Tangerine Dreams

Four

Meagan and I walked over to the house just in time for my dad to pull into the driveway. We waited for him to pile out of his car.

"Hello girls. Happy birthday hon." He said as he walked up to us. He gave me a small smile before hugging me. Like I said before, I loved my dad, but we rarely saw things eye to eye. He was a stickler for the 'perfect family.' Of course, he never exactly got it.

"Hey dad. Do we have to go out tonight? I'd rather stay in and watch movies or something." I sighed.

"Yes Freya, we do. It's not just for your birthday, We are meeting up with some work clients of mine. I made it more about business to make you comfortable. Apparently they have a son your age. He goes to school with you, so you won't be bored listening to statistics and what not." He explained.

"So there's absolutely no way I'm getting out of this dinner?" He nodded. I groaned and walked upstairs to my bedroom to get ready. I absolutely dreaded doing anything on my birthdays, and I think a work dinner with some kid is even worse.

-

I finished getting ready slipped on my shoes by the door. I may need to runaway later if anything goes wrong, so tennis shoes it is. My dad walked out into the living room all dressed up in a suit. Meagan came down wearing a light blue dress just below the knee and some sandals.

"Alright let's go!" My dad smiled as he headed out the door. I looked at Meagan with a pleading look. I really didn't want to go out.

"I'm sorry Freya, it's not up to me sweetheart." She sighed. I turned and made my way to the car. I had my journal with me incase the so called boy from school was rude or boring. I liked writing whenever I could at this point, it made me feel close to my mom.

The drive to the restaurant seemed like and eternity. My dad kept asking me how school was going and if I was excited to graduate. The answer was no. I was absolutely petrified to graduate. That meant college was around the corner. I wasn't scared about college or anything, but growing up my mom had promised she'd move into an apartment with me near the school of my choice if I wasn't ready to move in with complete strangers. At the time, I thought nothing of the idea. I thought I could handle moving out, but after having to cut my life with her short, I realized I was never going to be ready. However, I couldn't admit that to my dad, so instead I replied with a yes and explained how happy I was. He then went on about which college I chose. It was the place my mom first met him. Florida State University in Tallahassee was my top choice. It was the same school she got her degree in English. I was determined to make it mine. I also applied to other places like UCLA in Los Angeles and even the University of Tennessee to stay closer to home. I had been accepted into all three, but it was getting close to the decision date. I had a deadline to make, and my options were final. My dad wants me to go somewhere other than FSU. He thinks I'm only doing it for mom. Which is true, but I won't admit that either. We arrived to the restaurant and piled out of the car. When we walked inside, the hostess immediately recognized my dad, and she led us to the back where three people sat. I noticed the boy from school as none other than, Charlie Edwards. He was a nice and quiet boy in my English class. I sat down next to him and he smiled.

"Hi Freya, right?" He asked.

"Oh uh yeah. Charlie?"

"That's me!" he smiled again. Charlie was about 6'0ft tall with blonde hair and green eyes. He was nice to everyone including me. Granted it was only in passing through the hallways in which he would smile at me, but at least he didn't make fun of me for wanting my mom back. He was definitely attractive, but not necessarily my type. He was more Makenna's best friend, Anna's type.

"Hello, My name is Henry, and I'll be taking care of you all tonight, Can I get you started with some drinks?" Everyone ordered a water except for Charlie and I, who ordered Sprite. I found it funny how they were strictly here for business. Martha, Charlie's mom turned to look at me as we wait for our drinks.