I Choose You

Surprise, Surprise

"Open up your eyes
It's happening all around you
If it hasn't found you
Well You know it's just a matter of time
Surprise surprise
What do you think the world owes you
It's not the way it's supposed to go
Well you know It's just a matter of time"

- "Surprise, Surprise" by Brett Dennen

***

I woke up to a sudden loud sound. I jerked up to a sitting position. My eyes searched the room for the source of the sound. I caught sight of my drawn-back white sheer curtains that were ever so slightly fluttering. 

I concluded by the empty space in the bed next to me, combined with the curtains and sound that Alexander had just left.

"Meow

Meow

Meow"

Turtle was pacing on the window seal, begging to go outside.

"Calm down. Not just yet. You haven't even had breakfast, Buddy." I walked over to his bowls and began my morning routine.

***

I had decided to give Maggy a break for a while. At school, she would shut off at any inkling of the topic regarding her and William. I had a feeling that their relationship— whatever degree it was—seemed to be on the rocks. Maggy seemed on the verge of losing it. In between school and work I did not have the opportunity to properly talk to her.

I considered calling her but I knew it was a conversation to have face to face. I need to physically be there for her like she was for me.

"Hey, are you busy Sunday?" I asked Maggy at lunch when William had wandered off to get something to drink from the vending machine.

Maggy finished a bite of her egg and olive sandwich. After thinking about it for a second, Maggy responded. "No, I don't think so. Why?"

"Well, I thought I'd see if you wanted to spend the day with me. We could probably convince your parents and my father to allow you to stay the night and we can just go to school together the next day," I suggested. "I mean, it's been forever since we have had a girls' night. I would suggest Friday but I have dinner plans with my mom. Saturday...is also booked for me. If you want to do another day-"

"No," Maggy interrupted my nervous rant. I was scared she would not agree due to the obvious fact that I wanted more details about her and William. I made it clear the day before. "Sunday works for me," she said.

I smiled. "Great! I'm so excited. I'll make sure we're loaded on junk food."

Maggy gave a small giggle. "Horror movie marathon?"

I rolled my eyes at our silly tradition. "Of course, who do you think you are dealing with?!"

***

I didn't see Alexander at work. Merle said that Alexander had called out due to a family emergency. Surprisingly, I kept my mouth shut about Alexander leaving early the day before. In the midst of talking with Merle I coward at the thought of getting Alexander in trouble. He needed the job, now more than ever.

Luckily, Holden was able to come in early and help fill the shift. I was happy. Holden was a great worker with a positive attitude. Aside from tormenting me with the nickname Gracie, he was fun to be around. I found myself looking forward to us hanging out on Saturday. He was one of the only sane people in my life that did not cause me drama or chaos.

"So, what are we going to do on Saturday?" I questioned Holden when some of the last people in the store tickled out, except for a couple in the corner that appeared to be in their own little world.