(Edited)

•This is my first book. I want to say, I'm really thankful that you took a chance and chose my book. I hope you stay a loyal reader till the end, I know that's hard to do especially since my writing is a bumpy ride.

•I also want to state that I'm no professional, I learn by my mistakes. I will slowly edit my chapters because I'm always learning something new and looking for errors. Just bare with me.

•I try to update weekly, but like I said I try. Enough delays, I'd love to introduce my new book, "Kissing My Childhood Friend."

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Chapter 1 - KMCF

My day started like any other day. I had woken up a bit late, but my routine hadn't changed in the slightest. I groaned loudly as I made my way into my bathroom, dragging my bare feet across the floor until I could feel the contrast of flooring.

I stepped out of my bathroom with a white towel wrapped around my figure and my hair, soaking itself in another towel. I sat on my bed and checked my phone as my fingers combed through Ozzy's white endless hair. I named him after one of my favorite movies from when I was growing, the Wizard of Oz.

I took him in about two years ago right after I graduated from college. He was roaming around the neighborhood with the saddest expression on his face. I watched him everyday whether it rained or snowed he was still there. Finally, my heart couldn't take it any longer, I adopted him without any prior experience.

You probably want to know about me, instead of about my cat. My name? Jennifer Anderson of Anders, a fashion boutique. I own it along with my best friend, Miranda. And along with Miranda, there's Natalie. She works with us all year except for the summers. With all three of us, our shop has been booming with customers.

Only two years of opening and we were probably making more money than three teacher salaries. Yeah, I know, I live in a condominium not exactly a place someone slightly wealthy would live. I'm not a big fan of houses and the loneliness they produced for a single person.

I'm single as you figured out from my accidental blabbing. In the past five years I've only been able to get my hands on two relationships. Relationships that went downhill really fast, but why worry now? I'm 24 and doing just fine by myself.

Getting a bit chilly, I remembered that I was still wrapped around my towel. I trailed into my walk-in closet and put on a long blush pink skirt. and a white crochet top matched with brown ankle boots. I walked to my bed where Ozzy lay and twirled in front of him. "Does this look too much?" I asked him. Though he didn't talk his actions give me a sense of direction. Like a personal fashion advisor, he'd always go through this routine every day.

He looked up at me and casually rubbed his neck against on of my pillows. I touched my neck, assuming that was his motive. It came to me, I needed jewelry. I gratefully smiled at him, before heading out. Don't think I forgot to feed him, he's perfectly capable to feed himself using the self feeder mechanism I bought.

It was early May, meaning the weather was getting hotter, especially if you live in New York. I refused to use my car because of the early traffic jams, so I decided to walk to work. I mean it's not so bad to walk, especially in this part of town. Everything was calm and the sidewalks sometimes were very spacious. I've lived here my whole life, I know what needs to be known. Everyone and every thing I loved were right here, what better place could there be?

Because I've grown up here, I've seen people leave and people come. It really didn't affect me as much, but I do clearly remember a childhood friend of mine who left and I never received word from him ever again. But, it was so long ago, things have changed. I've changed.

With a blink of an eye, I noticed the appearance of Anders. It was isolated, it wasn't attached to other irrelevant stores. It had a rectangular shape partially covered by glass. There was a large area in front for parking, which was very necessary. The inside was a version of elegance mixed in with a bit of urban. The walls had bold colors that'd fade away as it stretched across the walls. Fake large flowers cascaded in every direction. The clothing were either hung or folded neatly in hallow cubes customized on the walls. Not to mention the main counter was a large circle in the middle of the store. To give it that young adult vibe, the store played current musical hits. I walked in inhaling scents of newly stocked clothing and a burst of new perfumes from the front desk.

"You look like you're smelling crack," said a thin woman with ash blonde hair and fierce hazel eyes. Compared to my dark brown hair and icy blue eyes, Miranda was stunning.

"Ha-Ha, very funny." I sarcastically said. My best friend, sometimes I want to hug her and other times I'd rather throw her off a cliff.

She rolled her eyes hinting out a smile. "You're outfit looks great today," She said as she observed what I was wearing.

"I know." I grinned and was telepathically thanking Ozzy for this morning. "Ozzy helped me pick it out." I watched Miranda's face go from happy to unbelievable.

"I still can't believe Ozzy picks out your outfits." She raised her eyebrows.

"He doesn't pick them out-" I walked behind the counter and gave away a sleezy smile. "He just helps apply the finishing touches."

"I hope that in the end, it's not just you and Ozzy." She looked at me with furrowed eyebrows.

Here we go again.

I lightly groaned, but Miranda still continued. "Twenty-four is a good age to date, Jen."

I placed my cheek on my hand and slowly rolled my eyes, emphasizing my irritation. "Thanks for the advice, mom."

It wasn't always like this everyday, but ever since my sister, Grace got engaged all these relationship conversations came out of nowhere. Grace is getting married at 27 and no one told her to hurry up at my age, especially when my older brother was getting married.

"You're just trying to flaunt your relationship with Brandon." The all mighty Brandon that swept my best friend off her feet.

She winked at me and smiled, "maybe." We both each let out a small chuckle. She stopped earlier than I did and held a stern look on her face. "Okay, seriously, the store opens in an hour, we need to start arranging things."

I flashed back into reality and started to notice the mess the previous customers had made yesterday. Just then the entrance door opened and that's when our group was complete. Natalie was here, her wavy like dark auburn hair swayed with the movement of her hips. Her baby blue eyes twinkled whenever she flashed a smile. She wore floral shorts matched with a plain white shirt and complimented with golden sandals. Even though she was only two years younger than us, she had all the qualities of a supermodel

"Guess who I saw?" We only stared at her. "Grace!" She answered herself, but it didn't damage the smile she still had on her face. "And guess what she gave me to give to you guys?" she shook the box that was in her hand. I hadn't even noticed she was holding anything. But, Miranda and I still looked dumbfounded. "Dresses for the wedding rehearsal!" she said excitingly.

Natalie reached inside the box and brought out two similar red halter dresses. I took mine out of her hand and quickly sighed. "More dresses? It's as if she thinks we don't have dresses of our own." I shoved it back into the box and hoped it'd disappear.

"I wonder if I should be thankful then, or embarrassed." Miranda said as she put the dress back into the box.

Natalie just stared at us while shaking her head.

** **

"These cookies are delicious!" Natalie exclaimed. It was our lunch break and we all decided to eat in, considering the hassle we'd all have to go through. Luckily, Miranda had brought white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. We indulged ourselves in them, cheating the diet list Grace gave Miranda and I. With mouths filled with cookies, there was no room for talk, just expressions.

"Jiszumawontbtecametithutq," Miranda spouted through the large amount of cookies stuffed in her mouth. Natalie looked confused, but being with Miranda for a long time, I knew exactly what she said.

"This summer won't be the same without you." I translated. She was right, Natalie not being here made things boring and uninteresting, but we've always managed to hire decent temporary employees in replacement.
"I was given a rule and that was it." Natalie said with sadness croaking in her voice.

The Natalie Rule: If Natalie wants to live in New York, she has to spend her summers with her family in Maine for 5 years straight.

I found it to be an obnoxious rule. It was obvious that being an only child, her parents couldn't handle the fact that their daughter wanted to be independent. Having one child, you want to cherish them completely. However, in this case, it was more possessive than heartwarming. I was glad I wasn't an only child, having two other siblings made love circulate.

"Well, I find it heartwarming," I lied, Not wanting to sound like a prime.

"Shocking, and this coming from someone who ignores her mother's calls." Miranda jokingly hovered her hand above her gapping mouth.

"Wouldn't you? It's all about Match.com this and wedding that. Can't I have a normal discussion with my mom without anything revolving around men?" I said after I was taken back by Miranda's comment.

"She has a point, Mira." Natalie said, sounding very convinced.

"Thank you, Natalie. I'm glad someone understands." I stared at Miranda, who only stuck out her tongue.

This would be exactly where the, throwing her off a cliff part plays in.

** **

Before I finished dragging myself to my front door, I hadn't noticed were beaming with messages and phone calls. I shrugged my shoulders already deciding to check them later.

In a few moments, I was able to unlock and push my door open. Releasing a new figure in my vision. Someone I never would've expected to come across. Someone in which my memory was instantaneously able to recall.

"H-Hunter?"

** **

How was it? Bad? I know. Forgive me, but I'm trying my hardest. I'll try harder in the next chapter then.

-Pulch