Angel

Ear lobes. She’s always loved his earlobes. His were the best. She wanted to nibble on them.

Nora had just said goodbye to her mother.

“I’m going to miss you so much,” she said.

“Shh. Shh. It’s okay, baby,” her mother said. This was Nora’s first time away from home. Such a sweet girl. Always did what she told. Nora grew up close to her family. She never pictured being this far away. But here she was. Her mother tried to shove her off.

“Come on. Let go. Let go now,” she said. She finally pushed her daughter off. Nora stared up at her. She still had puppy dog eyes. Her mother patted her on the head.

“Keep up with your studies,” she said. “We will have Brendon looking after you.” Nora had a confused look on her face.

“Who?” she asked. Her mother laughed.

“Oh. That’s right. It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?” she asked. “You and Brendon were friends when you were little. His mother is my best friend.” Nora said nothing as she nodded.

“I’ll call you when I get home, okay?” her mother said. “Love you, goodbye.” And she was gone. Nora caught on seconds later.

“Oh,” she said. And she was alone.

--------

Nora didn’t know where to start. She looked around her dorm. The girl hadn’t unpacked yet. Her roommates wouldn’t be here until tomorrow. Nora thought about calling her mother. She shook her head.

“No. Mama wants me to do this on my own,” she said to herself. Nora looked at her things still packed up. She pushed her black and pink bangs out of her eyes.

Suddenly, there was a knock on her door. Hm?

“Did Mama forget something?” Nora jogged to the door.

“Mama!” she said as she opened the door. But then the girl froze.

“Not Mama,” she said. A boy her age stood in the doorway. His short red hair hadn’t seen a comb in months. The freckles on his face made him look so much younger.

“Yo!” he said with a wave. Nora stood there staring.

“Uh…” she said.

“Oh!” the boy said. “My bad. I’m Brendon. Brendon Scott. Your mom called me to help you out. You’re Nora, aren’t you?” The girl didn’t answer. Her face looked so red. Brendon became confused.

“You are Nora, aren’t you?” he asked. Her cheeks turned bright red. She started breathing heavily.

“Nora? Nora?” he asked. The girl gulped. Two words came out of her mouth.

“Ear lobes,” she said.

“Huh?” the boy asked. Nora leaped forward and kissed him on the lips. She didn’t know why she said that. It just happened. Meanwhile, Brendon didn’t know what to do. But he didn’t push her off. His hands inched upward and pulled her into his embrace.

Neither one knew that this moment was the very start.