She holds her finger to her lip and looks up. “oh, I don't know... you'd probably become a nun.”
I nod my head and snort a laugh.
We break into fits of giggles as we walk into our photography class.
Before long it's the end of the day and we head out to Cassey's car. A little red VW Golf. Cassey throws her handbag on the back seat and gets in the drivers' side whilst I sit in the passenger seat. She checks her reflection in the rear-view mirror, reverses and drives out the car park.
I really need to get my own car. I'd passed my test a couple of months back, but there's no way I can afford one. My mum and I just share her one when she isn't using it to get to work. She works all the time, so that doesn't really leave me with much of a chance. That's fine by me though because I'm a menace behind the wheel. Roundabouts and changing gear I'm good with. It's just parking that I'm hopeless at. I can drive around town all day trying to park, but there aren't many spaces big enough for two cars that I can somehow slide into. Luckily for me Cassey lives a couple houses down so I just hitch a ride with her to get to college. It's not like the college is far either. Although Birchwood is a big town, Birchwood college is only 5 minutes away in the car from where we live.
She pulls onto the driveway next to her house and we get out. She looks over the top of the car at me as she gets her bag out the back.
“So, you grabbing dinner and getting ready so we can get to this dance then?” She locks the door and walks round the back of the car.
“Yeah I could probably be knocking on your door in about an hour and a half. That OK?”
“Yeah you can get some pre-drinking done whilst I'm still sorting my hair.” She turns and walks to her front door. “See you in a bit and dress sexy. No Jeans!” She waggles her finger behind her as I turn away.
“Yes Mam!” I salute as I walk the couple of houses down to my place.
The car isn't on the drive so my mum must still be at work. Who knew being a Gardener for rich big wigs would be so time consuming. She's in high demand with everyone wanting her to do their gardens. Apparently, no-one is anywhere near as good as my mum when it comes to trimming roses. She does their indoor plants too so she's busy all year round. She loves it and it means we can live comfortably enough to not have to worry about bills. Cassey set a website up for her gardening business about a month ago and that's been helping as well.
My mum, Gwen, is really passionate about plants, animals, the world really. She is also a devout believer of the Greek Gods. She speaks of them as if they are still alive and not just myths and legends from history. That all young women are protected by Athena and Poseidon rides across the sea on a golden chariot with Dolphins leaping through the waves.
My Mum says we should care and love the earth that was made entirely by the great goddess Gaia with her immeasurable power. To always find the beauty in it and appreciate what she created. I feel the same which is why I dabble in photography. Capturing moments that look beautiful. With my mum it's different though. It's like she has some deep connection to it. It's strange because I don't understand why we live where we do if she loves nature so much. You'd think we would live in the country, but instead we live in a busy town where the closest woodland is a half hour drive away. It's just shops, industrial estates and roads. Some people are lucky enough to have big gardens if your rich enough, but that's about it.
My mum gets a far-away look in her eyes sometimes usually when she's in the garden. I think it's those moments when she's thinking about my dad and the life they had. Maybe they lived in the country. I've asked her about my dad a few times and she always says I'm not ready to know yet. What does that even mean? I'm 18 in just a couple of days so maybe she'lltell me then. I'll be an adult so surely I'll be ready to know. I've sometimes wondered if it's her that's not ready to talk about it. It's probably really painful for her. I don't know. Whatever it is I'm sure she'll tell me eventually...
I put the plate from my quick beans on toast dinner in the dishwasher and go upstairs to get ready. After my shower, I put on my black push-up bra and matching thong then stare at my wardrobe. Jeans and t-shirt are out of the question, so that leaves me with dresses I guess. I decide on a navy-blue figure hugging number that reaches to just above my knees making my bum look amazing. I couple it with black stilettos. As for my hair and make-up, a bit of eyeliner, mascara and light pink lip gloss and my hair straightened. Simple, but that's all I'm really capable of, so it'll have to do.
I grab my little bag that has a long shoulder strap and my jacket then head downstairs. My mums finally home and I find her tidying the kitchen. She looks at me with one hand on her hip assessing my choice of outfit. She smiles at me and gives me a hug.
“You've grown far too quick. 18 soon!” She cups my face and I give her an exaggerated grin. “Don't plan anything for your birthday Monday. I've got something special planned for the day time and maybe evening depending on how the day goes.” She steps back with a loving smile and I think I see tears in her eyes but she turns and starts unloading the dishwasher before I get a good look.
“I have college Monday or am I taking the day of?” I think I sound a little too excited at the prospect of a long birthday weekend.
“It's your 18thand I'm doing something special for you just you and me. You're gonna love it. Much better than sitting in class all day.” She winks at me.
Mum never lets me have days off. Whatever it is she's got planned, it's bound to be epic. I can't stop smiling.
“Right! I'm off to Cassey's. She's probably still getting ready and then we're going to the dance. I'll see you when I get home.” I head to the door as I put on my coat.
I hear my mum shout from the kitchen. “Be careful on your way home I think there's a storm coming but we should only get the edge of it. Let me know when you're on your way back. Love You!”
“Will do love you too!” I shout over my shoulder as I close the door behind me.
It's pretty quiet outside. Usually there's birds singing but they must feel the storm coming so they've bedded down for the night. I feel a couple of raindrops fall and start to head over to Cassey's. I only take a few steps when something doesn't feel right. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up and I feel a chill that has nothing to do with the wind. I look around and see someone standing across the street. I swear he's staring right at me. It's dark and I can't see his face because he has his hood up. At first I worry that it's Nick but this guy is way too tall and his frame is much more built. He's standing with his feet shoulder width apart. He's dressed in black with his hands in his pockets.
A strong gust of wind blows and I wrap my coat around myself and hurry to Cassey's just as the rain starts to fall a bit harder. I duck under her porch and ring the doorbell. Looking back behind me the dark figure is gone. Weird. I can't help still feeling on edge. It's like the air feels charged with energy. Looks like my mum wasn't wrong about the storm. Then again, she's never wrong when it comes to the weather.
I ring the bell again.
A shiver runs up my back and, somehow, I know that the wind is coming before it blows again just as strong as before. Myhair whips around my face and I try to get it under control. So much for straightening it.
I ring the bell for the third time and knock for good measure. I bob up and down on my heels wishing I'd worn tights.
Finally, the door opens and I hurry in. I look at Cassey through my ruined hair.
“You took your time!”
