Forever Changed

K see you soon J

Deal.

Tossing my phone to the side, I hopped out of bed, more energized than I had been five minutes ago.

I was ready to go with twenty minutes to spare.

“Going out?” My aunt asked, looking at the crossword puzzle on her lap.

“Yeah, I’m hitting the mall.”

“You’re going to the mall three days before Christmas?” she asked, knowing my aversion to the establishment even at the best of times.

“Yeah, I figure I better get you something for Christmas,” I teased, trying to change the subject.

“You don’t have to do that, sweetie,” she said, looking touched.

I instantly felt remorseful that I had almost forgotten to get her something. “Seriously, like I wasn’t going to get you anything,” I said, arching my eyebrow at her.

“Well, that’s sweet of you. Do you need cash?”

“Really? You’re going to offer me money for your gift?”

She laughed. “Just thought I would ask. You’re so self-sufficient, I feel like I’m doing a terrible job.”

“Are you kidding? You’re the best parental figure I’ve ever had.”

She sighed. “I should have stepped in years ago. I’m sorry I let you down.”

“It’s all good. Trust me. The old man would’ve pitched a fit if you had.”

“I promise I’m going to make it up to you.”

“Don’t sweat it,” I said, shooting her a grin. “I’ll catch you later.”

I barreled down the stairs to the first floor and sat on the low brick wall that separated the parking spaces from the small plots of grass in front of the first floor apartments. I dug my drumsticks out of my back pocket and used my knee as a mock drum, tapping out the new song Drake and I had hashed out the night before. It was a slower song than normal for us, but the lyrics Drake had put together were pure genius. The guy definitely had some mad lyrical skills.

“Need a ride?” Kassandra asked, pulling up alongside me.

“Why don’t you park and we’ll take my car,” I suggested, pointing to the empty spot next to mine.

“I can drive,” she said.

“That’s okay, I got it,” I said, helping her out of her car.

“Which mall?” I asked, starting up my Toyota.

“I was thinking Altamonte if that’s okay.”

“That’s cool,” I said, merging onto I4 East bound. “So, you’re feeling better?” I asked, maneuvering around a slow sedan that was under the impression the speed limit was only forty-five on the highway.

“Ugh, yes, damn those germy kids,” she said, resting her foot up on the dashboard.

The sexy red nail polish slicked on each of her toes grabbed my attention immediately.

She looked over, busting me. “Nice polish,” I said, grinning at her.

She laughed. “Thanks. That’s one great thing about living in Florida, wearing sandals all year long, so I can paint my toes for any occasion.”