W.A.T.D

Chapter 6 Plan - her perspective

Estimated reading time - 4 minutes

I haven't seen Raymond today, I usually see him at lunch but he wasn't there.
It doesn't affect me much however, he always eats outside so I never eat with him.
He is definitely addicted to cigarettes, you will never catch him without one on him somewhere.
Personally, I think it's disgusting, but who am I to stop him?
I'm assuming he skipped because at this point it is very much the ordinary, I never worry where he is for that reason.

As soon as I got home I emailed him, telling him all about what happened in class

RAYMOND!!!!!! You'll never believe what happened after you left - E

ELIZA what happened? - R

Some football idiot asked me out - E

And? What did you say? - R

Yes apparently - E

Your kidding - R

YOU said yes to a jock? I'm surprised you even talked to him - R

Well, technically I said yes, I just nodded. But it was a total accident! - E

So what are you going to do? - R

Stand him up, obvi - E

I think you should go - R

What?!?!? - E

Just hear me out i have a plan - R

The next day in class, according to Raymond's plan I wore the shortest skirt I own. It was still down to my knees but a skirt nonetheless.
The football guy who asked me out definitely took notice, as intended. He got up from his seat and walked over to me, looking me up and down as he did.
I honestly don't get what he finds so 'smoking' about me but I can play along for now. I can play the hot ditzy girl he wants for some reason.
"Someone dressed up today, looking good." he said when he stopped much too close to me, i had to crane my neck up just to look at him.
I silently high-fived Raymond under the desk and stood up, smiling as best I can at him.
He seemed pleased as he checked me out again, good god this man was absolutely drenched in cologne, what did he do bathe in it? I had to repress a gag as he got closer to whisper something to me.
"Can't wait to see what you'll wear this weekend" he said before pulling away and walking back to his desk.
Well, at least I know it's the weekend now, I really should have listened the first time, then I wouldn't be in this mess.
I sit back down and turn to Raymond, overdramatically gagging, that made him laugh, he has a good laugh.
He took out his phone and slid it to me, making an excuse about needing my number for the plan. I roll my eyes and enter my number, making my contact name 'knife girl' he laughed it off and apologized again, changing my name to Liz. I quickly took his phone and changed it to Eliza
"I don't like nicknames." I say bluntly, turning away awkwardly when he takes his phone back. My phone buzzed and it was him, I made sure he saw when I entered his name as 'emo fuck boy' and I heard him chuckle to himself.

When I got home I got a text from Raymond, it was a screenshot showing he had made my profile picture the picture I emailed him of his knife in my stuffed animal. I caught myself smiling, quickly shaking it off and returning to whatever was on TV.

I scrolled through website upon website, looking at thousands of pictures of outfit inspiration by now and yet I still had no idea what to wear to this thing. I had finally texted the football guy to find out where we were going, and I looked it up to find a very expensive restaurant. I'd never been on a date, let alone one at a fancy restaurant. I knew I would have trouble but I didn't think it would be this bad.
The 'date' is tomorrow and I really don't know.
"Mom?" I yell out, looking around my house for my usually out mother. She works so much she barely lives here.
"Yes?" I finally heard back, I found her in the guest room, reading on the bed.
She is in here a lot, she says it has the best 'vibes' for reading but I think it's because it's the only room without windows, she likes falling asleep in here because of that.
"Mom... I need help" I say as I stand in the doorway, kicking my foot awkwardly. She has always tried to dress me before, but I always decline, opting for my usual baggy jeans and sweaters.
"With?" I sigh, I was subconsciously hoping she already knew what I wanted but she didn't, she can't read minds so I just need to tell her.
"I have a date..." she cut me off immediately by squealing like a teenager
"With who? Is it that kid with the R name?"
"Raymond?"
"yes him!"
"How do you know him... I don't talk about him"
"You leave your computer open" She shrugged and I roll my eyes.
"So can you help me?" I say with my arms crossed.
"Of course! Follow me" She started to walk out of the room quickly and I scurry along behind her. I stopped when she grabbed her keys and headed towards the door.
"I don't need anything new! I just need help choosing from my own closet!" she made a look of pity, walking to me and putting her hands on my shoulders.
"Honey... all you own is jeans and t-shirts. Unless you plan on going to school on your date you need something new. Don't you want to look good for... what was his name... Ray something?"
"Raymond." I repeat, she has a tendency to forget names, but I'm used to it.
"Now come onnn let's get you something cute!" words I hate to hear, but if I want the plan to work I need to look... 'cute'