At precisely 5 a.m., my eyes snapped open, conditioned to the memory of that relentless rooster's crowing. The familiar wake-up call made it impossible to drift back to sleep. I decided to check my phone for any notifications, hoping to distract myself until sleep returned.

With a gentle click, my bedside lamp illuminated the room, its soft blue liquid interior swirling hypnotically. I reached for my glasses, settling them onto my face with one hand.

The phone's screen glowed brightly, and I scrolled through the notifications, a few Social media updates, but there was still no response from Lucas and Amber. A pang of disappointment stirred within me.

Seeking solace, I opened my audiobook app, letting the soothing narrator's voice envelop me. The calming words gradually eased my mind, and I settled back into bed, eyes closed, letting the story lull me into a peaceful slumber.

Before I knew it, the sun had risen higher, casting a bright glow through my window. I checked the time - 8:30 a.m.

"Saturday," I reminded myself, feeling a wave of relaxation wash over me. No school, no rush.

I tossed off the covers and swung my legs over the side of the bed, my feet dangling in the air. My braces gleamed in the morning light as I yawned, stretching my arms above my head.

After a quick brush of my teeth and a wash of my face, I didn't feel the need to change into something else so I just stuck to my little pony pink pajamas. My hair tied up in a messy bun, i slipped into my bunny house slippers and headed downstairs.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted from the kitchen. Mom was already up, humming along to the radio as she cooked breakfast. In her pajamas, flipflops and apron. Her messy blonde hair tied in a loose bun, a few strands sticking out.

"Morning, sweetie." she chirped, flipping pancakes on the griddle. Her blue eyes gleaming in the light.

Addie resembled Mom more than I did. While I had inherited a blend of both parents' features, my sister was a miniature replica of our mother.

People often commented that I favored Dad, with his dark brown hair and straight nose. However, when standing next to Mom, they'd notice the upturned eyes, bow-shaped reddish pink lips, heart shaped face, and angular jawline that I'd inherited from her.

One feature that Addie and I shared was our unique eye color - a blend of Mom's bright blue and Dad's light brown. It was a trait that earned us numerous compliments.

"Morning, Mom," I replied, pouring myself a glass of orange juice I got from the fridge.

"You slept in," Mom commented, placing the last golden-brown pancake on a plate, the sweet aroma filling the kitchen.

"Just had trouble sleeping. Plus it's a Saturday." I took a seat at the table, setting my glass and the jar down after a long sip.

"Is that something I should be worried about?" she asked, concern etched on her face, her brow furrowed.

I shook my head. "No, I'm fine. Just some stupid rooster that messed up my sleep schedule."

Mom nodded, removing the sizzling pan from the stove, the sound of crackling bacon filling the silence. She carried the plate of fluffy pancakes and savory bacon to the table, where scrambled eggs, crispy toast were already set.

Taking a seat opposite me, she smiled warmly. "Dig in. Fuel up for your day."

I glanced around the kitchen, noticing the unusual quietness of the house. "Where's Dad and Addie?"

"Addie's at a playdate with her friend Olly from school," Mom replied, buttering her toast with a generous pat of strawberry jam. "And Dad's running some errands. He'll be back soon."

I nodded, taking a bite of my toast, the crunch giving way to softness. "Got any plans for today?" Mom asked, cutting into her honey-covered pancakes.

I sighed, my appetite suddenly gone. According to tradition, Amber, Lucas, and I were supposed to hang out at our favorite spot near the lake, watching the sunrise, sharing stories, and laughing together. Or later, we'd gather at Lucas's house, immersed in video games, music, and inside jokes. But I guess I had to adjust to this new normal.

"Not really," I said, pushing my plate away, the food suddenly unappealing.

Mom looked surprised, her eyes narrowing. "Why not? Don't you usually hang out with your friends and do... whatever it is you do?"

I hesitated, fidgeting with my napkin. "We were supposed to, but I'm not sure anymore."

Mom's expression turned puzzled. "What's that supposed to mean?" she asked, her brow furrowed.

I kept my gaze down, choosing not to respond.

Mom's tone softened. "Have you tried talking to them?"

I hesitated, recalling the group chat's awkward silence. "Yeah, I have. But I'm not getting any response."

"Then you should go visit your friends and find out why," Mom suggested, her voice filled with encouragement.

I knew she meant Lucas, since he lived closest to us. I'd give Amber a call afterwards just to make sure she's okay. We all used to live in the same neighborhood, but that changed when Amber's dad moved to a street near his workplace, and Lucas's mom upgraded to a nicer house just a few streets down.

"Clear the air," Mom suggested, her hands gesturing emphatically.

At first, I was hesitant, but her idea didn't sound so bad. I took a moment to think it over, weighing the pros and cons. Maybe, just maybe, talking things through would bring me some peace of mind.

"Okay," I finally agreed.

"As soon as you finish your breakfast," she added, her voice firm, with a hint of a smile.

I nodded, forcing a smile. Maybe today wouldn't be so bad after all.

After breakfast, I returned to my room to change into something more suitable after taking a shower. I put on a white, buttoned-up, puffy-sleeved dress with pink floral designs, that ended above my knees. Paired with a white belt that passed through the waist loops. My favorite black All Star Chuck Taylor Converse completed the outfit. The friendship necklace rested fashionable on my chest. With my hair tied back in a ponytail, I grabbed my phone, applied pink lip gloss, and headed to Luke's house a few streets down.

I held my breath as I knocked on their front porch. A few seconds passed before the door opened, revealing Lucas's mom.

"Hi, Mrs. Wright," I said with a warm smile and a slight shy wave.

Mrs. Wright's smile beamed as she stepped closer to hug me. "Hey, Corrine! So good to see you. How've you been?"

I hugged her back with equal affection. "It's great to see you too. I'm okay, how are you?"

"I'm great, come on in. Lucas is upstairs. He just got back from summer camp yesterday."

" That's really cool." I pressed my lips together, feeling a small sting in my chest. Lucas had returned home yesterday and hadn't bothered to contact me. Neither had Amber.

" Yeah c'mon in." Mrs. Wright led me to the living room, ushering me toward the plush sofa. I gave her a thankful smile as she disappeared into the hallway.

I smoothed my dress before taking a seat. Mrs. Wright went upstairs to call Lucas, then returned to offer me juice.

I sipped my apple juice quietly from the tall glass Mrs. Wright had given me, pausing when it was half-empty. I carefully set the glass back onto the delicate saucer on the table.

My nervous fingers intertwined as I struggled to find the perfect phrase. Just then, the sound of footsteps and a deep, clearing throat broke the silence, signaling someone's approach.

It was Lucas, standing six feet tall in the doorway. His smile revealed perfect, sharp canines. Lucas had always been good-looking, but summer camp seemed to have enhanced his features; his muscles rippled beneath his fitted T-shirt.

My eyes roamed over him, charmed by his physique. "Cora," he said, walking toward me with extended arms.

His sandy blonde hair, still damp from a shower, made him appear cute. I assumed he'd been showering when I arrived.

Lucas was the only one who called me by that nickname. It was an annoying habit that had become the new normal, hence my username, QueenCora.

As kids, Lucas and I would play kings and queens. I'd be the queen trapped in a tower by my cruel king, while Lucas played the heroic knight who slew the dragon (Amber) and saved the damsel in distress. Our games always ended with a kiss, a simple peck on the lips to reward his heroic gesture.

At some point, I assumed he only played because of that. But I didn't mind, because I'd always liked Lucas.

"Luke," I said, standing up as he approached.

Lucas's eyes sparkled as he drew closer, his arms still extended. I felt a flutter in my chest, unsure how to react. We hadn't spoken in weeks, and now, with him standing before me, all rugged and handsome, I was tongue-tied.

"Luke," I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper.

Mrs. Wright's voice drifted from the hallway, "Lucas, why don't you take Corrine outside? The backyard's lovely today."

Lucas nodded, his gaze never leaving mine. " Yeah, Mom."

He dropped his arms, and I felt a pang of disappointment. Was I expecting a hug?

" You look nice." He'd always complimented me but this one felt a little different.

I smiled trying to hide my blush, " thanks. You're not so bad yourself." He smirked like he didn't need words to believe his undeniably attractive. " You're welcome."

My heart was racing again staring in Lucas's beautiful eyes.

"Follow me," Lucas said, turning toward the backyard.

I trailed behind him in the all too familiar house, my eyes drinking in the changes in his physique. Summer camp had indeed been good to him.

We stepped outside and the warm sunlight and fresh air enveloped us. The backyard was picturesque, with vibrant flowers and a tranquil pond.

Lucas stopped near the pond, turning to face me. "So, how've you been?"

His tone was casual, but his eyes probed deeper. I shrugged, unsure how much to reveal. We took seats on the benches near the pond.

"Okay, I guess." I said, as I sat down next to him.

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Just okay?"

I hesitated, unsure how to articulate my feelings. I think Lucas noticed because he nudged me playfully and asked. "Hey, what's up?"

"Just wondering why you didn't bother contacting me after summer camp." I said, a flat tone of disappointment.

Lucas chuckled. "Sorry, Cora. I was going to call you last night, but I crashed early. Jet lag, I guess."

I raised an eyebrow. "Jet lag? You were only at summer camp."

Lucas grinned. "Yeah, but it felt like a different continent."

We laughed, our easy camaraderie returning. The sadness started to float away but a silent pang remained. I wondered how Amber was doing, did she have jet lag too or found a new friend to replace me. I remembered how they'd been active and wondered if Lucas and Amber only secretly talked to each other.

We sat together in silence staring at space in front of us. Lucas has changed so much it made me feel like somehow I needed to do the same.

" Have you talked to Amber?" I said, recalling how Lucas and Amber were at the same camp. They shared stories on the phone with me on their occasional calls and it always felt like I was being left out.

" Yeah, we talked on our way home from camp." Lucas's gaze darted to the ground, his muscles bit tense. Like his holding back something. " What about you?"

" No." I said, feeling a little jealous, wishing it had been me with Luke.

" Actually, Corrine. I wanted to talk to you about something." My throat suddenly dry at the stern tone in Lucas's voice.

I gulped, " what's up?" He fidgeted with his hands before running it through his hair. I wondered what Luke wanted to say that made him so nervous.

" You can tell me anything." I assure him, placing my hand on his shoulder. He stared at it and slightly smiled, " I guess it can wait." He looked into my eyes and I nodded. I didn't want to press even though deep down I was dying to know. I awkwardly remove my hand once I realized where it was resting, I laughed shyly looking down. " Sorry. " I said, shaking my head.

He laughed too, " it's fine." It was my turn to play with my hands. " It would have been great if Amber was here, we should give her a call." I suggested.

Lucas shrugged uncertain, " she had mentioned going out with some friends she met at camp yesterday."

" Oh." I said, unsure what to think of that.

"So, what's new with you?" Lucas asked breaking the silent, his eyes sparkling with interest.

"You first," I said, curious about his summer. "Football, huh?" I asked playfully, nudging him back. I remembered the times we'd talked he'd mentioned it a couple of times to me on phone.

Lucas nodded enthusiastically. " Yeah. Our team made it to the finals. We lost by just one point."

I raised an eyebrow. "You're going to blame the loss on the referee, aren't you?"

Lucas chuckled. "Maybe a little."

"So, what position did you play?" I asked.

"Quarterback," Lucas replied, a hint of pride in his voice. "Coach said I've got potential."

I grinned. "You always had potential, Luke." I meant it in a way that he'd always done whatever he put his mind to.

Lucas's eyes met mine, his expression softening. For a moment, I thought I saw something more than friendship in his gaze.

Lucas had always been passionate about football, and attending summer camp was the perfect opportunity to hone his skills. He explained how he spent hours on the field, perfecting his passes and runs, and learning new strategies from experienced coaches

"Thanks, Cora," he said, his voice low.

My heart skipped a beat as I gave him a comforting smile.

I'd day dreamingly stared at Lucas while he shared stories about his summer. I found myself captivated by his enthusiasm and laughter. His eyes sparkled, and his hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck, damp from the shower. I felt my heart flutter, and my face grew warm.

I nodded, smiling, trying to focus on the story, not the way his T-shirt clung to his chest.

"Sounds amazing," I said, my voice in total admiration.

Lucas turned to me, his gaze locking onto mine. "You would've loved it, Cora. You would've been the queen of the campfire stories."

My cheeks flushed, and I looked away, trying to hide my secret. Lucas had always been my best friend, but lately... I couldn't shake the feeling that my feelings for him went beyond friendship.

Lucas didn't seem to notice my internal turmoil, but I couldn't help wondering: if he felt the same way?

Suddenly, Lucas stood up, stretching his arms overhead. "Want to grab some snacks from the kitchen?"

I nodded, following him back to the house. As we walked, I stole glances at him, wondering what it'll be like to finally have him. What it would be like if I told him how I've felt about him for years now. Would it ruin our friendship or we'd still be the same.

In the kitchen, Mrs. Wright was preparing lunch. "Hey, kids. Sandwiches or salad?"

Lucas and I exchanged a look. "Sandwiches, please," we chimed in unison.

Mrs. Wright smiled. "Coming right up."

As we waited, Lucas leaned against the counter, his arm brushing mine. I felt a jolt of electricity, my skin tingling.

Was I imagining things, or did Lucas's gaze linger on me a little longer than usual?

We sat down at the kitchen table, munching on our sandwiches and I told Luke all about my adventures at the farm. The annoying rooster, how the air was much clearer riding through the fields on gipsy's back.

We finished our lunch and Lucas pushed his chair back. "Want to throw the ball around?"

I nodded, eager to spend more time with him.

We headed to the backyard, the football flying through the air. Lucas tossed perfect spirals, and I caught them with ease. Our laughter echoed through the neighborhood. My crush on Lucas was growing stronger by the minute.