FINS
CHAPTER ONE
"...Sol...Sol...SOL!" My eyes snapped up and for a moment I forgot where I was. Looking up I could see my mother standing patiently at the stove, giving me a sweet smile. "Huh? Oh sorry mom. What was that?" She sighed,
"Well aren't you a space cadet today. I wanted to know if you wanted pancakes or waffles for breakfast." I grinned, getting up from my seat at the table. "Pancakes. And don't forget-"
"Don't forget the chocolate chips. I know I know. I swear, you're going to become a chocolate chip one of the days." I love my mom. She's my rock and I don't know what I'd do without her. Her blonde pixie cut bobbed up and down as she cooked, humming to her self she mixed the delicious chocolate chunks into the batter. I nearly salivated on her shoulder.
"Sol, honey, how about you go set the table instead of towering over me. I feel like I'm under a shaded tree."
I walked back to the table feeling dejected. One thing I hated was my height. I was 5'9 compared to my mothers 5'3 and fathers 5'7. In family photos I stood tall by my parents, my fiery red hair burning bright, making me stand out even more.
"Sure mom, The Jolly Green Giant's just going to walk over to the dinning room and hope not to step on any of you shorter folk." I said rolling my grayish-blue eyes. My mom just laughed and continued cooking. My father walked downstairs a few moments later. His horn rimmed glasses sliding down his nose "Those pancakes I smell?" He stuck his nose in the air and took a deep breath. Heading towards the kitchen he made his way over my mom and wrapped his arms around her slender waist, kissing her neck. She giggled softly kissing him on the mouth.
"Blegh." I gagged "Get a room you guys."
My dad rolled his eyes. "You see this Sarah? She turns sixteen and look what happens. She becomes a brat." Sarah and Robert Lorenstein have been together since they were in high school. Y'know, back when dinosaurs roamed the earth. They still acted like a high school couple to. Going on dates, buying each other gifts. Some of my friends say they've even seen them at the lake making out on a picnic blanket. OK bad thoughts, Bad thoughts.
"Speaking of me being sixteen...Have you guys...thought about...you know?" My eyes sparkle hopefully as my two parents looked at each other.
"OK Sol. You can go to Veda Kessingers party tonight. But you have to be home by eleven." I squealed in delight! Finally! My first high school party! I run up to my parents, hugging them both tightly. "Thanks mom! Thanks dad! I love you guys." Dad ruffled my hair. "We love you too kiddo."
"I can't wait to tell Kat!" I exclaim excitedly, grabbing my cellphone I quickly text my best friend about tonight.
'"Hey Kat. GOT PERMISSION FROM THE 'RENTS!1! C U 2NIGHT?'"-SOL
A few minutes later I hear the familiar ping from my cell.
"'YES! CAN'T WAIT! SNEAKIN' OUT, PICK ME UP?"'-KAT
'"COURSE I WILL. SEE YOU THEN! *KISSES*'"-SOL
As I finished texting my mom plopped a huge plate of chocolate chip pancakes in front on me. I eagerly picked one up, shoving it into my mouth with a satisfied sigh. My mom tsked disapprovingly at me. She was big on that whole etiquette thing and always wanted me to act like a 'proper lady', I grinned sheepishly, grabbing a fork I dug in. "Isn't Veda Kessinger a senior? I didn't know you two were friends." My dad said suddenly, taking a bite out of his pancakes. Dads the school counselor so he usually knew bout all the cliques that went on at Daylight High.
"We aren't. But she owns the biggest house besides the Love's and she invited everyone at the school."
Dad nodded and took a sip of coffee, flipping over his news paper to the comics.
"Just remember, don't do anything you wouldn't do in front of your parents." He warned giving me a look.
"Of course Daddy."
I couldn't wait to be dancing the night away with Kat, or maybe a hunk or two. "Anyways Mr. Garris is going to chaperone." My dad smacked his lips. "You mean that new English teacher? He's a good man." I grinned, and hot to. Every girl in school wanted to be in Jorden Garris's English 4 class. There was actually rumor that a senior actually tried to seduce him.
"Sol! Would you mind taking the trash?"
My mom called from the kitchen. "Yes ma'am." I shoveled the last of my pancakes into my mouth hurrying over to the bin. I headed out towards the end of my driveway. My home was deep into the woods and the garbage men didn't pick up at my front door. We have a long driveway. Almost a five minute walk, which led to an old Victorian place with blue walls and a creaky porch. Tons of oak trees shadowed the house making the it seem even older. I loved it. Very vintage.
My feet crunched over the red and gold leaves that had fallen. I shivered slightly. I hated the cold. It just made people sick and gross and caused phenomena. A gust of wind sent a wave of cool air to my back, making my teeth chatter. A sudden gut feeling hit me like a ton of bricks.
Someone was watching me.
My eyes darted around frantically, searching for my observer. "Who's there?" I demanded, I shrieked as I heard rustling behind me. I turned to see the fluffy tail of a squirrel, cleaning its face. When it made eye contact with me it quickly scurried away. I mentally scolded myself. Scared of squirrels now Sol. Come on keep it together.
Though I walked a little faster back to the house, the feeling of being stalked still stewing in my gut.
-later-that-day-
I stood cross armed in front of my full body mirror, examining my reflection. I was wear a pink tube top and a pair of white skinnies with white flower sandals. My hair was loose, falling just under my chest. I put on a light pink hoodie and a touch of pink lip gloss. I had to admit, I was looking pretty cute.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, I quickly pulled it out. A text from Kat.
'"HURRY TF UP! IT'S PARTY TIME!'"
I giggled, heading towards the door, but not before giving my parents one more hug and thank you.
""ON MY WAY! C U SOON!'"
Running out the door a single thought crossed my mind.
Tonight's going to be a night to remember.