Chapter One
The drive from Burien to Kent isn’t a particularly long one, but it seemed to take a while. I was in the passenger seat watching the dark clouds come in from over the Puget Sound as my mom was rambling on about the new store we’re going to.
“I think while we’re there we’ll pick up some new school pants for you, and a few polos. We should start getting your new school clothes while everything is on sale…”
I really didn’t want to shop today. I’d rather be in my room listening to music or talking to friend I haven’t seen this summer. But, mom got me out of bed early, and I didn’t have too much of a choice.
“Mom, I’m getting kind of hungry” I said. The rain began to fall on the windshield, falling faster as the seconds went by. Mom just nodded and pulled into McDonalds. I really can’t stand fast food, but I guess it works for the time being. My hunger was giving me a headache that I didn’t want to deal with through hours of shopping.
By the time we walked through the door, it looked like a monsoon hit Kent. Rain was coming down so fast I could barely see the car out the window. I saw a flash of lightening and a loud clap of thunder. Storms like these are pretty rare in Seattle, but that didn’t matter to me. I love storms. I find them incredibly romantic, if I’m with the right person. I looked at my mom and sighed. I didn’t think I’d find the right person anytime soon. I was going into my senior year of high school, and had one boyfriend my freshman year that lasted a few months. I’ll admit though, I really wasn’t looking for anyone.
We ordered our food and said they would bring it to us when it was done. As I walked to a seat, a traced my hand over the fake gold-plated chairs. There were two other customers, but otherwise, the place was empty. As I was looking around at the mediocre décor of the restaurant, there was another flash of lightening, and the power was gone. I could still see everything of course, because there was still light from outside. The other customers looked impatient.
“Well, I guess we’ll just wait here until the power kicks back on.” Mom moved around in her seat a bit to get comfortable. She moved her long auburn hair to the side of her face, and leaned back. She looked at me with the corners of her eye. "Why don't you go ask how long they think it might be, or if they have a generator."
Without saying a word, I stood up, and stopped at the counter. I saw the woman who took our order in the back of the kitchen, motioning someone else up. Walking toward the counter was a man, perhaps around 21 years old, and the most gorgeous blue eyes I’ve ever seen. His hair was dark brown, not short enough to be spiked, but not long enough to touch his ears. It was parted down the middle under his McDonalds visor. He was tall, maybe 6’ 4”, and not skinny, but by no means overweight. He was very attractive.
“Can I help you ma’am?” His voice was soft and velvety, matching his facial features with uncanny perfection. He grinned slightly; obviously a friendly person. I had to look away before he thought I was staring.
“Yes, actually…My mom and I were just wondering if you guys had a generator or anything.” I couldn’t help but looking back into his sapphire eyes. He was looking into my boring brown eyes, but he seemed to find them appealing. He didn’t look away. Suddenly, another flash of lightening. It lit up his beautiful face, and I smiled.
“We’re working on kicking in the generator, but it might be a few minutes. I’m very sorry to keep you waiting for your meal. I hope you don’t mind. It’s not often our power goes out, and when it does, we sometimes forget how to react. I guess it’s a Seattle thing. Nonetheless, I love summer storms.” He smiled, showing his perfectly white teeth. Was it possible for someone to be this perfect? I mean, he wasn’t drop dead gorgeous, but he was perfect to me.
I laughed. “I know what you mean. I love the rare storm though, especially when it’s this intense.” Oddly enough, he was interested in my useless babble. We talked a bit more about the weather, but mainly how much we loved storms. Then, finally, the power flickered back on.
“Jaden, go ahead and go on your break.” His manager said from the back of the store. Mom got her food, and I told her I was going to step outside. I met Jaden around the back of the restaurant, and there wasn’t even so much as a sprinkle of rain.
“So what do you like to do for fun?” he asked, leaning against the building.
“Typical stuff…Listen to music, hang out with friends…” I trailed off.
“Do you have a boyfriend?” His face turned noticeably pink, and I laughed.
“No, I’ve been single for a while. Haven’t found the right person, and no one’s really had an interest in me either.” My voice grew slightly solemn, and he noticed.
“It’s their loss.” He smiled his gorgeous smile. “I can already tell, they’re missing out.” He paused for a moment. “You seem like such a sweet and genuine person. If I were them I wouldn’t pass up such an opportunity.”
I blushed a new shade of red, but managed to smile. “You’re very sweet, Jaden. So what about you? Girlfriend?”
“No. I never thought I’ve found anyone worth dating. Who knows…that could easily change.” He looked down at his feet, kicking around a small rock. He seemed to be contemplating a question. My heart skipped nervously. Suddenly, I heard my mom calling for me, saying it was time to go.
“I’ll meet you at the car, mom!” I yelled. I looked back at him, blue eyes on me.
“So…do you think I’ll get to see you again?” He asked shyly, but looking into my eyes.
“I definitely hope so. Here, I’ll give you my number.” I took out a piece of paper and pen from my purse and wrote everything down neatly. I took a few steps closer to him, and handed him the scrap. He smiled again.
“Can I call you tonight?”
“I would very much like that.” I blushed an even brighter shade of red. Then, he leaned down slightly, and kissed my cheek.
“I’ll talk to you tonight, Nikki.” He said as he slowly walked towards the employee door. With my heart fluttering, I met my mom back at the car.
