Untitled
Part 1
My best guy friend, Sam, threw a piece of popcorn in my direction. I skillfully caught it in my mouth, and threw a piece back in his direction. We had too much time on our hands.
“Hey, you wanna do something?” I suggested. “We are doing something.” Sam said back, throwing a piece of popcorn in the air and trying to catch it in his mouth. I rolled my eyes. Then, I got up and stretched. I played in his dark brown hair. It was really soft, and I was about the only person that he lets play in it. I took his hands and pulled him out of the seat he was sitting in at my kitchen table. “Let’s go to your house. We can jump on the trampoline.”
Sam sighed, but I knew he couldn’t resist. He loved the trampoline, and wouldn‘t pass up a time to jump on it, or, as we were doing more nowadays, just hanging out there. Even if it was on his laziest day. I’ve known him forever, and I know that he loves the trampoline that much because his dad got it for him. His dad died a when he was ten, and we’re fourteen now. He didn’t have the heart to give up the old trampoline, especially since he felt that it was one of the best memories he had of his dad. He was hesitant to let me jump on the trampoline after his dad had died; it was like this sacred thing to him. But, after awhile, he gave in and we would spend hours on it on good summer days. I remember his little sister saying to me with envy “You sure must be special. I have to BEG for him to let me have a couple minutes on that dumb trampoline.” And, well, I DID feel special, being able to share something that important to him.
Anyways, he finally gave in and we made our way to my front door. Slipping on my flip flops, I opened my door. Feeling the hot summer air hit me in the face, I almost felt like turning around to sit in the kitchen some more. But Sam was already out the door. I closed the door and followed him to his house, which was diagonally across the street from my house. He has a two-story and I’ve always loved being there to hang out. He has such a cute family (especially since Sam‘s mom got remarried), like the kind seen on Disney Channel or on other kid shows. His family has always been welcoming, and I’ve kind of become part of the family. Being around my dysfunctional family always made me grateful to have a ‘side family’ that was actually ideal. And that I liked being with.
Walking into the kitchen, I was welcomed by Sam’s little sister, Taylor. She’s nine, and adorable. “Hey guys!” She said while twirling in her pink tutu and matching ballet shoes. For as long as I’d known her, she’s wanted to be a ballerina. “Hey, Tay. You’re looking so professional already.” I smiled. She beamed. We went to the kitchen, where, as usual, Sam’s big brother Michael was searching through the fridge. He’s sixteen and always hungry. He popped his head up. “Sup, Sam. Nugget.” he said, referring to me. He calls me Nugget because every time I was over their house for dinner and Sam’s mom got takeout, I would get chicken nuggets and I would devour them. Michael would always chuckle watching me eat, and mumble, “One day the girl’s gonna turn into a nugget…” I didn’t mind him calling me that though.
“Hey Mike.” I said, blushing. Oh yeah, and I’ve always kind of had a crush on him. He had dark brown flippy hair like Sam, but his eyes were greenish-gray, as opposed to a hazel color like Sam’s and the rest of his family. They were gorgeous, and I always got lost in them. Sam rolled his eyes at my reaction, and waited for me to come back to earth. I knew I never had a chance with Michael, but I still always hoped. I could only dream for a guy like him. He was tall, and, well, just the ideal boyfriend. Sam was like a shorter and less cute version of him, and when I told Sam this when we were little, he got insulted and would bug me about how he could become more ‘manly’. I chuckled at this memory and Sam turned to look at me.
“What?” he said accusingly. “Nothing, nothing.” I said dismissively. “Tell me.” Sam demanded. He didn’t like being left out on a joke. “It’s nothing, just thought about something.” Mike shrugged and turned back to the fridge. Sam grunted and hopped onto the granite island that was in the center of his kitchen. “Hey, get me some iced tea while you’re in there.” he said to Mike. Michael dug around in the fridge and came out with a pitcher of iced tea. He thrust it at Sam, who hopped off the island to get glasses. He poured us each a glass and we stood around sipping from them. Sam and I were stalling from going back outside; even though he loved the trampoline, he also kind of hated hot weather.
“Oh, yeah, I want a rematch in volleyball.” Mike said to me. I play volleyball for our high school team, and Mike, being athletic and all, practices with me sometimes. I, of course, was not going to pass up an opportunity to practice with him. “’Kay.” I smiled. Sam snorted.
Just then, Sam’s mom walked in with grocery bags. “Oh, hello, Nicole.” she said to me, smiling brightly. “Hi, Mrs. Peterson.” I said politely, smiling back. Mrs. Peterson loved me, and Sam told me when we were twelve that she wished we would end up together. I don’t know if she still wants that, seeing as how it’s been two years. Considering how happy she always is to see me, I’d say yes. But me and Sam, we didn’t like each other. We knew it would be awkward liking each other like that.
“Need some help with those groceries?” I asked her. “Oh, no, no, you kids go have fun.” she said, shooing us. “C’mon, Nikki.” Sam said, pulling me out the back door that separated the kitchen from the backyard.
ehh. yes? no?