One Journey, the Final

Chapter 14:

I puckered up my lips for the brightest shade of red lipstick that I owned. It was very over the top, but still looked good with my skin tone. I never wore this lipstick, it was much too flashy for me. Once I was done with my lips, I applied a bucket load of makeup onto my face. I generally didn’t wear much makeup, really only on my eyes. But this wasn’t a general thing. This was top notch, “I’m Desperate for Your Love,” type thing. My eyes were accented with dark tones, and my lips a vibrant red against my pale skin. I smiled at my artwork.

I awkwardly walked out of my house, practically tripping over my own seven inch heels. I looked like I was straight out of Jersey Shore. I wore a black bow-bandeau as a top, and gold glittery shorts. Aside from the outfit, my hair was big and crazy curly. At first I wanted to throw a bathrobe over myself, but I had to stay confident. I walked out sure of myself, and what I was doing.

What was I doing again?

Oh yeah. Fishing for guys. Not exactly my most proudest moment, but I walked tall and full of self-confidence. Toe to toe, I kept repeating in my mind as I tried to balance on the shoes. Keep your head up! I locked my door, and quickly ran to my car, almost twisting my ankle.

                “Ouch!” I said, rubbing my ankle. I revved the engine, trying to look cool, and blasted the music. I applied another layer of lipstick, puckering my lips into the rearview mirror. I heard a couple of boys wolf whistle at me, and I felt my cheeks burn as red as my lips. I wanted to bury my face in my purse, but I wouldn’t allow myself to do that. Instead, I just pulled out of the driveway, shying away from the many stares I was getting. Probably over the speed limit, I drove to a frozen yogurt place—alone. That should cause some attention. Going on a date with myself could lead to many questions as to why, “Miss One Direction All Alone?!” And then with a smile I’ll say, “I’m just enjoying a frozen yogurt….all by myself, without anybody to enjoy this lovely day with."

                “Strawberry, that’s my favorite flavor,” a strangely familiar voice cooed behind me. I turned around with spoonful of the treat in my mouth, and the spoon still inside. Wide eyes I found myself looking into the deep brown eyes of Dave Byrns. Never had I had the biggest urge to slap someone. I quickly swiped the spoon out of my mouth. I squinted my eyes at him, and slipped into a seat at a nearby table, hoping that he wouldn't follow.

I was wrong.

He sat across from me, his own cup of strawberry yogurt in his hands. I was suddenly truly, deeply, regretting wearing this outift. I sat back, trying to be as far from him as possible. He only leaned forward. 

                "Listen, you have to know how awful I feel. I'm extremely sorry. It was completely-" he started to say.

               "Inappropriate? Wrong? Disgusting?" I started to list off the possible words that could've described the situation. I shuddered.  It was sort of awkward to see him outside of work. He was wearing a tank top, exposing his muscles that were nearly coated in tattoos. I didn't even know he had tattoos. And tattoos aren't even necessarily attractive.

               "Yes, and I would do anything to take it back. I didn't know that you were seeing somebody. If I had known, I wouldn't have ever done that." I could sense the truth of his apology. He really did feel sorry.

              "Yeah, well, I forgive you. We're done anyways. The guy," I said, stabbing my yogurt with my spoon. I was still angry.

             "Oh. I'm really sorry,"  he said sincerely. I could feel him staring at me. I quickly got up and threw my cup away, leaving the store before I did something stupid. I nearly ran, which is certainly hard to do in heels, and sure enough, I felt a tug on my arm. I turned to stare into his eyes once more, this time, noticing that he had gold irisis. Like the sun. They made me smile faintly.

           "I'm sorry. I just couldn't let you leave, when I'm this close to getting to know you," he said quietly. All at once, I felt myself forgive him for what he had done. And it wasn't something that I had willingly done. It was just the natural order of things. And Dave just might be what I need to make Harry jealous as h-e-double hockeysticks. He placed a crumpled up napkin in my hand, and walked away. I unfolded it, really hoping not to find wet gum in it. Instead, he scribbled on it his phone number and a note that said, "I'm sorry. Gimme a 2nd chance?" I placed it in my pocket, walked to my car, and once again revved the engine.

Maybe some people deserve second chances.

PS- Thank you eblackham13 for your insight on word choice and characters!!