Torn

Second Chances

There I was in my room, pacing back and forth, trying to look perfect and fantasizing about how this one night could change my whole life. I couldn't breathe. I was anxious and fidgety. Axel had asked me out on a date! Me, Lola Marsh. It was everything I could've imagined!

My aunt was in a good mood today, and had surprisingly given me a makeover. I was grinning from ear to ear at my reflection in the mirror. My soft, pink eye shadow and light blush emphasized my big blue eyes and cheek bones exquisitely. My once black frizzy hair laid perfectly on my shoulders, flowing down my back. My pink flushed face had been covered lightly with foundation. I was wearing a knee length crotched white dress, along with a four inched, black wedged heel. My late mother's purple rhinestone necklace sat perfectly around my neck. It gave me comfort knowing that I had a piece of her with me.

My aunt barged in, staring at me in amazement. She closed her eyes, trying to prevent the tears from falling.

"You look beautiful," she said calmly as she packed a kiss upon my forehead.

For the first time in a long time, I felt a rush of companionship and love. I drew in for a hug and suprisingly, she didn't hesitate. She sprung over with outstretched arms and engulfed me in her warmth, whispering " I love you." For the first time, my cold-hearted aunt admitted her love. My heart melted, a tear forced its way through the corner of my eye and slid down my cheek.

"I love you too. I'm-"I said, being cut off by my uncle's hoarse call.

"Your little boyfriend is here!" He shouted from downstairs, leaving me a bit embarrassed.

" I'll be right down!" I yelled, turning back to my aunt.

" Let's go!" she said cheerfully, while pulling me out of the room and down the stairs.

My eyes then met the dashing figure of Axel standing at the end of the stairs. His bright green eyes gleamed with happiness and a smile forced its way onto his face, revealing his white pearly teeth. His blonde curly hair was perfectly ruffled, just as it always have been. He was dressed in a grey, slim fitted tuxedo which showcased his broad, muscular frame. He looked like he had stepped out of a Calvin Klein catalogue!

I hadn't realized that his eyes had been traveling my body from head to toe, observing every detail.

" You.... um..... look beautiful Lola," he said astonished.

" Thank you," I said confidently, "You don't look too bad yourself."

"Ready when you are."

I glanced at my aunt and she flashed a smile that spoke so many words for just a simple gesture.

"Everyone deserves second chances," she mouthed.

I smiled, knowing she meant every word.

" Let's go Mr. Dashing," I finally spoke, grinning like an idiot.

He led me out the door and into his Honda Civic. I stared at him as he made his way around the car and into the driver's seat.

" You truly do look stunning," he said, making my heart melt.

We found ourselves looking deep into each other's eyes. The slow smiles formed on our faces as we moved to each other. We tilted our faces and our lips touched. In that moment, nothing mattered and everything stopped.