Number 14

(10 years earlier)

“Addie, come sit with us?” A young Adelaide, only thirteen at the time nodded as she followed her sisters into the backyard where they sat on the grass.The wind was blowing sightly and she had to tuck a few strands of brown hair behind her ear to keep them from flying into her face. After a few moments it was her sister Caden that handed her the little black book with a gold inscription reading “Notes”. Her hair, a mixture of brown and gold tickled Adelaide’s nose when she reached out for the small article.

“What is this?” Adelaide studied the small book in her hands turning it over once or twice before deciding it seemed safe to open.

“Adelaide, as you get older you’re going to realize something.” It was Arabella, her other older sister, speaking to her now, her own blonde hair shining in the wind. “You’re going to realize that boys are stupid and dumb and gross, but occasionally a few will be worth your time. And we wanted to make sure you know how to tell if he’s worth it or not.”

“This is a list of rules. Let them guide you. If he doesn’t follow the rules, then he doesn’t deserve you.” Caden again and then both her older sisters were hugging her, before heading inside. Adelaide nodded vigorously though she knew little to nothing about love, she knew that this was a gift to treasure from her sisters who cared enough to take the time to present to her. It was a long time before Adelaide came in from resting in the sun; a smile on her face and a little black book in her hands.

By the time Adelaide finished high school she felt like she had mastered the list. That after a few heartbreaks and missteps of her own that she had finalized a list of rules that if followed were the key to a perfect guy. However no guy she ever dated seemed to live up to the rules she had held onto for so long. But she wasn’t expecting him to sweep in and change everything.

Notes

This is a new format for me so bear with. Please give me your feedback!! <3