Assurance

Sixteen | Invitation

SIXTEEN

B A I L E Y

- Two days later, 10:33 am -

I stand on my feet and go to the front door when I hear the bell ring. Before opening it I look through the peephole. No one is on the other side, so I just open the door and see a box with my name, and address on it. I didn't order anything. The box says, "Food for the Month", it must be a grocery subscription. I lift the box and bring it to the kitchen island.

Inside I find a bunch of goodies. Including a pizza that is calling my name. I preheat the oven and put it in there with a timer. I go through the rest of the foods and there is a cookbook, a large variety of ingredients, just lots of food. Maybe I'll host dinner tonight. Charlie just got back from a business trip yesterday, so I'll treat them for once. I send them a text in our group chat and they respond quickly saying they would love to come over. I smile at my phone.

- 4:54 pm -

I decided to make a dish called, "Parmesan Risotto with Roasted Shrimp." It's a very meticulous dinner that has taken my attention for an hour. Just then, there is a knock at the door.

"It's open!" I called out.

Brittney and Charlie walk in with bright smiles on their faces. "Hey!" Brttnesy says, taking off her coat.

"Hello." Charlie says.

"Hey guys." I say. "Dinner is just about ready." I smile, plating the food.

"Smells great!" Brittney says. "And, I brought some fancy wine today!" She adds getting glasses from the cabinet.

"Oh nice!" I say walking our plates over. "I made Parmesan Risotto with Roasted Shrimp. Something fancy." I say with a proud smile.

"This is literally one of my favorite dishes!" Brittney says.

"Oh good!" I say walking my plate over and the salad.

- 6:49 pm -

"Thanks for dinner, Bailey." Charlie says. "It was very delicious. You might have to host dinner now." He lets out a light chuckle.

"I don't know if I'm better than you guys, but it was good wasn't it?" I laugh.

"Very! You did a great job, Bailey!" Brittney says.

I begin to clean dinner up, them both helping me. "Bailey. Can we ask you something?" Charlie asks.

"Anything." I say with a smile.

"Would you want to join us for a function, an event if you will." Charlie asks. Brittney holds his arm with hopeful eyes.

An event reminds me of what Lewis wanted to take me to. Why must everything remind me of him?

"I don't know..." I sutter looking down.

"I would be so happy if you would come! You wouldn't have to worry about a thing! We'll take care of all expenses." Britteny says taking my hands. "Charlie is always with his work friends, leaving me alone. I need a buddy!" She begs.

She holds my hands with hope. I feel bad for not wanting to go. I mean I could say yes and just fake sickness and not go. Or I could just get out of this house and socialize for once. Have some fun! What harm could come to this?

"I would love to go." I answer.

"Yay! You will not regret this! Thank you!" She squeals, hugging me tightly.

"When is it?" I ask.

"In about a month." Charlie answers.

"Okay. Are you sure I don't have to do anything? Cook anything?" I offer.

"Oh no! Food is all taken care of! We have everything set." Brittney answers. She put a long stretch on everything, a little suspicious, but okay.

After a few minutes they leave. I have to admit, today was a good day. I am much happier than yesterday. And the fact I am almost excited for this event, is a big thing! If on;y dad saw me now: Living alone, had a crush on a Mafia leader, a dog, and drinks whenever I want! Wow, I got a pretty good life.

I finish cleaning up and take out Willow. Once she goes to the bathroom, we walk back inside and I pour another glass of wine and we sit in the living room and watch a movie.

- 8:46 pm -

When the movie finishes I eat a chocolate chip cookie or two and we make our way up to my bedroom. We lay down and I fall asleep with no tears and a smile on my face.