Sometimes a bright and sunny day is an elated day to just lounge in the house. Whether your mood is up or down, the comfort of your house brings in the desire for relaxation. I have noticed this ever since my passion for specific literature started, but some days it can be too humid to even sit under a tree. I thank my house for always being an option regardless. With or without friends is another choice, but my problem is being taken for granted even when I volunteer to help. Some of that has changed this time. I will tell you that these past couple of months have never been any better.
"Leopold?" a voice said as it came into the kitchen. I was looking out of the window while drinking a homemade milkshake. "Are you alright?" Miss Honey walked in the kitchen and sat in the chair to my right.
About her greeting, if you did not know, Leopold is my name. I only let her call me that. I doubt anyone knows this because they normally call me Butters. For once it was blissful to hear my name being called by someone I truly trust.
"I'm ok Mom," I said. "And thanks for the milkshake, it's so good!"
Mom smiled at me and rubbed my tummy. "I have a little sweet craving myself. Mind if I join you sweetie?"
"It's our house, you don't have to ask," I giggled.
Mom got up and went to the freezer and took out a gallon of neapolitan ice cream. We had enough groceries that lasted us a couple of months and we recently went a few days ago. A lot has happened since last November, and now it's the middle of May. I never thought this year would make a new beginning for me and Miss Honey. She is where she is supposed to be, and I went from her visitor to part of her kin. You heard that right. I moved in with her last fall. The school year immediately eased up for me, and my life is freshly serene and safe. My new house is beautiful, spacious and cozy.
Mom came back to her chair with the same sized milkshake I have, minus the rainbow sprinkles. She wore a light ivory camisole dress that came just above her knees. Her soft brown hair was in clean curls and pushed behind her shoulders. For once she seemed amazingly comfortable to be able to wear what she wants and when she wants. No matter what it was, I adored her attire. "Did you sleep well last night?" she asked after a few sips.
"Oh yeah, I sure did." I was unaware that my mouth was full and some ice cream almost splattered onto Mom's dress.
Mom chuckled and cleaned it up with one swipe of a paper towel. "I'm very pleased to hear that, sweetheart. Any plans or heard from anybody lately?"
I took a quick glance out the window and briskly checked my cell. A few messages from Kyle, but nothing important. "Nothing yet," I told her. "But something should be up soon."
Mom nodded and sipped some more, probably thinking. After a few minutes she said, "Don't worry, I'm sure of it. You know, Daphne told me she's been wanting to have a sleepover for some time now. She is eager to visit again."
Daphne is the new student who joined us in third grade. Although she was shy but caring, she quickly felt comfortable hanging out in our group: me, Kyle, Stan, Kenny and Eric. She hangs with Wendy but not as much. Strangely enough she has been mostly around Kyle. I never bothered to ask since she may be a personal type. Daphne sees me as her brother and we have several things in common. The last time we talked in person was about a week ago as we went to Sizzlers to celebrate our last day of school.
I gave Mom a skeptical gaze. I never recalled Daphne asking to spend the night not even once. "Oh, she is? I don't think she mentioned it to me."
"It would be wonderful," said Mom, smiling widely. "As long as she isn't busy or going out of town soon."
I thought about it for a minute. I love sleepovers, but I never had it with a girl. My hands trembled lightly as I picked up my phone and tapped on Daphne's name and opened the message chat. Maybe she is waiting for me to bring it up. It's worth a shot. With that I sent her an inquiry invite and looked back at Mom, who was still smiling with a hand under her chin.
"It's also perfect weather outside," she said. "How about we go for a walk? And maybe grab some snacks?"
"Oh boy! I sure do!" I said, nearly jumping out of my seat.
"Good. But let's finish our milkshakes first and then walk it off."
The next several minutes were full of silence except us moving our milkshake glasses on the table. Summer break plans raced through my mind. It was a fresh new start and I wanted it to be like a milestone. Go to an island resort or rent a cabin for a couple of days. Last summer the only exciting thing I did was visit my aunt Nellie for a month. She lives all the way in Los Angeles, which is about a 2 hour flight from South Park. Our town's weather is pretty bipolar, so I find it best to often visit other vacation spots. This year didn't fully warm up until the end of April, and my house is insanely cold in most areas because it's hardwood floor.
"Mom?" I asked, breaking the silence. "What do you want to do this summer?"
Mom shrugged lightly. "Nothing in particular. What about you? Do you have something in mind?"
"Well, um, I was thinking if we could visit my aunt Nellie. I think you will like her."
"Does she live in South Park?" Mom asked.
"No… In California." I sighed and looked at my lap.
"Oh, well that's pretty far from here, sweetheart. I don't think we can do that."
"It's no worries. I can deal with it." It was a big deal, but I didn't want to upset Mom. She probably isn't a road trip or travel person, and I wanted to help her open up to some things that I like. Aunt Nellie always knew how to make my days a blast.
A second later my phone buzzed on the table. I took a deep breath and looked at the screen. A message from Daphne. It would have startled me and made me choke if I were slurping my milkshake at the time. I opened the chat and scanned her text and looked up eagerly at Mom. "She said yes."
"Oh that was her? That's amazing!" Mom clapped excitedly. "Chances are we could meet her while we're out."
"That's true." My hopes began to rise from the unexpected acceptance of a visit. We hardly ever had visitors unless it's on a weekend. So far only Kyle, Daphne and Stan have come over. None of them have spent the night… I don't think. I occasionally miss being their neighbor, but every time I reminisce I can't always get my parents out of my mind. Even if nobody ever comes over I'm thankful for Miss Honey, the best teacher to ever be hired at South Park Elementary. She made third grade an uplifting year with the fun activities we mostly do on Fridays.
"It's been a while since you had company," Mom told me. "But I understand if you rather be alone because of what you went through."
"No, really, thank you. I'd love to invite Daphne over. I mean I owe her for inviting me to eat out for a end-of-the-school-year treat. And she has supported us."
"Alright." Mom laughed and finished her milkshake. "Just let me know when you're ready and we can go."
I found myself slurping my milkshake a bit too fast. It almost had whipped cream stuck inside my straw but I broke through.
"Leopold, don't drink too fast…"
I was going to protest but was interrupted by a loud burp that could have shattered our drinking glasses. I covered my mouth in an instant, and giggled. "I'm sorry, excuse me."
"Oh, Butters," Mom said, joining in the round of laughter. "No worries."
It took about two minutes for us to settle down. "Now I'm ready." I put my phone in my pocket, hopped out of my chair and walked to the kitchen sink to place my glass in the sink. It was only those two glasses we just finished. We had a lot of dishes to wash last night.
"Don't worry about cleaning it. I can do it when we get back," Mom assured.
"Ok." I joyfully trotted to the front door to put on my tennis shoes. It might be too hot outside for closed shoes but I didn't care. I only have two pairs of sandals and I only wear them coming to and from wherever I go swimming. As I finished tying my laces, Mom came and slid on a pair of flats that elegantly matched her dress.
"Come on, sweetie," Mom said, holding my hand as we walked out of the house.
I held on as I slipped my other arm around her arm, enjoying her soft and subtle figure.