Jane POV

       Absentmindedly strumming my fingers on the steering wheel, I kept my gaze on the streetlight ahead of me. 

       I knew it was going to rain. I glanced up at the greying and dreary sky.

       The breeze had picked up as the sun disappeared, and big, black-bellied clouds loomed over us, threatening downpour at any moment. I felt the flame of excitement light itself inside of me; storms had always been a favorite part of my love of nature.

       Green light.

       Finally. I watched the light as it turned from a red to a green arrow. I began to remove my foot from the brake when I realized the car in front of me had not turned. Why aren't you turning! I thought, annoyed. 

       I wasn't an aggressive driver, but I could be an irritated one when people didn't use their brains like this guy in front of me, who still hadn't progressed forward despite numerous honks coming from behind us.

       Didn't make things better that I was also currently in a rush. I groaned upon seeing the streetlight dim from its ugly yellow to its despised red.

       "Am I boring you?" Lucy's icy sharp tone cut through my internal bitching.

       I jumped, forgetting she was there and alarmed by her tone. "No, I was just-"

       "You haven't been listening at all, have you?" she interrupted, flipping her platinum hair indignantly and turning to stare out the window, clearly displeased.

       "Sorry," I mumbled, flipping on the windshield wipers as the rain began to fall. The light turned green, and I made my turn into the shopping center, driving towards the pet store.

       She shrugged, "Not like I was talking about anything important."

       I wasn't sure if I believed her or not. She knew how to hold a conversation, and when she wanted to be, she could be a great listener and super supportive. However, most of the time, she was either bitching - about anything and everything - or swooning about her newest obsession.

       "I'm sorry, please tell me again?" I asked her. 

       She narrowed her dark blue eyes but graciously humored me; beginning to explain why she really connected with some song lyric she had heard.

       Honestly, I barely knew she was talking at all. She was unintentionally being my background noise, the buzzing I could hear during each individual thought that had whizzed through my brain ever since we had left my house. 

       I remembered when we first left, she was going on about Charlie; one of her elder brothers. After driving for a few minutes though, I had completely spaced. Not that I wasn't interested in Charlie or when she spoke of him, because trust me, I so totally was.

       He was two years older than us but we had grown up together, knowing each other since elementary school.

       I watched him age and mature like a very fine wine, and ever since I was old enough to understand that boys didn't actually have "cooties," I wanted him more than anyone I'd ever wanted before. 

       I had always gotten any boy that piqued my interest, but Charlie was so much more than just another boy. Maybe growing up with him and knowing him as a friend made it more difficult to get to that next level.

       "... And again, it's like you're on a whole different planet," Lucy said, narrowing her eyes - again - and frowning at me.

       I glanced in her direction just in time to glimpse her irritated look. "Sorry, sorry," I huffed as patiently as I could muster. "My mind is in a million places today," I tried explaining as I started to park in the nearest parking spot.

       "Yeah, I guess I get it," she attempted to sympathize while reapplying her dark red lipstick in the sun visor mirror. 

       She totally didn't get it. Like she was the one planning a weekend getaway, ha. 

       "Why are we here again?" she asked, taking in her surroundings and flipping the sun visor shut.

       Now it was my turn to narrow my eyes. "I need dog food," I told her again as we both stepped out of my car; a cute, little pale blue 1984 Volkswagen buggy.

       It was old, yeah, but it was a convertible, lined with a cream colored leather interior that I eventually fixed up to look brand new. It wasn't much, and I had to manually lock the doors, but it was mine and I had paid for it entirely by myself.

       "I can't believe you're bringing him along with us." She tsked, shaking her head as we made our way into the store. "Why do you need to take him everywhere with you?" she condescendingly inquired.

       So much for the sympathy.

       We made our way down the dog food aisle as I began my defense, "First of all, I do not take him everywhere." I crossed my arms, scanning the shelves for the familiar brand I habitually bought. Finally finding it among the sea of dog foods, I grabbed the biggest bag and headed towards the registers.

       "Secondly," I continued, "He loves the lake cabin. We went all the time when he was a pup. It's probably like his second home." I heaved the bag of food onto the counter.

       I had just caught sight of her rolling her eyes before I turned away to greet the cashier with a friendly hello.

       "The big bag is actually on sale this week," the cashier told me, her fiery orange curls bouncing with every breath she took. "Only $24.99," she said robotically.

       I handed her a twenty and a five. "I don't need my penny, thanks," I said before I headed towards the exit, looking over my shoulder only to find Lucy staring at the kittens.

       "Luce," I sighed, before realizing I was going to have to walk over to her.

       Poor girl had wanted an animal for as long as she could remember. Didn't matter what either, she'd be happy with anything from a spider to a lion.

       I approached her, turning my attention to what she was staring at, but not before noticing the look of pure devastation on her normally very soft and pretty face. 

       She was staring into a small room that had been designed with the average kitten in mind. Plenty of noisy toys - mostly bells and squeakers - with lots to climb on, and even more places to hide in.

       Sadly, there was only one young cat lounging lazily on a hammock-like bed. The scribbled little note on the window described him as a '3mo bundle of joy who loves to snuggle, named Oliver.'

       "Suiting name," I said, looking down at the small, fluffy orange and white kitten. I looked back at Lucy only to see her staring at me expectantly like she wanted my approval.

       "Jane, he's only fifty dollars to adopt..." she slowly started on convincing herself, like she did every time. She went through each reason why she could and why she should, and then always talked herself out of it by thinking up each reason why she couldn't and why she shouldn't. 

       "I'm gonna get him," she stated, her voice cutting through my thoughts. 

       Surprised, I refocused to find her smiling at me before she pivoted on her heel to find an employee to help her. I was happy for her, she was finally doing something she had been wanting to do for such a long time.

**********

       "I can't believe you actually adopted him," I said as Oliver rubbed his slim body against my legs.

       Lucy beamed at me, clearly very contented with her 'small' purchase. Her dark eyes glistened, reminding me of the depths of the ocean.

       I bent, scooping Oliver up, petting under his chin and kissing his small head.

       My original plan was to return back to my house and finish packing, but I wasn't sure how Loki would react to a new friend, especially of the feline variety. So we had gone back to Lucy's house instead, deciding it was the best option so we could also set Oliver up in his new home.

       "Okay, I really need to go and finish packing, so just meet me at my house-" I glanced at my wristwatch, "-Around noon?" It was already 10:30, we needed to get going soon.

       She nodded, "Noon, okay. Got it." She was awfully distracted by her new pal, but I was sure she would remember. 

       She had been waiting for this trip for the entire year; this wasn't the first time we had taken time off from our everyday lives to escape to my family's cabin. She enjoyed the time spent there too, no way would she miss the small "End of Summer" gathering I had planned for the weekend. 

       Contented, I walked myself out of her house only, who do I come face to face with? Charlie.

       "Oh, hey," I tried to sound cool and breezy, realizing I probably just sounded like a dork. I really couldn't have thought of anything better to say? I thought, annoyed with myself. 

       "Nice weather, huh?" It was lame, but the weather was always a safe subject for me and the clouds were still threatening the oncoming storm, which I fully took note of.

       "Hi, Jane." He smiled down at me and I swear he blushed as he sighed my name. "Are you being facetious?" he asked.

       I met my eyes to his, they were a pale crystal blue right now, a darker blue rimming his pupils - reminding me of Loki's. Damn, they were breathtaking. I struggled to keep the drool in my mouth whilst I fumbled for words, realizing too late that I had gotten lost in the depths of his eyes. 

       Eventually, I realized a small smirk had formed on his lips and I tried speaking, tripping horrendously over my words. "Uh, no, actually. I suppose not. I, uh, I like the rain..." I said, surprised for feeling silly as I admitted my love of rainy days to such a seemingly sunny person. 

       I quickly tried changing the subject, "You're still coming along... right? This weekend?" I wondered if he could hear how hard and fast my heart was throbbing because it flooded my ears like a deafening drum.

       His eyes never left mine, and he finally nodded, smiling. "Yeah, wouldn't miss it. Your big end of summer finale, right?" he teased, a smirk beginning to cross his face.

       I smiled and nodded, noticing the rain beginning to drizzle a bit harder now. "That's right, I'm hoping to make this one memorable." I winked, turning to make my way down the driveway and into my car.

       He was still staring back at me, a surprised smile had replaced his earlier smirk. I waved, rolling down my window and shouting, "My place at noon!" as I was backing out.

       Wow! I drove in the direction of my neighborhood. I still didn't quite understand how I could have been so bold towards him, but I was also pretty relieved he didn't seem the least bit repulsed by it. 

       I thought about it some more, coming to the conclusion that my remark could have been meant in more than one way; therefore, it could also be taken in more than one way. I decided not to fret, mostly because I didn't feel like I had embarrassed myself in the least. 

       By the time I was pulling into my driveway five minutes later, I had completely switched mindset gears. I went from hopeful romantic and possible over thinker, to strict and slightly OCD fueled travel-bag packer. Especially since I wasn't just packing for myself.

      I grabbed the bag of dog food and made my way inside. Loki greeted me as soon as I entered; full of tail wags, open-mouthed smiles and friendly, welcoming barks and licks. He was an Alaskan Malamute and he was my very best friend. 

       My parents adopted him from some friends of theirs when he was only a puppy, but he soon became more attached to me than to them and eventually, they just ended up giving him to me to help with my "responsibility needs." 

       I was sixteen, so it was the perfect present. Who wouldn't want a puppy as a 'Sweet Sixteen' birthday gift? I sure did. Ever since then we were the best of pals. Seven years counting and going strong!

       After putting the dog food on the counter, I removed my wet jacket, hanging it in the laundry room before giving him the necessary attention he sought. He sat and looked up at me, waiting for me to make my move so he could shadow me as always.

       I sighed and laughed, rubbing his head. "Good boy," I murmured before walking up the stairs and down the narrow hallway into my bedroom. I walked over to open the window, the smell of rain and the sound of a light drizzle greeted me. I took a deep breath and sighed, content.

       I pulled my hair loose and flopped down on my bed. Loki followed suit and jumped up, making himself comfortable. 

       I rolled over, looking at him and realized my face was only a couple inches from his nose. He licked my face and continued to just stare at me. I was seriously content and a well-deserved nap was definitely on my to-do list.

       I sighed, although I had some serious OCD, I had the curse of occasionally being a procrastinator. Let's face it, sometimes I just felt lazy, which I guess then did add fire to the procrastination. I groaned and got up, opening up my old trunk to begin packing. 

       I grabbed an extra pair of shorts, leggings, and socks. Walking to the wooden dresser, I picked up a few shirts, a sweater, and underclothes. I stuffed a small leather travel pack with toiletries and makeup and shoved it into my trunk with the rest. 

       Loki watched me the entire time, head swiveling back and forth as I repeatedly walked from one side of my room to the other.

       I closed the trunk, happy and feeling pretty damn accomplished that I had finished packing so quickly. That happiness only lasted until I realized I still needed to pack Loki's' things. Damn, I thought, turning my head to get a glimpse of him. He had his head tilted to one side, looking majorly confused. 

       "No worries," I told him, blowing him a kiss.

       Jumping up, I grabbed an old backpack from my closet, stuffing in a few of his favorite toys and bones, a bag of treats and his customized hoodie I ordered online - I told you, best of friends. He was the best and deserved nothing but the best. 

       Glancing at him I noticed his tail wagging and he was definitely smiling at me; no doubt he knew what was going on, he wasn't stupid. I reminded myself to grab the large bag of food off the counter before finally leaving, and a few extra cold water bottles from the fridge.

       Finally, I laid back down on my bed, checking the time. Only 11:07, I can totally get a nap in. I remember thinking just as I felt Loki curl against my back, right before I drifted off to sleep.

**********

       I awoke to an obnoxious buzzing in my back pocket. My phone. I yanked it out, answering with a grumpy, "What? Hello?"

       "Aw, was the princess getting some beauty rest?" 

       Lucy. I heard her snicker on the other end, telling someone else to 'shhh.' 

       "C'mon Princess Jane, let us in, or you come out. Up to you, regardless, it's time to go, Sleeping Beauty!"

       "Time to go? Already?" I glanced at my watch, "Holy shit! Why didn't you call me?" I shouted into the phone, but she had already hung up. My watch read 1 PM, so we really weren't that behind schedule, but still.

       I stretched and swung my legs over the side of the bed. I told her noon, did she really not even have the decency to call?  Okay, so I was being pretty unfair. I was the one who fell asleep without setting some sort of alarm, but still, I told her- and Charlie for that matter. 

       I grabbed my brush from the vanity, pulling it through the wavy, dark layers and quickly braided it. I yanked on a cardigan from the back of the small grey loveseat and hooked Loki up in his harness.

       As I gathered my bags, and my dog, I checked my phone. 

      Oh, I bit the inside of my cheek, feeling slightly guilty, she did call... Jeez, 7 times. I bit my bottom lip. Oops. 

       I made my way down the stairs, grabbing the dog food and water bottles, finally making my way out the front door.

       "Hi everyone!" I chirped as I ran over to the cars, stuffing my things into my trunk. 

       The storm had subsided but the air was damp and there was the slightest chill despite the humidity. The sun remained behind the clouds and the day still gloomy. I handed off Loki's leash to Lucy who gladly attended to him. 

       Everyone was here, I was impressed. Lucy had managed to drag Penelope out of her cage, and I saw Charlie with Roger and Lucas. Everyone was talking to everyone about the cabin and the gorgeous lake it sat next to. I took this as an opportunity to check and lock all the doors and windows to my house.

       "Hey, Jane! Where are you?" I heard Lucas call out over the sound of distant rolling thunder.

       I walked closer before explaining that I had been double checking I had locked everything. Lucas nodded at my explanation like he was a proud father. I smiled and hit him lightly on the arm. He feigned injury, laughing out loud.

       "Let's get outta here," I said, taking the leash back from Lucy, and opening the back passenger door to allow him to jump up inside. "Who's riding with whom?" I asked, looking at each of my friends.

       "Girls and guys?" Lucy shrugged.

       I nodded. "Works for me, don't forget, though, I've got Loki with me. He might act overbearing at some point..." I said this not because Loki was usually seen as an issue, but to Penelope, he was. 

       She could live without the big, bear-like creature constantly whining and desperately seeking her attention and soothing words from her. Everyone loved comforting him, everyone but Penelope. The poor dog always wanted attention from the people who didn't want to give it to him.

       She wrinkled her nose. "Will he be that bad?" she asked, looking down at him as he smiled up at her through the open car door, wagging his bushy tail. I caught sight of her stepping ever so slightly away from him, I don't even think she noticed herself doing it.

       "Damn, Penelope, could you be any ruder?" Lucas practically shouted at her, ruffling his sandy colored hair.

       I stifled a laugh. Our moms had been college roommates, and now lifelong friends, which meant Lucas and I had literally grown up together. He was the 'big brother' I had always wanted growing up.

       "Jane," he said turning his attention to me. "I'd love to ride with you and Loki."

       I grinned. "Great," I said, noticing Penelope's pissy face as everyone dispersed to their chosen rides. "Let's get outta here. The sooner we get there, the better!" I said, hoping to emit some good vibes.

**********

Authors Note: 

Yes, this is a long chapter, and if you have read it- thank you so much. I get endless comments about how long it is, so if you could refrain from mentioning that, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks to anyone who's reading! I really appreciate it! This is the first time I've ever uploaded anything I've written, so I guess you can say I've escaped my comfort zone. I know this chapter may be a little boring, but it's got some background and need-to-know information so the ball can really get rolling!

Thanks again everyone! :) Feedback is always welcome!

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Dedicated to PauDickson for being a fellow writer and pinpointing a ton of my mistakes! Thanks so much, girl. Wish there were more people like you!