Our world

2

Chapter contains: Drug use, alcohol Consumption, and sexual content.

Chapter 2

Thursday, 4/12/85

The memories of last night flooded back, how I smoked with Richard in that bathroom and let my mind drift into places it shouldn't have. I daydreamed about us doing things, intimate things, crazy things. I know how that sounds, but there was something about him, his looks, his charm, that I couldn't shake off. I needed to see him again.

And now here we were, planning to meet up at the mall for dinner and a walk. Of course, I had some shopping in mind, too. We were supposed to meet at 7 pm, and with only 30 minutes left, I was still far from ready.

I scrambled, washing my hair, throwing on makeup, and obsessing over which dress to wear. Maybe I was overdoing it, but if I was going out with a guy like Richard, I had to look good.

7:04 pm

"Lu?" Danny barged into my room just as I was staring at myself in the mirror for what felt like the hundredth time, repeating to myself that I looked good.

I spun around quickly. "What?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Sis, chill. You look fine for a date."

His words made me freeze, arms folding across my chest. "It's not a date, Danny."

"If you say so." He grinned. "Richard's outside waiting. Don't keep him."

I grabbed my bag, racing downstairs without so much as a goodbye, though I could feel the smirks and suspicious looks from my siblings as I left. My heart was pounding as I approached Richard's car, trying to suppress the smile tugging at my lips. I climbed into the passenger seat, trying to stay cool.

Richard glanced at me with that signature smirk, shaking his head. "Hey, gorgeous."

"Hi, Richard," I replied, my voice soft as I blushed harder than I expected. He chuckled, noticing my reaction.

"Why so nervous and smiley?"

Are you serious? It's you, I thought. But out loud I said, "What? I'm not... I'm just excited to go shopping."

Richard glanced away from me, pressing down on the gas. "Hm, we better get going then."

The car ride was thick with silence. It wasn't the uncomfortable kind, but the type that hinted we both shared a mutual struggle with socializing. A soft hum of music played in the background while the wind whistled through the open windows. Despite the quiet, it wasn't all bad, just two or three casual questions exchanged over the span of the 20-minute drive. I was trying not to let my nerves get the better of me.

When we arrived at the mall, Richard parked, and we made our way inside. The food court was off to the right, so we headed in that direction.

"You've been here before?" I asked, breaking the silence.

He gave a quick nod. "Nope, you?"

"Me either. What do you feel like eating? I'm kind of rushing through dinner, I need some new cute clothes." I was practically buzzing with excitement, half-distracted by thoughts of shopping.

He shrugged, smirking slightly. "I'm down for whatever. But everything's on you today."

Fuck you're fine.

His perfection in looks and actions cause butterflies to erupt in my stomach.

I smirked back at him, turning toward the food court. We walked side by side, effortlessly in sync like a couple, though we weren't, of course. Not yet, at least. Ugh.