Chapter 10

James

It’s a bright morning, and I wake up in a really good mood. It’s 7:15 a.m. on Monday, so I quickly take a shower and get ready for school. The thought of going to school has been an exciting one these past few weeks. I don’t know if it’s because finals are only a month away and I can’t wait to be done with high school, or it’s because I get to see Kate every day. Either way, school is exciting, so I rush downstairs for a quick breakfast.

“Hey, Mom,” I say excitedly, kissing her on the cheek.

I rarely ever do that, so I see the surprised look on her face.

“You’re surprisingly cheerful this morning. Any good news I should know about?” she asks.

I smile as I spread butter on a slice of bread. “Nope, nothing. I’m just in a good mood, that’s it,” I answer.

She probably doesn’t believe me because I’ve never said that before. Nonetheless, she doesn’t ask further questions, and I’m glad. Instead, she pours me a cup of hot chocolate. I inhale the ste