Mood: swipe left and tap to listen to Eternal Flame by The Bangles. A touching classic.

Lydia

Eleven years ago.

Jake and I met when we were halfway through junior year. I was in the library doing some research for a social studies assignment, and there he was.

Jake stood in front of me, glancing at me with a smile on his face, revealing a dimple on his left cheek. I looked straight into his violet-blue eyes, and it was love, lust, or chemistry at first sight. I was in heaven with this guy. He definitely captured my heart.

Here was an Adonis sent from the heavens directly to me. His golden-brown hair sported natural highlights that shone like gold in the sun. His smiling face revealed his warm, sunny personality. He was blessed with high cheekbones, a nicely angled jaw, a straight nose and dreamy blue eyes.

"Hey, we've got the same textbook. Are you in Mr. Stevenson's social studies class?" I asked, glancing at the cover of his book.

"Yeah, I am," the hottie answered, raising his left eyebrow .

"Why haven't I seen you before?"

"It's my first week here. My folks and I moved from upstate," he smiled at me again.

"More than halfway through the school year?" I was curious about this guy.

"Yeah. Beggars can't be choosers. My folks make the money, not me. So I go with the flow," he said, flashing his perfect pearly whites.

"My name's Lydia Coleman."

"Jacob Somersby," he shook my hand.

"Nice to meet you, Jacob."

"You can just call me Jake." He was still smiling.

"Jake, when is your social studies class with Stevenson?"

"Thursday after lunch."

"Me too! We're in the same class, then."

The air became heavily distended with an awkward silence. Jake then cleared his throat, ruffled his hair and adjusted his stance. All the while, his eyes smiled at me.

"Hey, Lydia? You think you can save me a seat? I don't really know anyone yet. It'll be nice to sit next to a familiar face."

"Sure, Jake. See you on Thursday."

Wow. I couldn't take my eyes off him as he walked away. This was going to be an interesting year.

---

"Hey, Mom and Dad, are either of you home?" I peered into the living room to see if my parents were there.

I had just come home from school and felt energized. It was as if today was the best day of my life because I met someone I felt a connection with.

Jacob Somersby was the name that kept repeating in my head.

"It's just me. Mom's working double shifts tonight," Dad's weary voice resonated from the kitchen.

I smelled waffles. Delicious, creamy waffles.

"Dad, are you making my favorite treat?" I smelled a dash of fresh strawberry jam in the air.

My nose led me to the kitchen.

"Yeah, I thought we could sneak some waffles this afternoon since your mom isn't home," Dad said as he put a plate of hot waffles and homemade strawberry jam on the table.

"How was your day, hon?" Dad's clear, blue eyes shone as he smiled at me. I had my mom's brown eyes, but with hints of green near the center of my irises, closer to the pupils.

"It was really good. Mmm, this is delish! You truly make the best waffles!" My voice was muffled as I dug into the treat.

"There's a new family in our neighborhood. There's a welcome announcement in our church newsletter," he exclaimed.

"Oh?" My eyes gazed at Dad, as I flicked my dark hair out of my face. Strands of stray hair fell into the strawberry jam, so I tied my hair back into a knot.

"They're from upstate. Robbie and Angie Somersby. I spoke with them briefly at the neighborhood watch meeting last night. They've got a son about your age, I believe," Dad continued.

"Oh, really?" I tried to act nonchalant, but it was difficult to hide my Cheshire cat grin, fighting to make an escape. I felt my cheeks warming under the pressure.

"They're coming to church on Sunday, so you'll get a chance to meet them. It would be good for you to get to know more people your age in the neighborhood. I'm sure their son could use a warm welcome," Dad replied.

"Sure. I look forward to the Sunday service. Is Mom baking her sweet buns for the after-service meet and greet?" I said while piling an extra chunk of jam on my second waffle.

"I think so, kiddo," Dad said.

"I'll help her bake. Let's stick around for a while after the service," I responded a little too eagerly.

Jacob Somersby. I couldn't wait to see him in social studies class on Thursday and now at church on Sunday too!

Call it serendipity. Call it fate. Call it whatever you want, but I sensed a wave of change was coming my way.

A/N: Please vote and/or comment if you like this chapter. ⭐️