The Beginning, Middle, but not the End

Day 6,236 (November 12th)

Someone knocks on my door, awakening me from my nap. Yesterday I went out with everyone in yearbook to the mall, and then we went to see a double-feature of Star Wars. It was a special showing at a movie theatre a couple hours away, so we were out really late. It's weird going out with people and participating in activities again. But it's nice and it's kind of refreshing, it feels good to get out. "Jodie?" I roll over and rub my eyes to see a dark figure standing in my doorway.

The only light in the room currently is a stray beam of sunlight escaping from the curtains that hide the outside world. I yawn, "What time is it?"

"It's nearly three o'clock in the afternoon," That's not my parents. The figure turns on the light, revealing themself to me. It's Dallas, and he's holding something behind his back.

I smile, "Oh, hey."

"Hey, sleepy," He flashes his teeth at me before sitting by my feet on the bed. Dallas hands me the large square package he was hiding behind his back. I look at him and ask with simply my eyes, 'Why did you get me something?' He chuckles, "Just open it."

I do as he says and rip off the brown paper that secures the present. Inside the wrapping is a vinyl record for my record player. "Dallas," I start but I can't finish my own sentence.

Why did he get me this? Did I forget something? Is it our friendaversary? Oh god, I'm a terrible friend. Maybe I have something that I can give him just in case it is a day when we were supposed to exchange gifts. I think I have an unused candle somewhere, or maybe a bag of candy from my stash? I'm blowing my chance at this friendship. I'm ruining this and it's only been two months.

No, stop. This overthinking is what got me into that mess in the first place. I take a deep breath and smile.

"You're welcome, Jo."

"I didn't get you anything. I'm sorry," I frown when our eyes meet.

He smiles and places his hand on my leg, "It's okay. I didn't expect you to, just go put it on." Dallas stares at me endearingly. What is he thinking? His curly hair covers his forehead and dangles above his eyes, masking his eyebrows. His nose crinkles a little as he smiles. It's something I've just really noticed. I think he's always done that, but I've never paid that close of attention to it.

I raise my voice only slightly, "Why?"

"Why not? Just trust me, you'll love it," Dallas raises his eyebrow and laughs. I do trust him. It's hard for me to resist his contagious laugh, it always gets the best of me. I release a little laugh, but try to take it back. After we calm down, I pull myself out of bed and walk to my record player on my desk, underneath the window.

I place the vinyl on the play and music brings it to life. The bass in the music comes to life, along with the drums which provide the beat. A guitar comes in a few seconds later. Someone starts to sing, gradually getting louder. The voice is a little rough, but not bad. It's actually pretty soothing. "This is the Daily Dazers, isn't it?" My jaw drops when Dallas nods, "This is amazing!"

He smiles, "I thought you'd say that."

I listen closely, he's singing about a girl. I don't know who it is, but that shouldn't matter to me. It's strange, I shouldn't feel jealous, but the more I think that--the more my stomach starts to churn. "I love it."

Dallas stands up and walks to me, "It's you."

He doesn't have to say more than that. I don't need anything more than that. I smile, and he walks to me, embracing me in a warm hug. This feels right, it always has. For all anyone knows, this could be something meant to be.

"I love you, Jodie."

"I love you too, Dallas."