Folklore: the ballad of lost lovers and fate

1

"James I swear to god if you don't give that back I will not hesitate to throw you out this window." Inez screamed from her tiptoes, James held a phone above him out of her reach.
"Oooo you talking to your boyfriend?" He jeered.
"Shut up you're so immature! And no, it's a friend. And we don't have much time!" She snatched the phone from him and sat back down, curling her feet under her skirt like a blanket. "Anyway sorry James being an ass." She pegged a pillow at him which is threw back at her. "What were you saying- ... NO WAY!? ...She what? ... What a bitch poor thing- ... No! ... yeah no ok I get you, I have to go bye."

James rolled his eyes at his twin sisters gossiping antics. If only she took the time on more important things perhaps she would be passing her classes.

The living room was an olive green with yellow pattered curtains. A terribly ugly tapestry hung on the wall of a goat, however it looked less like a goat and more of a donkey/duck. He was still undecided whether he enjoyed the contrast, or whether it was just another poor interior choice made by his mother. She was a mad woman, full of frantic muttering and aggressive cleaning. Every week the house was rearranged in some way, a new coat of paint or a lamp moved before she stared at it and moved it again. James still wasn't sure why his parents had separated, but for some reason he had the sense not to question anything.

"Hurry up James or I'm leaving without you!" Inez was in the drivers seat of the family car, fixing her hair in the mirror. A scarf wrapped around her head even though she had no use for it. While she dreamed of convertibles and glamour, she would have to deal with rusted teal trucks and off brand bags for now.
James was already flustered knowing it was the first day of school. His mother was out doing errands, so he and Inez had the house for the morning. By the time he had made himself lunch and ran to the door, his sister was already pulling out of the driveway and leaving him behind. "BYE LOSER!" She called from the window.
"You bitch! Wait!" She was gone. "For fuck sake."

He went to the garage to search for his skateboard. In the process he found his old scooter from when he was younger. "Ew." He thought, and tossed it to the side. No scooters allowed in the high school, last time someone had one they whipped it around and knocked someone out. Funny how a Scooter can be such a traitor.

Under a pile of dust and neglect, he pulled a skateboard out and gave the wheels a few turns. It would have to do.

Setting down the driveway, he was a little rusty but soon got the hang of it. A new town was one to enjoy, and only knowing a rough estimate of direction, he just assumed where the school would be. All he knew was that it was central. He had driven past a few times, so he knew landmarks.

Turning onto another suburban street, he looked around at all the houses. Neatly clipped lawns and white lattice fences with roses and other well kept plants. One house in particular stood out to him, a cute pink one that was the colour of a late sunset. It had minimal garden, a tire swing in a tree, and a mailbox the shape of a pig. Fun and unique, unlike everything else.

The red front door opened, and out skipped a girl who appeared to be the same age. His heart stopped at the sight of her. She had black hair that was neatly put back in a pony tail, with her bangs finger curled into a perfect quiff. A yellow cardigan the colour of lemon wrapped around her shoulders, and she wore an orange lattice skirt with a white blouse. Every step she took was full of life, and her fragile figure was graceful as she walked down the steps. Waiting at the car with books in her hand, she almost bounced on the spot waiting for what looked like her father to unlock the car so she could get in.

The father looked across the street to James who realised he was staring, and quickly rode off on his board to the school. It might have been un-awkward if the car didn't start following him in the same direction, but it quickly overtook. Sighing with relief, he kept on his way, knowing darn well that he would be late. All he knew was that he would be taking the same route to school every morning.