Apart, but not forever

Chapter 5

Lilah

I lay there watching the fan on my bedroom ceiling go round and around. I could hear the soft tick, tick, tick as it spun. I was mentally preparing myself for the day ahead. A lot of the homework I was given yesterday was stuff we had already covered at my last school, so it wasn't anything too strenuous.

I turned my head, glancing at the clock sitting on my bedside table. 7:15AM. I could already hear my Mum downstairs in the kitchen with Emma, whining about what was available for breakfast. I was cutting my time to get ready fine if i laid here any longer.

I rolled myself out of my bed and shuffled into the bathroom across the hall.

I stood in the shower letting the warm water soothe my tired muscles. One day back at school and the early morning wake-ups had me exhausted. Violet was calm from her run last night. I got into a routine of sitting on the tire swing on one of the back trees after a Violet had a run to read, but last night I had this weird feeling of being watched, so I didn't hang around like I usually do.

After showering, I changed into my blue jeans and simple black singlet. I quickly brushed my hair and threw it up into a loose bun before heading down to grab some breakfast. Mum always insisted on making me breakfast before school. It usually only lasted a few days/the first week before she got too busy and cereal was the back up option. I was still currently enjoying the cooked breakfast while it lasted.

"You cannot seriously expect me to eat that for breakfast!" Emma whined to my Mum as I entered the kitchen. "There is no way I am eating that many carbs so early in the morning! I have a reputation to keep, Sarah!" Emma continued while I kept my head down and went to the fridge, trying to keep out of trouble.

Mum smiled at me as I walked past her.

"Just eat your breakfast and get ready for school Emma." Mum sighed, handing me a plate of eggs and sliced avocado on toast. I sat at the bench with the plate and fetched a glass of apple juice from the fridge. Emma stormed out, we heard the bathroom door slam shut as she went back in.

"How are you this morning?" Mum turned her attention to me.

" OK." I replied between mouthfulls.

"How was school yesterday? Did you find out about the soccer team?" Mum questioned.

"Yea, Coach Lowe said I can join their seniors team! Practice starts after school tonight." I smiled between mouthfuls of breakfast.

"That's excellent news!" Mum squealed excitedly. I knew she wanted me to be happy here, she felt guilty for making me move away from everything I had ever known.

Mum busied herself cleaning up the dishes while I ate in silence. I wondered how it was possible for one woman to use so many dishes, making a simple egg, avocado and toast dish...

Darren and Emma walked into the kitchen together. You could cut the tension with a knife.

"What is going on?" Mum asked Darren when he sat down at the breakfast bar with his morning coffee.

"Emma wants to go to another party this weekend. I said no." Darren replied, taking a sip of his coffee. Emma groaned from the doorway where she stood with her arms crossed and a pout on her face.

She looks like a petulant little child. Violet comments. I can't help but agree with her.

"I have an idea!" Mum chimes in excitedly. Both Darren and Emma look at her with bored, frustrated expressions. Clearly, this is a common argument in this household.

"Well," Mum continues warily, "Lilah is still making new friends, so maybe Emma could take Lilah to the party with her? Step-sisterly bonding?" Mum offers, "She could introduce Lilah to some of her friends?"

My mouth drops open. She did not seriously throw me in front of that moving bus!

A party would be fun! Violet shrieks. She knows that I would much prefer to stay home with my books and oodie.

"I can't tell if you are being serious Sarah..." Emma spat. Darren glared a warning at her.

Mum simply smiled and shrugged her shoulders before returning to her mountain of breakfast dishes.

"I think that is a great idea, my love!" Darren looked at my Mum with adoration in his eyes, "Emma, you can go to the party if you take Lilah with you." He said finally, smiling from ear to ear.

If ever a glare could burn a hole right through you, the one Emma was aiming my way would. I looked at my Mum nervously.

You can be serious! I link to Mum so no one else can hear.

It'll be good for you. You might even meet a nice boy! Mum encourages.

You're supposed to warn me away from boys! You've got your roles mixed up. I answer sarcastically.

I notice her suppess a coy smile in response. She has always been on me about getting out of the house and socializing. She says: 'You'll never experience anything if you are always home reading, reading is not experiencing.'

"Fine!" Emma groans, picking up her bag and stomping out to the car. I follow behind her.

"Thanks Lilah." Darren whispers as he follows me out of the front door. I simply nod back.

"Well done today Lilah!" Coach Lowe says as we pack up the equipment from my first after-school soccer practice.

"Isn't she a gun!" Monica chirps, throwing the bibs into the bag, "She's a little pocket rocket!" she compliments.

"Our first game is in three weeks." Coach Lowe continues, "Do you think you'll be ready by then?"

"I should be!" I respond, excited to be back on a team.

"Just make sure your grades are good and your spot will be secured." Coach Lowe explains matter of factly.

"That won't be a problem..." One of the other girls, Julie, I think her name was, added. "I heard Lilah is taking senior Maths and Chemistry." I felt myself blush. Were people really talking about me that much?

"Really?" Coach Lowe sounded surprised.

"Yea. I was taking them at my old school, so I am lucky Red Shadows High will let me continue here." I explained.

"You interested in tutoring? I've got a few seniors from the boys soccer team whose grades are looking a little low." Coach Lowe asked.

"Sure." I smiled. I wouldn't mind a little extra money and tutoring is pretty much just studying with someone else most of the time anyway.

"That sounds like a good gig to me!" Monica winked at me. Coach Lowe shook his head and threw the bag of soccer balls into the sports shed.

I like the way she thinks! Violet adds. I roll my eyes.