The Thread Between Danny and Me

Chapter 10: It means a lot

The next morning, I woke up earlier than normal. It was going to take three hours to get down to the stadium and I didn't want to make us late. I showered, ironed my hair, and then opened my drawers to pull out a pair of jeans.

I struggled to get the tight flares over my thighs. I pulled them up as high as they would go until they sat uncomfortably on my hips and my stomach flabbed over.

I frowned. There was only one body type these jeans fit well on, and it wasn't mine.

As for a shirt, I had a middle school baseball t-shirt with our school's mascot on it. It wasn't the team Danny was playing for, but it was the only thing I had.

I stared at Danny's watch that was on my desk. I'd gone to sleep wearing it but took it off to shower. Should I wear it to the game? It would be safer on my desk.

No, I wanted it with me. He'd given it to me to look after and it felt wrong to leave it behind. It was still heavy on my wrist, but I felt better. I brushed it lightly and then found my mother in the living room.

"Here's my phone," my mom said as she handed me her Nokia. "Text me when you get to the stadium and when you leave. And if you need me for any reason..."

"Call. I know."

"Okay. Have fun."

I put the phone into my purse. "Is she here yet?"

"She just arrived. I'll walk out with you."

I was nervous, so I made sure my hair was smooth and I had everything I needed before we exited our house.

Danny's mom turned off her tan SUV and stepped out. She was a tall, slender woman with blonde hair and ocean eyes. She smiled softly and it reminded me of Danny.

"You must be MJ," she said with a gentle voice. "I'm so happy to finally meet you. Call me Pam."

"Hello, Pam. I'm happy to meet you as well."

Danny's mom looked over my head and at my mother. "Sofia, I'm glad to see you again."

"Hello Pamela, it's been a long time," my mom said. "It's kind of you to give Maria a ride to the game today. We would've loved to come but our son has a soccer tournament this weekend."

"Danny told me, and no need to thank me. I'm more than happy to drive her. Would you like my cell phone number?"

My mom nodded. "Maria has my phone, but I'll take your number as well, thank you."

Danny's mom pulled a piece of paper out of her pocket. "I thought you'd like it, so I took the liberty and wrote it down."

My dad and Hector peeked their heads out of the door.

"Hello, Pamela!" my dad shouted. "Been a while. Thanks for driving Maria. Maria, call if you need anything. Love you!"

"Love you too!" I called.

My mom hugged me. "See you tonight, Princesa."

"See you tonight. Bye Hector!" I shouted. "Good luck!"

My brother waved. I went to the passenger's side of Pam's car, got in, and buckled. She started the car, and we were off.

"Danny has told me so much about you," she said in the same gentle tone.

We exited the neighborhood and merged onto the main thoroughfare that would take us out of town.

I laughed. "My parents said the same thing when they met him."

"You two are like two peas in a pod," she smiled. "I'm glad of it."

"Me too. He's one of my best friends."