CHAPTER 9. NOSTALGIA
EMILY COOPER POV'
Christopher and I were ten years old, wandering around the mall on a sunny Saturday afternoon.
The smell of freshly baked waffle cones wafted through the air, leading us straight to the ice cream shop.
"I think I prefer chocolate over vanilla,"
Christopher said casually, his bright eyes scanning the colorful array of flavors.
I playfully rolled my eyes.
"Vanilla, definitely! Vanilla is classic, timeless – it never goes out of style. Plus, it's so versatile – you can pair it with anything: chocolate sauce, sprinkles, whipped cream... the list goes on!"
Christopher chuckled, his messy brown hair falling across his forehead as he shook his head.
"Nah, vanilla is plain and not as tasty as chocolate. Give me a rich, decadent chocolate ice cream any day – with chocolate chips, chocolate sauce, or even chocolate sprinkles on top!"
I grinned mischievously. "Oh yeah? Well, I think you're just a chocolate addict! Besides, have you ever tried vanilla with caramel? Game-changer!"
He thought for a moment before nodding. "Actually, yeah – my mom got that flavor last time we came here. It was pretty good, but still not as amazing as chocolate!"
Our friendly debate was interrupted by the ice cream shop employee, who asked us what flavors we wanted to try.
Christopher, of course, opted for the chocolate brownie flavor with extra chocolate chips, while I chose the classic vanilla with a side of caramel sauce.
As we enjoyed our treats, I turned to Christopher and asked, "So, what do you like to do for fun besides eat chocolate ice cream?"
He thought for a moment before responding,
"I love playing soccer with my friends and reading adventure novels. How about you?"
I smiled. "I'm a total bookworm too! I love getting lost in fantasy worlds and imagining what it would be like to be a brave knight or a powerful wizard. And in the summer, I enjoy swimming and playing tag with my cousins at family gatherings."
As we licked our ice cream cones, Christopher turned to me with a curious expression.
"Hey, do you believe in fate – like, that some people are just meant to meet and become friends?"
I was taken aback by his deep question, but I nodded thoughtfully.
"Yeah, I think so. My mom says that some people come into our lives for a reason, and we should cherish those connections."
He smiled softly.
"I think you and I were meant to meet – we have so much fun together, and you're one of the only people who doesn't get annoyed by my soccer obsession!"
I laughed.
"Guilty as charged – I love hearing about your soccer games and victories. You're an amazing player, Christopher!"
His face lit up with pride, and we continued talking until our ice cream cones were nothing but sticky memories on our hands.
After wiping our hands on our shirts (much to our mothers' future dismay), Christopher turned to me with a mischievous grin.
"Want to make a pact – to remain best friends forever, no matter what?"
My heart skipped a beat at his sweet suggestion.
"Absolutely, yes – best friends forever sounds perfect!"
We pinky-promised, sealing our friendship deal with a smile...
As we sealed our pinky promise, Christopher's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Best friends forever means we get to share all our secrets, right?"
I nodded vigorously, my ponytail bouncing behind me.
"Definitely – but we need a secret handshake to make it official!"
We spent the next few minutes creating the most epic handshake ever – involving fist bumps, finger snaps, and even a little dance move.
Finally satisfied with our masterpiece, Christopher grinned.
"Now we're officially best friends – want to test our secret handshake in front of my mom and your dad? They're waiting for us at the food court."
I giggled nervously.
"Okay, but if they laugh, I'm blaming you!"
We walked hand in hand (literally, still linked from our pinky promise) towards our parents, who were chatting over coffee.
As we approached, Christopher turned to me and whispered,
"Ready... set... SECRET HANDSHAKE!"
We busted out our newly minted move – fist bumps, finger snaps, and dance included.
Our parents stared, confused for a moment... then burst out laughing!
They laughed so hard they snorted their coffee out their noses!
Then my dad choked out between giggles,
"Um, kids... what. was. that?!"
Christopher grinned mischievously.
"Our secret best friend handshake – don't try to copy it, it's patented!"
Our moms burst out laughing again, and Christopher's mom said,
"Well, I think it's adorable – but maybe teach me the steps later, okay?"
I nodded enthusiastically.
"Yeah, Mrs. Hollen– it involves advanced dance moves and secret agent skills!"
My dad chuckled, ruffling my hair.
"I think these two are going to get into some interesting adventures together..."
Christopher beamed at me.
"Told you our parents would love it – now can we get more ice cream to celebrate our official best friendship?"
***
I felt like crying when mom started telling Mariella about
My secret handshake memory – the one only Christopher and I shared...
I hid my face deeper into the couch pillow,
trying to escape the nostalgia flooding my heart.
Mom continued, oblivious to my tears,
"...and then, Christopher turned to her and said,
'Want to make a pact – to remain best friends forever, no matter what?'"
Mariella's eyes widened, sparkling with curiosity.
"Aww, that's adorable – what did she say? Did you guys really make a pact?"
Mom smiled warmly.
"Yes, they did – they pinky promised each other,
and from that day on, they were inseparable best friends."
The room fell silent, except for my quiet sniffling –
Christopher and I were eleven years old, and painting Christopher's room was supposed to be a fun Friday afternoon project!
His mom had chosen electric blue paint – his favorite color – and we were excited to give his room a fresh new look.
As we put on our old painting shirts, Christopher turned to me and grinned mischievously.
"Hey, wanna make this more interesting? Last one to finish their section of the wall has to do an extra chore tonight!"
I nodded enthusiastically, always up for a challenge.
"You're on – but if I win, you have to let me choose the movie we watch tonight!"
He agreed, and we shook hands to seal the deal.
His mom handed us our paint rollers and trays.
"Okay kids, be careful – and try not to make a mess!"
We nodded, and began rolling paint onto the walls.
But as we worked, Christopher started getting more and more into the zone – he began rolling paint faster and faster...
Until he accidentally rolled some onto my arm!
I shrieked, startled – and swung my roller in surprise...
Covering Christopher's hair with bright blue paint!
He looked like he had a blue afro – we both burst out laughing hysterically!
"Oh my gosh, your hair – it's blue!" I giggled.
He laughed even harder.
"At least my hair matches the walls – your arm is blue too, you know!"
I looked down and saw that my arm was indeed covered in paint.
We continued laughing until our sides hurt – and then we heard his mom's footsteps outside the room...