I got permission from my teacher to get out 5 minutes early to "grab my gym clothes for cleaning". Instead I rushed out and wait for Brook by the door. She and Malorie walked toward where I stood, chatting up each other like they would never see each other again. Her golden hair just blowing out from in front of her face, her little baby tummy that she'd been insecure about since fifth grade (even though it's adorable), her hazel eyes that look like a woodland sunrise. I really liked Brook, even if I would never do the deed with her, in that moment I decided it was okay. Just her as she was was all that mattered to me, her adorable smile and her sparkling eyes would fill the void.
When they got to the door I opened it for them like a gentleman of course and followed them back to Brook's car. The black matte tarp really giving off the "unfinished renovation" feel that probably would have scared anyone else off. There was still wooden construction beams everywhere, palettes, a hammer. The door however, was not locked. They should probably get a padlock for that at some point. Miraculously none of us had homework so we left our backpacks there, then loaded up in the car and drive off.
We arrived at Brooks house after a couple songs. I have to admit, her taste in music is not what I normally listen to... but man I should. When we got inside Malorie and Brook bolted to the kitchen, more specifically to the fridge. They both pulled out a salad and a fork, then Brook pulled out her phone, then they both proceeded to pretend to eat the salad while Brook took a selfie. Neither took a bite, just put it back in the fridge and pulled out some ice cream.
"Sorry, where are my manners-" Brook began, thrusting a spoon in my direction, "want some?" She asked.
"Rule number 1 of dating: Ice cream is always accepted for apologies, comforting, and in general." I responded with a smile. We all piled up on the couch and watched Netflix. Malorie and Brook started fangirling about a show called Supernatural, and arguing which was hotter, Sam or Dean. I felt offended until I saw their faces on screen. Not gonna lie, they were hot. Like don't get me wrong, I'm straight as a wooden ruler, but I understand their viewpoint. After a while, Malorie fell asleep (started snoring), and it was just a room and I.
"Wanna leave her and go to my room?" Brook asked calmly.
"Sure." We both got carefully as to not wake the sleeping beast, and snuck up to Brook's room. I looked around and it was gorgeous. Fairy lights, a vanity, a beautiful canopy bed, a beanbag chair, and a desk & chair with a desk lamp. I plopped down on the beanbag and snuggled into its beanbagginess.
"Just give me a minute to change into something more- comfortable." Brook said with a smirk. Did she just make a dirty reference? But she's ace? She trodden into the bathroom and closed the door. I pondered what I should do in that situation. I minute later she emerged and I knew right then that I loved that girl. She emerged from the bathroom in a narwhal onesie and bunny slippers. I just took off my shirt and kept on my sweatpants. Brook did a comedic whistle and we both giggled.
"Weow, is it just me or did the room get hotter?" She joked.
"Yeah yeah, it's the room." I retorted back.
"Let's play a game!" She is exclaimed, still quietly as to not wake Malorie downstairs.
"What kind of game?" I asked
"20 questions, you ask 20 questions about me, and I have to answer truthfully, and then I ask you. Each question gets progressively more personal." She explained. Well this should be fun. "I'll start. What is... Your favorite color?" She asked, her deep brown eyes like pools of golden honey even in the gentle flow of the fairy lights.
"Blue. I feel like of all the colors blue is the most flexible, and stunning. The ocean for example, or the sky I suppose." I answered, "Okay, so... What is your favorite hobby?" I asked.
"Well, I suppose learning online dances with Mal is pretty fun." Brooklyn responded. We kept asking pretty shallow questions until about our 18th question each.
"What is... Your end goal? Like what do you envision for your fantasy future?" I asked, genuinely curious for the answer.
"You might be shocked but I HATE the heat, I much prefer the cold. With that in mind, I would love to live in Alaska. In like a cabin on a mountain side-ish, a but out of town. Not so far out of town that it's like the Hermit Old Lady at the end of the street, but far enough so I'm not bothered by anyone, or should I say we. I would have a husband, and a little boy and a little girl that I would adopt. We'd also have 3 cats because I love cats" She gabbed.
She looked so happy right then, a little smile had crept up her cheeks as she squinted up at the ceiling as though in search of some foreign bird. It was cute, she was cute.
"Anyway, my question. What's it like being popular?"
"Well, not that it matters, but it's tiring. You never know if people love you or hate you just because of your social status, or who might have just been your soulmate if you were a little farther down in the food chain. I guess... it's just not as good as everyone believes it is." I replied.
She hmphed and then continued, as though realizing something she'd never known, then looked down at her hands
"My question. Why do you like me?" She asked. She looked up from her hands with the look of a beaten puppy. Pitiful and sad.
"Because you're different than everyone else. You're stunning, have a kick-ass personality, and you genuinely want to see the good in the world." I answered with a grin.
"Wow... Uh-" She chuckled and smiled back, the twinkle returning to her gleaming hazel eyes.
"Thanks, I guess. Umm, I'm a little exhausted. Could we maybe just call it a night?"
"Of course. Can I just have a blanket and pillow, I can sleep on the floor if you like." I suggest, I didn't want to take things too fast.
"Yeah sure." She handed me a navy blue pillow and a fluffy white blanket. I settled in on the floor and she settled in bed after all remaining lights were turned off.
It was so quiet. So peaceful. Until one of us broke the silence.
"Hey Reagan?" She asked in a small, meak voice.
"Yep?"
"Could you sleep up here with me? It gets cold in the mornings." She inquired, along with sitting up and flipping the comforter over as if beckoning we over.
"Uh, sure." I agree, slightly confused.
"Just no funny business." She giggles, scooting over, as I crawled into the queen size mattress and shuffled beneath the puffy comforter.
"Thanks, and goodnight." She whispered quietly, before turning away from me. Before I could respond I heard the steady, even breaths of a sleeping Brook.
"Night babe."