Lost in Confusion

Chapter 4

It had been one week since Dallas had apologized to me. This whole week he's been avoiding me. I hope he'd at least have a change of heart since today was my birthday but when I walked downstairs to the whole gang saying happy birthday he wasn't there. Where could he have been? It's one thing to feel awkward around me but to avoid me and not even show up on my birthday was low. This whole situation has made me reconsider my friendship with Dallas. Why would I want a friend like that? I tried to push the thought of him not being here out of my mind so I could enjoy my special day. Since Brody was taking me out tonight I spent the day with the gang and my brothers. The gang all gave me presents which was sweet considering half of them either didn't have money or jobs. I was having so much fun I didn't even notice how late it was. Looking at the time wide eyed I looked at the boys, "I've got to get ready Brody's gonna be here soon" and with that I ran up the stairs to my room. 

As I was getting ready I completely forget that Dallas never showed up and at this point in the day I didn't really care. If he was going to pretend I didn't exist then I would do the same. I put on a light purple dress along with some small white high-heels. I added some light make-up and tied my hair up with a matching purple ribbon. I looked at myself in the mirror and couldn't help but feel like something was missing. I reached for my jewelry box and pulled out a gold heart locket and some matching gold earrings. I rarely wore jewelry but it was a special occasion. After looking at myself in the mirror again I sprayed myself with a little perfume and headed down the stairs. 

Once I got downstairs the boys all smiled at me. Darry was the first to say, "You look absolutely beautiful Gracie. Just like mom". I smiled and looked down at the last part. I missed my mother terribly. She taught me everything I needed to know about being a woman. When she was gone I didn't come out of my room or leave the house for weeks. Grief never goes away but I like to believe she is looking over me smiling at the woman I have become. "Thank you Darry" I simply responded. Darry grabbed my shoulders, "I hope you have a great night Gracie. Today is a very special day for you". I smiled, but before I could continue Brody came in saying how we had our reservation for the restaurant soon. I smiled at all of the boys and said goodnight before leaving with Brody. 

As we drove through the streets I couldn't help but admire Brody. He had a muscular build so he looked tough but his eyes were this soft brown color. Even though Brody was tough looking on the outside he was the sweetest on the inside. While admiring him I hadn't realized we had pulled up to the restaurant. It was a beautiful Italian restaurant that I had been eyeing for some time called, "Ciao Bella". Admiring the beautiful restaurant Brody walked to my side of the car and opened the door for me. This was out of character for him but it was so sweet so I smiled and took his hand. I wrapped my hand around Brody's arm as we walked up to the restaurant. "This place is beautiful" I said to Brody, he looked at me with a smile, "Just like you". We shared a brief kiss before going inside. 

Brody shared words with the hostess and we were quickly brought to our table. It was very intimate and a candle was lit in the middle of the table. The flame from the candle illuminated Brody's soft brown eyes. He was handsome looking as usual but tonight was extra special. He was wearing a nice button down shirt with a tie and a pair of dress pants. The waiter came over and poured each of us a glass wine. Once the waiter left Brody and I looked over the menu. We both decided on pasta dishes. Brody and I had similar tastes which is why I believed we had been together for so long. After ordering our dishes I realized I had to use the restroom. "I have to excuse myself for a second, I'll be back". Brody looked at me smiling, "I'll be here darling". 

After using the restroom I admired myself in the mirror. I looked just like my mother. I smiled to myself and fixed my hair and make-up a little and then headed back to the table. After turning the corner to get back to our table I was shocked at what I saw.

To be continued....