drive the car and stop worrying about why I am smiling.” I joked.

“Yes ma’am whatever you say.” she smirked as she focused on the rode ahead. I shook my head at the fact she was wondering what boy have I been speaking to to be daydreaming about him. For her this conversation was not over, but that’s alright once I don’t have to deal with it now.

We reached the mall center, got out the car and walked towards Staples.

“So who are you meeting in Indiana?” I asked.

“Do you remember Melissa, I’m mostly meeting her but there are other girls there who I haven’t seen in years.” she smiled.

“Yeah I remember Melissa, what about that other girl who you guys used to hang out and talk about all the time. I mean I’ve never really meet them.”

“Yeah, they’re gonna be there too. We are all staying at Melissa’s house since she still lives there.”

“Hope you have fun and make sure you tell me all the details.” I smiled as we walked through the store.

“You know I will.” she shook her head and chuckled. We walked through the store and picked up the necessities for school pens, books, calculator etc. We checked out and walked towards H&M.

“I think I will go with my girlfriends to shop for clothes.” I said looking at Catherine she looked a little disheartened at my suggestion but she shook her head in approval.

“Sure thing Kai, you will probably have more fun anyways.”

“Yeah.” I walked in front of her towards the car, all I could think about was having to go see mom. What could she have to say that could be so important and would I even care? I got in the car and sat down silently with my head pressed against the window. I sighed. I could see Catherine looking at me but she never asked me what was wrong. The ride home was completely quiet. I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep and before I knew it I was being awoken by my sister opening the car door.

“You could wake me up more discreetly Catherine.” I frowned as I got out the car and slammed the door. All Catherine did was laugh as I stomped up the driveway to our front door, unlocked it and went in the house, Catherine was right behind me grinning. “Yeah that’s so funny, enjoy the rest of your day.” I walked up to my room and shut the door behind me. I checked my phone which had two missed calls one from Amy and the other from Matthew. I called Amy first since she probably didn’t have much to talk about in the first place. The phone rang only twice before she picked up.

“Hello!” she answered in a sweet excited voice.

“Hey Amy, you called?”

“Yeah I called to ask you if you wanna come with Mya, Samantha, and I roller blading tomorrow?”

“That sounds nice but I have to go see my mother tomorrow.” I sighed.

“Again? Anyways then Saturday come to the beach with us, it’s gonna be us girls so you don’t have to worry about Matthew trying to fight everyone for looking at you.” she said as we both laughed.

“Oh no he needs to stop, it’s like every time he is with me and he sees some other guy looking at me he has to do something that will show them that this is my girl. When we haven’t even had a conversation about being together.”

“Oh I know I see it all the time, but do you want to be in a relationship with him?” she asked softly.

“I mean honestly I don’t really think so, I like being around him, and I do get urges to just kiss him but I don’t know yet if I want to date him.”

“Oh so basically you want your cake and eat it too, you want the icing and the candle, all that.” she said sarcastically. I bursted out laughing.

“Oh my god, no! I’m saying it’s too early for me to get into a relationship, we just started talking.” I chuckled.

“So you say. Well I will call you later because I need to get ready and leave my house.”

“Ok later!”

“Bye.” as we both hung up my phone started to vibrate, when I looked down at it, it was Matthew calling me.

“Hey Matt.” I smiled.

“Hey Kai’el, I called you earlier.”

“Yeah I was just about to call you back, you got perfect timing.” I said, I could hear him smiling as I spoke to him. “So what are you doing?

“Nothing I was just thinking about you, I kind of miss you.” his voice very soft and quiet like he didn’t want me to hear him.

“Aww I miss you too Matt, but what were you thinking about?” I asked.

“Nothing much really, I just missed your voice.”

“Well you should be fine now, since you’re talking to me.” I giggled, he did the same.

“So what you doing tomorrow?”

“Well I’m going to see my mom in New York City.” I rolled my eyes, hopefully he couldn’t read my anger towards going through the phone.

“Yeah, Amy was telling me how you always go to New York to meet your mom, that must be so cool!” I could tell that he has never been to New York by the tone of his voice, I smiled.

“I mean it alright, I like New York but I don’t really get to experience it so much because its usually for maybe a day or two. It’s exhausting and stupid.”

“I mean it can’t be that bad, I mean you’re going to see your mom that must be at least exciting.” I sighed at his comment. “Wait, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing it’s a long story, but just know it’s exhausting and I can’t deal with it anymore.”

“I guess, well try not be tired tomorrow and enjoy your day no matter the situation.”

“Yeah, you’re right I will do that. Thanks” I smirked and laid down on my bed. The phone was silent for a moment and we were both just listening to each other breathe. “Matthew.” I called softly.

“Yes Kai’el.” his voice mimicking mines, it was so tender that it caught me off guard, all I could do was smile. “Kai’el?”

“Oh... Um... Yeah, I’m going to go in the shower, so I will call you back.”

“Sure thing, later.” he hung up. I laid in my bed staring at the ceiling thinking about how gentle his voice sounded and how his short blonde hair fell over his face ever so sweetly. I could feel my face turning into a nice bright red so I got up and walked into the bathroom.

The bathroom was a little cold but not for long, I turned on the hot water and got in the shower. The glass on the window fogged up really fast. Matthew was still on my mind and so was Amy’s question. Do you want to be in a relationship with him? That’s the big question, do I? I mean I don’t think I’m ready for that, and even if I was I don’t really want one right now. I know I have a huge crush on him but that’s it, I’m not ready. I sighed as warm water slid down my shoulders, I didn’t want to leave until I remembered that my flight was for 3 in the morning. I got out the shower and dried off myself and my hair. When I got to my room the time on the clock that sat above my dresser read 8:47 pm, it was definitely time for me to go to sleep. I put on my matching red pajamas, turned off the light and climbed into my bed. My mind couldn’t stop thinking about Matthew, I mean it’s not too late to call him back. I grabbed my phone and auto dialed his number, the phone rang for a while and he finally picked up.

“Hello.” he answered.

“Hey Matt, what you up too?” I said as I pulled up the covers over my body and laid down.

“Nothing. I was wondering when you were going to call me back. I thought you weren’t.” he laughed, I couldn’t help but join in.

“Oh my goodness, I would never do that to you Matt.” I said still giggling at him. “So are you heading to bed?”

“To bed!” he belted. “It’s way to early to go to freaking bed, are you sick?” I laughed uncontrollably `

“No Matt I have a flight at 3 so I have to leave about twelve.” I chuckled.

“Oh yeah! But I don’t want to come off the phone with you.” I could hear him frowning over the phone it was too cute.

“Well then don’t, just stay on the phone while I sleep, I know you’re gonna still be up.”

“Ok sure I’ll stay, now go to bed.” he smiled. I put my headphones in my ear so I didn’t have to hold my phone and then laid my head on the pillow.

“Goodnight Matt.”

“Night night.” he whispered, his voice once again very gentle. Music played in his background, the sound was very soothing and calming. I think it might have been Justin Bieber but I’m not too sure. Before I knew it my eyes where closed.

Later I woke up to the sound of my sister calling out my name.

“Kai’el wake the hell up it is twelve o’clock. Wake up!” I jumped out of bed and put on my black yoga pantsuit and a “I love New York” shirt that I cut up so it had no sleeves and the sides were cut long so I had to wear a bandeau top underneath. I then grabbed my phone and suitcase and went down the stairs with Catherine. She grabbed a container off the dining table and headed out the door, I trailed along.

“Here is breakfast its still warm, it’s a sausage, egg, and cheese on an english McMuffin.” she handed me the container and opened the car door for me and walked around. I got in and took out my sandwich as she started the car.

“You know one day you will be a great mom.” I muttered since my mouth was half full.

“Thanks sis I hope I will be someday, but all I’m doing right now is copying what mom used to do for me when I was little.” she marveled. I just looked at her and smiled while I ate my sandwich because mom never did that for me. She had already left for work in New York City, leaving me behind in a boarding school in L.A. Catherine mostly lived in Indiana with her father, most of the times I would see her was during summer vacations when mom still lived here with me. I was all alone in L.A all I new was a campus and floor walls with a roommate. Luckily I had a great roommate or I don’t know how I would have turned out. Then suddenly I heard a noise coming from my pocket, I took out my phone and realized that Matthew was still on the phone.

“Hello?”

“Hey sleepy head I’m guessing you forgot I was on the phone.”

“Oh my, I can’t believe you’re still here and you don’t even sound sleepy.” the smile that was planted on my face was so wide that the cheshire cat could hold a competition with me and lose.

“Stop smiling so hard.” he giggled which made me blush. “So are you in the car with your sister?”

“Yeah I am.”

“Tell her I said hi.”

“Um... That’s a no can do.” I said in a low tone.

“Why not?” he questioned, my heart was racing 1000 miles per second. I didn’t know what to say.

“Very noisy and I don’t feel like explaining.” I summered. Catherine looked at me with one eyebrow cocked but didn’t say a word. Shit, she knows I’m talking about her.

“Umm... Okay then whatever I guess.” I could tell he was wondering why I wouldn’t tell my sister about him but I really didn’t want her to know about my crush on a boy, she gets way to excited.

“Stop being a worry wart and tell me what you been doing these past few hours.” I chimed trying to change the mood and the subject, and it worked.

“Well I’ve been playing video games and now I’m watching Netflix.”

“What are you watching on Netflix?”

“I’m just watching stupid cartoons.” he whined and sighed. I could tell it was bothering him that I didn’t want to tell my sister about who is was, but I guess he is gonna have to deal with it. “Do you like me Kai’el?” my heart stopped.

“Matthew!” I gasped loudly, Catherine’s smile spread from ear to ear. Oh goodness why? “What makes you ask that?”

“Oh nothing Kai’el.” he was gloomier then I’ve ever heard. We sat on the phone for the next fifteen minutes without saying a word, every now and again Catherine would look at me without any expression on her face at all. As we approached the airport and parked in front of the airline doors. I got out the car got my suitcase from the backseat and waved too Catherine.

“Bye Cathy, I can go in by myself I know the routine.”

“Okay, I love you see you tomorrow!” I walked through the sliding doors and straight to the check in desk.

“Hello!” the lady said in a high happy tone. I’m too tired to be polite so I nodded my head and smiled.

“Flight 501 to New York at three.” I said as I passed her my passport ID.

“Yep darling here you go Ms. Grey. Would you like your luggage to be checked in or carry on?”

“I’ll take carry on.” She gave me a sticker to put around my luggage gave me my tickets and sent me on my way.

“Just keep going straight.” she yelled.

“Thank you.” I smiled and waved back. I walked away and sat down in the eating area my flight wasn’t for another two hours. Matthew was still on the phone.

“Hey Matt I got to go, I’ll call you later, bye.” I spoke quickly.

“Bye.” the phone hung up.