My mate, My exception novel Chapter 1

"Gotta be like ohhhhh Baaaby- Noo Baby. You got me all wrong baby, my baby's already got all of my love!"

My mom continues singing as I stop and take a deep breath. How that woman can sing a whole song in one breath amazes me.

We are driving down the road while singing Andy Grammer's Honey, I'm good. We are only about five minutes away from our destination- the sporting goods store- to buy myself some new soccer socks.

I had thought I was all set for my senior year soccer season just a few weeks ago. Yesterday, however, I had ripped one of my socks from my last purple pair in a game. Ironically, I had debated buying an extra pair in my school colors before the season began, but my tight wallet made me optimistic I could make it through with just one. We now are taking most of the evening to drive to the closest store, which is about a half hour from where I live.

I always describe the town I live in as "sufficient size". It isn't your down-in-the-south hick town with only a few hundred people, but in no way was it a large suburb. There are only about 5,000 people in our little town of Forsbew.

I wouldn't have grown up anywhere else if given the chance. Forsbew has shaped me into the person I am today. However, I don't want to become one of those people who stay in their hometowns their whole lives. I know if I stay here and marry someone from here I'll never leave. Instead, I plan on living my life on the edge and exploring this earth. A part of me realizes the danger of this plan, the instability and uncertainty of it, but the other part of me craves the adventure. I want to be a finder of the unknown.

My mom reaches over and turns the volume down, only after she finishes singing the song, I might add.

"Jen, let's try to get in and out as quickly as possible today. I promised your father I'd be home to make dinner tonight." She says firmly.

"Do you think we could glance at the hiking boots? I want a new pair for next fall." I ask optimistically, although a part of me already knows the answer.

"Not tonight Jen. Besides, I thought we discussed you keeping your old pair one more year? Your father and I don't have the money to spare at this moment."

This wasn't exactly true, but it was a go-to line used by my parents. My mother and father combined made a very good amount of money each year, but preferred to stay on the safe side of their financial spendings.

"Okay, Mom." I reply, trying not to sound too disappointed.

As I compose myself, the guy just stares. He doesn't say sorry or say anything at all for that matter. He simply reciprocates exactly what I'm doing now- staring.

I find that I am caught up in this moment, stuck staring at this guy. I can't exactly complain, as he's one of the most attractive men I've ever seen. Besides his pure brown eyes and tan skin, he has dark brown hair- almost black. He stands around 6' 2" I'd guess, meaning he easily towers over me. I am taller than a lot of my friends but this guy makes me feel short. I have never seen him before, yet I feel these sparks... maybe sparks of recognition?

"Do I know you?" I ask, breaking the short amount of silence we've shared. My voice sounds sharp as it pierces the silence and snaps him out of his trance.

His eyes widen and he clears his throat. "I'm so sorry for running into you. I must not have been watching where I was going. You're not hurt, are you?" He inquires in a worried, deep voice. He runs his hand through his hair as the words leave his lips and he completely avoids my previous question.

I laugh, which for some reason turns his face even more serious. "I'm pretty sure I'm the one that ran into you. I'm the one who doesn't even pay attention to what's right in front of me." I say lightly, hoping to change the weird atmosphere surrounding us. He chuckles when I do and cracks a breathtaking smile, relieving me of my anxiety.