Her Semi-Colon

Chapter 2: Sunshine

Lacey Lowe was in love or at least that's what she kept telling me.

“Mace, he's literally like the sweetest guy ever. I told him about how I tanked my first pop quiz coming back to school and he sent me flowers! Isn't that so sweet? Also, who makes seniors do a pop quiz on their first week back. I swear teachers are strange like for real—

“Lace!"

“Huh?"

“You're doing that again," I said, feeling half amused and half disappointed. “You should have studied, it's false that senior year is going to be a walk in the park. Remember those study sessions I offered?"

“Okay but that's boring! Anyway, after school tomorrow Ash and I are going on another date, I can't wait!" She gushed excitedly as she jumped on my bed facing me and I playfully pushed her off.

“Ow! What was that for?"

“Lace, I'm happy for you," I said with a laugh as I got up from my bed and helped her up. “I mean, I gotta admit, I was wary but after everything you've told me, he's a keeper!"

“Yes exactly, so what's the problem?" She asked me. “And if you say study, I'm going to kill you!"

“Well, I guess you have to kill me then!"

“Ugh, fine, I'll study. How about we have a study session tomorrow and I'll cancel my date with Ash?"

I was taken back, “Oh my god…Lace! Did you just say what I thought you said?"

“Yes, you i***t!" She chuckled. “I'm only doing this because it's you."

“Aww, I appreciate it," I gushed as I hugged her, still surprised that she would even consider that, “but unfortunately I can't, I'm running for student council tomorrow!"

“Oh yeah, I forgot that you were a nerd," Lacey teased me as she patted me on the back and I pushed her away out of annoyance. “What? I'm just kidding, I'm happy for you!"

“Yeah whatever but I'm nervous! I've run all three years and never got it; I can't lose again! I promise we will find some other time to study for sure," I said and tried my best not to sound queasy but just talking about made me so anxious! And I hated that feeling.

“I believe in you sis, with all of those smarts and that drive, you'll win and you will definitely become successful someday," She assured me, “plus you can always give me a call and I'll remind you to have fun!"

“Shut up, I know how to have fun!"

“Not really but to each their own," She snorted, and then suddenly her phone started to ring. “Oh my god, it's Ash!"

And with that, she flipped her curly hair, cleared her throat, and pressed the answer button. I couldn't help but smile; my sister was so extra for no reason! “Hey, Ash! What's up?"

She suddenly put him on speakerphone gesturing me to listen in. “Just thinking about you and our date tomorrow!" Ash replied. “I hope those flowers from the other day made you feel better."

“They did, thank you!" Lace chimed excitedly. “Seeing those flowers made my day, you have no idea!"

“That's the goal," He replied in his husky voice, it seemed to go even deeper when he said the word goal for some reason. “If we become a thing, I always want to make you feel good."

I suddenly felt like this was my cue to go, and she must have agreed with me because she tossed an ecstatic look before heading into her room. Once the door was shut behind her, I couldn't help but feel happy for her. Just seeing my sister excited made my parents and me relieved.

It was like without her, the sun would stop shining.

I remember when we were kids and we are at the park; Lacey was happily skipping, her face always smiling, attracting many fellow kids, making everyone cheery. Meanwhile, I just sat on the bench with my nose in a book and I remember my mother snatching that book out of my hands.

“Sweetie, I love you but why can't you be more like Lacey? Go play with the rest of the kids," My mom urged.

“Mommy, the book is great, it talks about a scientist–

“Your mom's right," my dad chimed in. “We love that you adore books and are so smart but please don't forget to be happy. You may not understand this because you're you but you don't have to be serious all the time."

I remember wailing and begging my mom to give me back my book but they just ignored me and with disappointed sighs, they went to play with Lacey.

My sister suddenly saw me crying and she ran up to me. “Sissy, pretend to be a scientist with me and my new friends!"

Satisfied, I grabbed her hand. I still remember after that moment, the clouds departed and the sun began to shine.

Hopefully, tomorrow, I can succeed with this student council opportunity! And maybe just maybe, I could eventually show everyone that I can shine on my own too.

That following morning, I made sure to wake up at exactly 6:30 AM for school, beating my sister to shower. As I was showering, I closed my eyes and placed my face under the warm water. As it caressed my skin, I started to relax and thought over my speech, kindly reciting it myself over and over until I felt confident.

After that, I finished bathing and exited the shower. Looking in the mirror, I took a deep breath and watched one of my dark brown curls briefly fly up and down in response. Closing my eyes, I told myself I could do this once more and continued to get ready. I blow-dried my hair, making sure my curls laid perfectly down to my shoulders, watched my face, and got dressed. I settled for a white halter top, a pink blazer, and my favorite denim jeans.

I took one more look in the mirror, my dark brown eyes scanning for imperfections. My brown skin looked refreshed and my outfit complimented my slim body and my broad shoulders. After feeling satisfied, I opened the door to see my sister still in her pajamas; she was about to knock on the door with a toothbrush in her mouth.

“Oh gosh finally Mace, I was about to break down this door–oh wait a second, you look very Macey today! Oh my gosh, this is for your student council thing right?"

“Thank you…I think and yes it is," I said with a sigh, slightly annoyed that I kept getting anxious.

“Don't be unsure of yourself Mace, it's always a compliment," she comforted me, “You got this, my sophisticated sis! Now let me use the bathroom before I make you wear my high heels!"

“Oh heck no! It's high school, not prom!"

She laughed as I ran away and I couldn't help but roll my eyes. I love her but once again, we were so different. The only thing we have in common is that we share the same features although Lacey's body type was more of an hourglass figure. Anyway, I guess that's why we work. I wasn't even surprised that my sister came out of the bathroom which a full face of makeup, her hair straightened rocking a pink smocked crop top and white denim jeans.

“Don't I look so cute," Lacey gushed happily as she ran out of the bathroom and did a spin. “Someday Mace, you'll have to let me give you a makeover!"

“In your dreams," I replied with an eye roll. “Ready to go?"

“You'll come around–everyone always does! And yes, let's go!"

After a quick car ride with Lacey badly singing along ever-so-poorly to Gwen Stefani's Hollaback Girl, we finally arrived at school. As we pulled up, I closed my eyes and told myself, it was time.

Sunshine, here I come!