The Date

Aunt Alice always had a thing for flashy sports cars. The engine of her new red Ford Mustang glimmered in the late afternoon sun. She was wearing sunglasses and a short black dress. Aunt Alice had her own signature style of gliding as she walks. I have no idea how she does it.

"Oh, you look so pretty," she threw her arms above her head when she saw us on the porch. I quickly went down a couple of steps to throw myself in her cool embrace. "I can't believe you're all grown-up," she smiled as she hugged me. "We look like sisters, right Bella?" she lifted her gaze to peek at Mom who frowned back at her.

"Don't encourage her. She is trying to convince me that she is already an a.d.u.l.t," comment Mom. Aunt Alice rocked me in her hands and lay a kiss on my cheek.

"I've got you... gifts," she said in her cheerful voice. My eyes shone with excitement. She released me from her iron arms and tipped her chin to the car. "They are in the backseat... and bring the snack and the movies along too," she turned to greet Mom and I rushed to the fancy car. As I peered into the cream-colored leather interior, I saw three bags. The first one had blue-ray cases, the second snacks that only I will eat and the third... I squealed as I grabbed the bag.

"Oh my god! You're awesome Aunty Alice," I rushed to them holding all three bag...forgetting to close the door behind me. They were standing on the porch whispering with a serious face when I approached them. Aunt Alice looked up with a quick smile.

"I'm happy you like it," Mom narrowed her eyes when I pulled the box of my new cellphone out.

"Alice you shouldn't...Edward will be angry. He'd confiscated her old phone," she grimaced.

"Oh, come on. What's a teenager without the latest phone. They are practically glued to them," she laughed. She fished from her small purse hanging from her shoulder with a thin gold chain. "Here let me put my number in," she took the box from me and took out the cover to reveal a sleek design phone with a pink back. I jumped around holding the rest of the bags. Mom smiled amused by my excitement.

"Let's get inside," Mom said. I followed Aunty Alice as she showed me the latest features of the device. I've completely forgotten about the car. Mom sighed and went to close the door I've left open. When she turned back she saw a shadow lingering at the edge of the forest.