1) Best Friends

"Check mate," Jackson said with a devious grin on his face.

I flopped back on the couch, my strawberry blonde hair flying about.

"I give up.  You always beat me at chess."

My best friend chuckled.

"Maybe you just have to practice."

I gave him a playful punch in the shoulder.

"Maybe we should do something else," I teased.

"You're right, and I have the perfect idea."

Before I knew what was happening, he had me on his back, and was running straight for the river.  I screamed in protest, but soon found myself under the murky water.  I swam to the surface, ready to dunk Jackson head first.

"Now you've done it," I shouted, and chased him till we both fell on the ground laughing and gasping for breath.

Just then, my cell phone rang, and I pulled it out of my jean pocket.  I was surprised it still worked.

"Hi, Carter!" I greeted my boyfriend.

"Hey, Kate.  How about dinner tonight at Larry's Seafood?"

"When?"

"Six thirty?"

I hesitated.

"I promised Jack I'd go see a movie with him at six thirty."

He groaned.

"You're always with him."

"Well, he's my best friend."

"Yeah, I know, but you shouldn't spend so much time with him."

"Why not?" I demanded.

Jackson touched my sleeve softly.  "It's okay, Kate.  We can go next time."

I looked at him with an apology in my eyes.

"If you're sure."

"Positive," he answered with one of his breathtaking smiles.

I spoke into the receiver. 

"Okay, I'll come."

Then I quickly hung up.

"I-- I don't know why he's like that sometimes," I said apologetically.

"We have the whole summer," he reminded me.

I nodded, and smiled.

"Thanks for understanding."

He stood up, and wiped at the autumn leaves that stuck to his navy jacket.

"Now how about we visit your Mom?"

I smiled.  He knew me all too well.

"As soon as I change from these wet clothes," I agreed.

~*~

We walked into the medicine smelling room where my Mom lay white and motionless on the hospital bed.

"How are you feeling?" I asked her, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Fine," she murmured.  "Now that you're here."

I smiled.

"Is Dad here?" she asked.

"No, but he said he would be soon.  He has a surprise for you."

I saw the sparkle in her eyes.

"He was always one for surprises."

I could only nod, tears forming at the corners of my eyes.  I wiped at them self-consciously.  

"I have to go now.  Carter is waiting for me, but I promise to visit again soon."

Then with a quick kiss on her cheek, I slipped outside the room with Jackson silently following.

We didn't talk until we had been seated in Jackson's honda which I had nicknamed Rhonda.  He laughed every time I mentioned it.

"Could you drop me off at Larry's Seafood?  That's where he wants me to meet him."

"Seafood?"

I laughed.

"I honestly am not in the mood for seafood.  I never liked the oily taste."

He merely nodded, and drove along towards the restaurant.  

Not long after, we arrived, and being kind, he opened the door for me.  I thanked him, then reluctantly went inside.

~*~

"How's your mother?" Carter asked me.

"She's-- okay."

"Fantastic!"

I frowned slightly.  I hadn't found it that fantastic imagining my mother being cooped up in an unfamiliar hospital with awful smells, and eerie sounds.  I decided to change the subject.

"So, have you found a summer job?"

"Actually I have.  I'm going to help my father in the law firm."

"Really?" I asked, trying to sound enthusiastic.  Truth was, I wasn't enthusiastic or at all interested.  To me, lawyers sounded-- well-- dull.

He started going on and on about it, and his ideas to improve the firm.  I tried to listen though I found my thoughts wandering to other things.

I was somewhat relieved when the evening ended, and he had dropped me off at my house on the cul-de-sac my mother had grew up in.

~*~

"Dad, you're home," I said, smiling.  "Did you visit Mom?"

"I did," he answered, folding his newspaper, and standing up. 

"What was the surprise?"

His eyes twinkled.

"Roses."

"Mom's favorites," I thought aloud.

He nodded, his smile still in place.

"How was your evening?"

"Fine," I replied, and shrugged.

"You and Jack have a nice time?"

I smiled softly.

"It was wonderful.  He always knows how to make me laugh," I said in barely a whisper.

Author's Note

So, this is the first chapter! What do you think? I wanted to express my characters and their personalities as much as possible all in one chapter. I hope I succeeded. :]

Thoughts? Reviews? Opinions?

Reviews

[Karli]

Well, I definitley want to read more! Jackson seems like such a great friend and a great support system to Kate. Can't wait to read more! :)

[~Lizzy♬]

Haha! Carter sounds like my ex-bf Richie!!! xD This is sooo cute! I am glad you dedicated this to me, but are the characters like my life or something?? jw lol xD You've made me interested very much girlie!!!!! :)

~Lizzard~

[Krystal Nicole]

This book interests me so far. Cant wait to read more!!!!