Chapter 2: Kamron

Friday came too slowly for my taste. I loved spending time at the Braedon’s house, and it had nothing to do with Rose. Nope. I do not have a huge crush on her. Okay, so I’m in love with her. When we were younger, Kimi and I would both sleep in her room, but then puberty hit. Suddenly I was relegated to the couch, and I felt lonely. Still, I get to chill with Rose all weekend, provided the demon M&Ms don’t interfere with their torture devices and clown paint again.

Mom was going over last minute details with Kimi, Mina, and I as we were all packing. Sarina was planning on going to the same university as Rayan, and wanted to get familiar with the campus. Gayl University is a small school in Northern Wisconsin that caters to our unique community.

“Now, you two need to keep a close eye on Mina,” Mom was saying. “She could begin any day now, and if Sarina’s tour wasn’t this weekend, we wouldn’t even dream of leaving her without us. If she starts, you two need to get her out and be with her. I love Harold and Georgia, but I don’t need them to know that much about us. I don’t even think they want to know that about us.”

“Don’t worry, Mom,” Kimi said, placing a hand on Mom’s in comfort. “I’ll take good care of her and make sure she has everything she needs. I remember when I started, and how you held me telling me everything was going to be alright, and that it was just a natural part of growing up.”

“Lucky.” I grumbled. “Dad just told me to suck it up and embrace it.” Kimi stuck her tongue out at me. 

I felt a smack on the back of my head. “It worked, dinnit?” My dad asked as he came in from behind me. I growled a little. Dad growled back.

“We should get next door,” Mina said. “Mal told me she got some new nail polish colors yesterday, and I can’t wait to try them on Kam!”

“Try them on yourself!” I shouted at Mina as she ran out the door. “Dad, don’t leave me with these she-devils! I won’t survive!” I pleaded, and Dad chuckled.

“Go on. Git!” He said. Kimi and I grabbed our duffle bags and headed next door. 

Mina had already raced in and ditched her stuff in Mallory’s room. Kimi and I also just made ourselves at home with a simple, “Hi, Mrs. Braedon!” as we walked in and dumped our stuff in Rose’s room. Her room was pretty nice. It had a white daybed with a trundle for when Kimi and I spent the night, and pale walls. I think Rose called the color lilac. I was colorblind, so I couldn’t tell. She had put up some posters of her favorite bands and actors. Kimi’s room was similar.

“So,” Rose started before I interrupted her.

“Horror movie marathon! Classics like Halloween, Pet Sematary, and Friday the 13th!” 

The girls looked at me as if I’d grown an extra head. I knew they hated horror films, but I had to try.

Rose tapped her elegant finger the color of cinnamon on her luscious lips. “I was thinking more along the lines of the six hour Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma with Gwenneth Paltrow, and Mansfield Park.” Her lips lifted in a smirk. I groaned and face planted onto her bed. She really knew where to hit a man where it counts.

“I might as well get a m**i-pedi from the M&Ms.” I grumbled into her bedding.

Kimi and Rose’s laughter rang around the room. “I’ll protect you from the big bad 12 year olds,” my angel of a sister said. “I might even change Rose’s mind on the movies as well.” That perked me up. “Romantic dramedies, anyone?” My sister is evil.

Rose’s musical laughter surrounded me. “Well, if you don’t like Kimi’s idea, I suppose we could always start with Mel Brooks movies and go from there.”

I jumped up with my hand outstretched. “Deal!” I said.