Writers Around the World - Anthology (Volume One)

Chapter 1

  Sometimes, I swear that morning comes way too fast. I lay in bed, and contemplate whether or not I should actually get up. Maybe if I just lay here, I can prolong the inevitably boring day I’m about to spend with Sera. How much fun is this actually going to be? Just get through the day, that’s the goal. If I can do that, then I get to see Evan. That makes everything okay. My trail of thought is then interrupted by my cell phone ringing.

  “Hello,” I say groggily.

  “Ava, get your butt out of bed and pick me up,” Sera demands.

  “How do you know I’m still in bed?”

  “Hmm, I’ve known you since kindergarten. Most days you need a good kick in the butt to get you up and going.”

  “Alright, alright. I’ll be on my way shortly.”

  Geez, sometimes I wonder if she knows me better than I know myself. I force myself out of bed and try to hurry to get ready. I put on my favorite skinny jeans, a band tee shirt, my Vans sneakers, and a hoodie sweater, just in case it gets cold up there. Hmm, should I bring my outfit for tonight with? Then I can just change at Sera’s. It’ll save some time. That way, maybe we can actually make it there before Evan’s band goes on stage. But what am I going to wear!? Probably should have thought of that last night. I rummage through my closet, and finally decide on my blue plaid skirt that I got from Hot Topic and a black tank top. What can I say, I really like blue!

  I am surprised Sera hasn’t called me back yet, demanding to know what’s taking me so long. She does know what a task it is for me to get myself ready to go, no matter where we’re going. I debate whether or not to eat something before I leave, but decide against it. We can stop for donuts and coffee on our way out to her uncle Mat’s farm. Mmmm, donuts! Hush stomach, we’ll eat soon.

  I pull into Sera’s driveway, hop out of the car, and walk up to the front door. I don’t even have time to put my hand on the doorknob before Sera flings the door open, and looks at me. Clearly she was getting impatient.

  “Get in here now and help me load this stuff up into your car.”

  “Stuff, what stuff?” I ask.

  “I packed us a lunch. I thought we could find somewhere to have a nice picnic. It’s going to be such a beautiful day, so I figured why not?”

  There is a cooler, with enough food to feed a small army, a few blankets, a basket with paper plates, plastic silverware, cups, napkins, plus she has her backpack filled with who knows what else.

  I swear, that girl over does everything. At least she’s always prepared, but what does she expect is going to happen?

  I pick up the backpack and blankets, turn to her and say, “Geez woman, what do you have in here, bricks?”

  “Haha, no! A first aid kit, camera, extra batteries, iPod and speakers, sunscreen. You know-the basics.”

  We finally get the car loaded up and are ready to head out. Almost forgot about breakfast! “Sera, I didn’t eat anything before I came to get you. I didn’t have time. Can we stop somewhere and grab some donuts or whatever on the way out of town?” I ask, hoping she doesn’t mind.

  “Yeah, that sounds good. I figured you wouldn’t have time to eat, so I didn’t eat anything either. I knew your stomach wouldn’t let you wait until lunch time. I wish I knew how you stayed so skinny, considering you eat constantly.”

  “I do not!” I exclaim, rolling my eyes.

  “Ava, shut your mouth and get us to the bakery, stat! I‘m starving!”

  “Yes, ma’am. You don’t have to tell me twice,” I say as I slide into the driver's seat.

  We pull into a parking spot right in front of the bakery and head inside. It isn’t very busy at this hour, so we get our breakfast and are out at the farm in no time.

  Sera’s right. It is beautiful outside today. Perfect picnic weather. We haven’t done that in such a long time. Almost makes me feel like a kid again. With no worries and no stress. I miss those days.

  Mat has the balloon out in the field, all ready for us to go.

  Thank goodness for that! I don’t want to have to do all that work. Sweaty isn’t something I want to get today, since I’m seeing Evan later. Gross! Not that he’d care, but I do.

  “Are you girls excited to finally be going out on your own?” Mat asks, almost a little too enthusiastically.

  “Oh yes, we are! Aren’t we Ava?” Sera says, beaming.

  I give her a dirty look, but nod, just so we can get this over with.

  “You’re pretty fast learners. I’m proud of you for that. You enjoy yourselves today. You deserve it! You do have your cell phones with you, right? Just in case something happens?”

  “Yes,” we say in unison.

  Like we’d really go anywhere without them.

  “Thanks again, Uncle Mat, for teaching us. We really appreciate it. Come on Ava, let’s get our gear in the basket, so we can get out and enjoy ourselves.” She is already heading over to the car.

  I better get over there and help her, before she throws a fit.