Morning light streamed in, travelled through the windows, gently tracing her face; all the way to her back. He tapped her awake.
Her ears wiggled to tweeting outside. She slowly opened her eyes, stretched her hands to see the time and yawned.
She rested her back against the headboard. She scratched, ruffling her locks, they shinned in the light. Solana rubbed her face and wondered. 'Don't I have school today?'
Her legs searched for her slippers, he put them on and went to freshen herself.
She climbed down the stairs.
'Why is it so quiet?' She softly walked to the kitchen, 'Where is Dad?' She searched the whole house even the dusty garage. His car wasn't in the garage. 'Maybe he went to work or something'
Solana walked into the kitchen, on the fridge, she found a note that wasn't there yesterday. She read it.
'Goodmorning Solana,
You looked so peaceful when you were sleeping, I didn't want to wake you up. Anyway I think it would be a waste of time and fuel to send you to school, they won't be teaching you anything and since it's the last week. I think it would be better if you stay home and think about your college application.
I left some pancakes for you on the kitchen counter, you can help yourself to some chocolate syrup... I won't stop you! haha
You can call me if there is any emergency, I will be back soon.
Take care of yourself,
Love ya'
Kisses emoji at the end of the letter.
Solana's eyes searched the kitchen, she found it near the sink. She opened the lid, she sniffed. "Yummy"
She put the plate in the microwave, pressed the buttons, 'beep' 'beep'
Solana stared at the dish inside the microwave, it went round and round. And finally it stopped. "Beep Beep"
She took the plate out, and brought out the chocolate syrup, she sprayed a swirls on the piping hot pancakes. 'splok' 'splok'
And covered the whole pancakes in chocolate. And poured herself a glass of orange juice. She took her plate and juice to the table.
She scrapped the chocolate off her stack of pancakes with her finger, she licked it.
"Hmm, Delicious"
After she had her breakfast, she walked to the living room, she went through the CDs on the television shelf. "Hmm"
Her phone buzzed on the table, it was a text from Matt. 'Oh' Solana gasped.
'hehehe, I forgot about him'
She stared at the phone's screen, she pressed the keyboard. 'Ahh, how should I type 'Hello'?'
Solana's finger pressed each character like an elderly person. 'Ah what a pain?'
Matt: Yo! What's up?
Solana: Hello!
Matt: What are you doing?
Solana: Just had breakfast! watching TV
Matt: Wait! You are at home?
Solana: Yeah
Matt: Lucky! I'm still stuck at school!
...
Matt: It's so boring, Mrs.Heather is teaching us History.... ugh
Solana: HAHA
Solana surfed the television set, she pressed the buttons on the remote, the screen flickered as she changed the channels before stopping. A music video was played on the screen, it was Justin Beiber. He was singing.
The phone lightly buzzed on the sofa,
Matt: So, will you be there at 6?
Solana: Yes, I haven't informed my Dad yet. I will let you know.
Matt: Oh... then bye
Solana: Bye 'Smiley emoji'
Solana sighed, she slouched her back on the sofa, like a couch potato. She watched tv. She perked, she walked to the kitchen, she opened the cabinet and pulled out a chips packet.
Solana grabbed a bowl under the island table, she ripped the packet open and poured it into the bowl. And headed back to the living room.
Her feet paused in the middle of the way, she heard the clinging of keys outside and the doorknob suddenly turned. 'creak' Light entered the room, Solana walked to see who it was.
It was Dad, he had a guitar case strapped to his back, with a smile on his face, he entered the room. "Honey, I am home"
Solana eyes scruntched, she adjusted to the light, she rushed to hug Henry, her Dad.
He streched his hand out, he said "Hold on! I am a bit sweaty" he pinched his wet shirt.
Solana said "What did you bring? What's that?" she pointed at the case on the floor.
Henry said "That is a surprise, oh here put this in the fridge" He passed the shopping bags to Solana, she peeked in and smiled. It was Ben&Jerry's icecream.
Henry winked, he said "That's for after food"
Solana walked to the kitchen carrying the bags with a skip in her steps. She hummed, "la-la la"
Henry sneakily hid the guitar case near the garage door. He pushed a pot of plants to cover the case.
===
An hour later, Solana was watching TV while Henry cooked lunch for both of them.
Solana heard sizzling, she smelled the aroma, she patted her roaring stomach.
Her feet ran to the kitchen, she said "Daddy, is the food ready? I am hungry!"
She leaned on the table, while Henry was stirring the pot. He said "Wait a minute, Solana" The timer ringed, Henry opened the oven under the stove, he pulled a tray, covered with aluminum foil and laid it on the table.
He removed his oven mittens, he blew his breath on his hands. "Hot Hot!!!"
A few moments later, they were on the dining table. Solana was seated opposite of him.
After they ate, Henry went to answer the phone in his office and Solana helped herself to an extra serving of strawberry ice cream. She licked the ice cream spoon.
====
"So boring, I have nothing to do!" Solana said, she rested on her bed.
I have to ask Dad, she got on her feet. She walked to his office, she knocked his door before entering.
Henry was typing behind his laptop, when Solana came in. He said "Solana what is it?"
Solana said "It is nothing, I was invited to play games at Matt's house."
Henry said "Oh, is it far from here?"
Solana said "I am not sure, maybe two or three streets from here"
Henry paused his work, he said "what time? Will his parents be home?"
Solana without getting flustered, she said "At 6:30 today!" "I don't know about that"
Henry said "I don't think I can drop you off, I am kinda busy with work. Why don't you ride yourself there? And I mean on your cycle!"
Solana said "Ok, Thanks Dad"
Henry said "Don't forget to be home by 8:30"
She closed his door and she responded "Yes, Dad" she walked to her room.
In her room, she searched her closet for something to wear.
She wore long black pants, a pink foral blouse with a light brown purse strapped to her shoulder. And wore socks and white sneakers. She combed and styled few strands of her hair into plats and tied her hair together with a hair clip.
She checked the time, it was 5:00 pm. She shouted "Bye Dad" and went out, she pushed her cycle through the garage door.
'I wonder if I can still ride this thing'
Her forehead creased, had her hands on her hips. She stared at her challenging cycle.
"Oh well, I should just give it a try!"
She tried to remember how did the previous Solana ride the cycle.
She unsteadly sat on the bicycle, she rested her feet on the ground and balanced herself.
'Oh I remember she wore a strange hat! Maybe that will help' She took it from the cycle's basket, she tied the helmet to her head. 'Now I am ready' she pushed her legs and gripped the steering.
Solana closed her eyes and chanted.
'No fear, no fear'
The cycle went by itself. She opened her eyes, she was surprised. She said "Ah, I did it. I am doing it" She pushed the pedal and went in circles.
Solana tensed, "Wait, how should I stop this thing?"
Her finger curled, they pressed the brakes, the cycle stopped and tipped sideways with Solana.
"Ouch" She rubbed her thigh and hip.
She slowly rised to her feet. "I think, I got it now"
Solana tried again, she pushed and pedaled her cycle. She laughed "Haha, I got it"
She stopped the cycle, she thought aloud "Which way is Matt's house? maybe I should give him a call"
She took her phone out from her purse, she tapped and pressed her contact icon, she swiped and called him. She put the phone near her ear.
The phone beeped. Matt answered.
"Hello Solana"
"Hi, Matt" Solana said.
"Where exactly is your house?"Solana said.
"It's on the mason street, the Callister house 152"
"Ok, bye" she ended the call.
She looked around and found a few signs, she cycled slowly. She passed a middle aged woman, Solana asked her.
"Excuse me Miss, Which way to the mason street?" The woman, pointed to the right, she said to go straight then turn left once she passes the brook street.
Solana smiled and thanked the woman for the directions. She cycled away.
She wiped the sweat off her face, she panted. "Oh here it is!" She stopped in front of the Callister house.
Before she walked through the gate, "Yo, Solana! Yo Solana"
Solana turned and saw Michelle in her pink sports attire. Michelle waved her hands and ran to Solana.
Michelle said. "Hey, what are you doing?"
Solana said "Play Games at Matt's house"
Michelle covered her mouth, she gasped, her eyes widened. She said "What??" "Matt's house"
Solana said "Yeah, what's wrong?"
Michelle said "Didn't you say that you don't like him? what changed your mind? wait, don't tell me" Michelle closed her eyes and thought hard, she said "You like Matt, right?"
Solana brows snapped together, she said "No, I don't."
"Really?" Michelle eyes bored into her.
Solana smiled wrly, she said "Yeah, I don't"
Michelle patted her chest, she sighed in relief, she said "Oh, thank God"
'Thank God for what?' Solana thought.
"So, what are you doing here?"
Michelle said "I was having my evening run, you know a girl has to keep herself in good shape"
"Oh" Solana walked and knocked Matt's door. A second later, she heard Matt's voice.
"Mom wait!! I will open the door"
The door opened, Matt said "Hey, Solana come in" He made way for Solana to enter, he saw Michelle.
Matt's sight shifted to the girl behind Solana, he said "Michelle what are you doing here?"
Michelle said "Oh, just jogging. Can I join you guys?"
Matt said "Sure, come in"
Michelle blushed, she ducked her head to avoid Matt's stare.
Solana and Michelle relaxed themselves on the couch, Michelle waved her hand to cool herself. Matt was adjusting the television set, the screen flicked on. The game introduction was played. Matt said "So, what do you guys want to play?"
Solana said "Anything is fine"
Michelle said at the same time, "Battlefield"
"Ok, but I only have two consoles" he passed the PS3 consoles to them.
"Wait, let me check my room for a spare"
Matt ran.
Solana scanned the room, she saw Michelle texting on her phone.
A middle aged lady with short black hair tied into a pony tail entered the room. She resembled a bit like Matt, she was wearing an apron and was carrying a tray of cookies and snacks.
She said "Hello, you must be Matt's friends!"
She laid the tray down, before greeting us.
Solana smiled, said "Hello Madam, I am Solana" Michelle said "Hello, Auntie!"
Matt's mother said "You can call me Rita, it is so nice to meet you, young ladies. What would you like to drink?" "Soda or juice"
Michelle said "7up would do!" Solana said "Lemonade would be fine, Rita"
Solana had a bite of her chocolate chip and hazelnut cookies and a slice of fruit cake. Solana said "Rita your cookies are awesome!"
Michelle also said "Yeah, it is epic! I wished my mom could bake such cookies"
Rita said "Really? Thank you" She came back and served their drinks. Matt came running into the room. "Guys, I found one!" He connected it to the gaming system.
Matt grabbed a cookie and stuffed it into his mouth. He said "Game begins!" He sat in between Solana and Michelle. Michelle face redened, she took a deep breath.
Solana was puzzled, she said "Err, how to play this?" and showed the console to Matt. He showed her what each button does. They then continued played, Solana lost the first round. 'Wow that is way too fast' 'Ah, no no I am dead'
"NOOO" Matt shouted. Michelle giggled and continued toggling the console.
On the sceen it displayed "Winner Battleaxe45"
Matt said "Michelle how are you so good in this game?"
Michelle had a wide smile, she said "Well, that what happens when you have brothers"
An hour was passed, Solana jumped to her feet, she kept jumping and cheered "I did it, I won"
Matt wined "How did I lose?"
Solana said "Man, that was fun" she drank her lemonade and took another bite of her cookie.
Michelle peeked at Matt, she said "Alright, I am tired... lets play again"
Matt with a sour face, said "No way, we will play a different game" he changed it to a racing game, Dirt 5.
Solana found it easier to play, she said "Hmm, I kinda like this game"
An hour later, Solana checked her phone. She said "Guys it is getting late. I had promised my Dad that I would be home by 8:30" she took another cookie for the road.
"Okay"
Matt paused the game, he walked Solana to the door, Michelle also got up from the couch.
Matt said "Thanks for comin..." Solana hugged him. Matt was shocked.
Solana said "Goodnight Matt, you too Michelle" she waved her hand to them.
Michelle said "You should stay a bit longer... I almost crushed him"
Matt said "Hey, from the looks of it... I won Haha" Michelle pouted and punched his shoulder.
Matt said "Ouch" he rubbed his shoulder.
"Yeah, Bye Goodnight" He closed the door.
Solana walked with her cycle home, she didn't feel like riding in the dark.
It wasn't completely dark, she walked on the path, where the street lights touched.
In the middle of the way, a cycle skidded, a meter away. 'screech'
Solana stretched her eyes, she couldn't make out his outline. Solana tensed. Light footsteps clashed against the concrete pavement as it approached her.
She heard a boyish voice "Amelia, Hey"
Her eyes widened.