Because of You

Chapter 9: The Couch

I take a deep breath in the mirror and check my outfit and hair one last time. I'm wearing a tight, black, spaghetti strap sundress that stops just above my knee. I have black wedges on, so I stand at about 5'7. I'm wearing more makeup than usual, and I have to admit, I look like a college girl. My long hair rolls down my body, like a waterfall of blonde curls. And of course, I have my favorite pink lip-gloss on.

I'm more aware of my body right now than I've ever been. All dressed up to go to my boyfriend's high school graduation, I suddenly don't feel like a kid anymore. Maybe it's the mix of turning sixteen, puberty, and being in a serious relationship, but I am really starting to feel like a real woman. My dress is fitted and very flattering for my lean, dancer's figure. Rocking back and forth in the mirror, I wonder what will go through Hayden's mind when he sees me dressed up like this. I hope he likes it.

Hayden. Ugh. My stomach churns its' mix of knots and butterflies, and I slowly make my way down to my bedroom floor. I sit on my soft, purple rug and lean against my bed frame. I exhale heavily and close my eyes. He's graduating today. Today, things change. I hate change. I'm a creature of habit and I love the simple and the expected. I like being comfortable, and I love my life right now. I don't want it to change.

I ride with Mom to the high school and we walk into the large gymnasium together. The stage is set up with beautiful bouquets of flowers as decorations. The seats for the graduates are on both sides of the stage, and there are tons of rows of chairs on the floor. Immediate family members settle into the chairs, and other friends and family make their way to the bleachers.

Soft music plays in the background while the gym is filled with muffled chitter chatter amongst the guests. I feel a wave of anxiety hit me, as we're walking in. I'm not a huge fan of being in crowds. I just feel like everyone is staring at me. But we both look beautiful, I must say. Mom always looks gorgeous, even when she doesn't even try. So when she actually does put a little extra effort into her appearance, she looks like a model. She's wearing a black knee-length pencil skirt, and a light pink blouse. The pencil skirt really shows off her tiny figure and firm behind. I honestly feel insecure being next to her.

I focus on my breathing and try to remind myself that Hayden's parents will love me because Hayden does. But even the thought of Hayden loving me can't quite get rid of the knots in my stomach. The gym is quickly filling up with friends and family of the graduates. I hear laughter and faint conversations. I see friends and family hugging, standing around with gifts, and taking their seats. I recognize quite a few people from school, but as usual, I keep to myself and don't talk to anyone.

Mom and I look around the gym to find Jana, and finally I spot her with a group of people I don't recognize. Hayden's family. I take a deep breath. Here we go.

Jana greets me and Mom and introduces us to everyone. I meet Hayden's dad, Tom, who looks almost exactly like Hayden, just thirty years older. He's about 6'6, relatively fit and muscular, bald, and has the same baby blue eyes as Hayden. I bet Hayden and Tom at eighteen could pass for twins. I totally get why Jana fell for him. He has a smooth voice and a firm handshake. But he also shares the same warm smile and comforting presence that Hayden has. I instantly relax and am able to breathe a little better.

"Bridgette!! Finally!!" Exclaims Haley, as she goes in for a hug. Haley is short and petite, and a little on the chubby side. She definitely takes after Jana, rather than Tom. She has short, wavy brunette hair, and you guessed it, baby blue eyes. "You're more beautiful than Hayden described!" Haley says in the sweetest, most genuine voice. I can tell she really means it. And surprisingly, the hug actually made me feel more at peace. I blush and say thank you. I try to be as kind and likable as I possibly can be, considering this very well may be my future family.