After staring at his reflection for what seemed like an eternity, James decided it was time to get ready. He pressed a generous slob of toothpaste on his toothbrush and set about brushing his teeth. After chugging the water and rinsing his mouth, he nodded and went back to the room. Scrolling on his device, he logged in to his Spotify app and started playing songs from Icarus Crusoe.
The artist was an anonymous music artist from Nigeria who basically made cloud rap and emo rap music. Somehow, his lyrics related to his situations and he realized the reason his brother decided to do music.
Nodding along to the song playing, he stripped himself of the towel and decided to hit the showers.
As he stepped into the shower, the warm water cascaded down his skin, washing away the remnants of the nightmare. His thoughts, however, lingered on the past. He remembered the funeral again. It had been a long day, painful and sad. Yet he recalled the little hand that had slipped around his and the voice that told him to clean his tears. It was Lara Goodman. She was eleven years back then, and although they were classmates at elementary school they had never spoken to each other until that day. She came with her dad, Mr. Cliff Goodman, to pay their respects to the dead and somehow they had held hands till the day was over.
Since then, Lara became a close friend and they practically did everything together. Well, until the vacations. Lara had travelled to Paris with her mother for a fashion show and shopping spree while James was stuck in Morgansville with his father and his meetings. She had returned two days ago but they hadn't gotten any chance to meet just yet.
The sound of his phone ringing broke into his reverie. He turned off the water and grabbed a towel, wrapping it around his waist. Half sprinting into the room he picked up the phone and smiled as he saw Lara Goodman's name flashing on the screen.
"Speak of the devil," He thought.
"Lara, hey," he answered, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil still churning inside him.
"Hey, Jamie! I need your help," Lara said, her voice shrill and high-pitched. "I'm trying to decide between two outfits for school. Can you help me choose?"
James' heart skipped a beat as Lara switched the call to video. Her stunning face filled the screen, and James felt his breath catch. Lara's blonde hair cascaded down her back like a river of gold, and her blue eyes sparkled with warmth. She was wearing her pyjamas and was in her dressing closet. The clothes in there could dress all the models at a fashion audition and still be enough to hand out.
"Of course, I'd be happy to help," James said, trying to play it cool despite the fact that he was practically half nude.
Lara placed her phone on a stand and then held up two dresses, one orange and one blue. James' eyes lingered on the blue one, and he smiled. "Definitely the blue one. You'll look stunning."
Lara laughed, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're biased, James. You didn't even look at the other one."
James grinned. "Maybe a little. But who cares, you look beautiful even without clothes on."
Lara frowned and dropping the orange dress, she gave him the finger. "The blue one, it is. Oh, Jamie, can you pick me up for school? Martinez has got the flu and I possibly can't wait for Mom and Dad - I'll be late for school."
"Sure, of course." He smiled.
"You know I'm a bit jealous. Dad doesn't want me driving till I turn eighteen but that's pretty lame when you think about it."
"He's looking out for you."
"Yeah-yeah, whatever." She rolled her eyes.
"How was Paris, by the way? Climbed the Eiffel Tower?" He asked, trying to probe.
"I'll tell you about it when you come get me. I have to get ready."
As they spoke, James couldn't help but feel a pang of longing. He had been in love with Lara for what felt like an eternity, but he had never mustered the courage to tell her. Maybe it was for the best.
"I'll pick you up soon, okay?" James said, trying to sound casual again, like he wanted the call to end.
"Sounds good. Don't be late," Lara replied, smiling.
As she ended the call, James felt a sense of trepidation. He knew he had to confess his feelings to Lara eventually, but the fear of rejection held him back.
With a sigh, James finished getting dressed - a black shirt with denim trousers, his mind still reeling with thoughts of Lara and the other secrets he kept.
"James, you are going to be late for school." Mrs Hamilton's voice rang out to him, just outside his room.
He sucked in a deep breath and after a quick scan, found his bagpack which he hurriedly picked up. As he made for the door, he had a distinct feeling that the books inside were not complete. But who cares, anyways. It was the first day of school.
"Mrs. Hamilton, I'm sorry, but I'll have to miss breakfast," James called out, the echo of his footsteps thundering down the grand staircase as he darted from his room, the marble floors of the mansion cold under his sneakers.
"Oh, okay, dear. Your father already left for the day. He didn't eat breakfast either," Mrs. Hamilton replied, her voice tinged with a hint of disappointment.
James felt a pang of guilt. He knew how much effort Mrs. Hamilton put into cooking their meals. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Hamilton. I'll make it up to you. I promise." He kissed her on the cheek and ran past.
The morning sun spilled through towering windows, lighting up the two crystal chandeliers above as he bolted through the living room.
As he reached the foyer, James debated which car to take. His eyes landed on the black Ford jeep keys, and he smiled. It was his favorite.
With a wave to Mrs. Hamilton, James headed out the door, the sunlight casting a golden glow over the Bryson mansion.
As he got in and drove away, James felt a sense of anticipation. The new school year was about to begin, and he had a feeling it would be a wild ride.
"Let it begin, then. Let it begin" He exhaled the fresh crisp air. He was ready.