Never Forgotten

by Kelly Risser

  The alarm blared, jarring me from a pleasant dream about Evan and our date last Saturday. He’d surprised me by taking me to a fancy restaurant. Our table overlooked the water. It was wonderfully romantic. I wished I was back there now.

  Blurry eyed, I reached out to hit snooze, cursed, and sat up. I might as well get going. It was the first day of school after all. I hated the process of figuring out where my classes were and who was in them. Today was no exception. In fact, it was worse. A new school in a new country—how much more nerve-wracking could you get?

  Over the weekend, Katie had combed through my closet and helped me pick out the perfect outfit for the first day. I dressed, turning in front of the mirror and admitting she had a good eye. The dark green blouse complemented my eyes, turning them almost aqua. My waist looked tiny in the black pants, and my new boots, well, they were sexy as hell. I loved them. My hair wasn’t quite as bouncy as it had been when it was first cut, but it would do

  I glanced at my bedroom clock—fifteen minutes until Katie picked me up. Enough time for breakfast at least.

  I was pleased to see that Grandma Mary made waffles and bacon, and a steaming plate of both was set out for me.

  “Thanks, Grandma Mary!” When I smiled at her, I realized she really did feel like my grandmother now.

  “Syrup, Meara?” My mom passed me the bottle before I replied. I forgot about the name dilemma and focused on my breakfast instead. Mom watched me eat and sipped her coffee.

  “Are you nervous?” she asked.

  “A little.”

  “First day jitters.” Mom smiled. “You’ll be fine.”