Run (John O'Callaghan Fanfiction)

Chapter 12 - John

    I wake up the morning after making the call to Lyrick, sitting up in my bed before actually opening my eyes. When I do, the sunlight through my window temporarily blinds me. I lazily climb out of my bed, and stumble to the bathroom, trying to rub the sleep from my eyes. I look into the mirror and give a look of slight disgust. I have small bags under my eyes and I sort of look like I haven't slept in weeks. Actually, I really haven't gotten much sleep, the more I think about it. The more I stare at myself, the more I realize that, a) I really have to pee, and b) my breath is probably rank.  I don't have the most pleasant morning breath. 

    I finally stop staring at myself like an idiot and brush my teeth. After that, I splash some water over my face and try to wake myself up a little more. I do the rest of my necessary business and decide that taking a shower is probably my best option. I definitely don't smell the best right now, and, considering that even after two weeks of silence from me, Lyrick decided to give me a chance anyway, I resolve that I should at least smell like a decent human being. 

After I finish my morning routine, I hear my stomach rumble and I go to the kitchen in search of some food. I have some cereal and then take a seat on the couch, turning on the TV and mindlessly flipping through the channels. 

Shit, I didn't even think of where to take Lyrick tonight. 

Maybe we should just get some pizza and walk around downtown. I mean, I think she's the type of girl that would be okay with that. That gives me a chance to really learn about her. Talk to her. Movie dates aren't the best for talking, I've found. 

Yeah, that sounds good. Maybe I should call her and make sure that's okay. I'll do that.

I grab my phone off the counter and unlock it. I press her name, putting the phone up to my ear, hearing the ringing begin. A few rings later, she picks up.

"Hey, John. Everything okay?" She sounds concerned. Fuck, does she think I'm going to cancel on her or something?

"Yeah, yeah, everything's fine," I reply, trying to make sure she doesn't think I'm trying to back out on her. "I was just going to talk about tonight's details with you, make sure everything sounds alright."

"Oh, of course!" She sounds relieved. With my reputation with her lately, I would've been a little worried if I were her, too. 

"Well, I was thinking we could go to this pizza place I really dig, and then I could show you around downtown, does that sound okay?" I'm so nervous.

"Yeah, that sounds wonderful, John. I'm really excited." I can almost hear her smile from the sound of her voice. "So, I should just dress casually, right? I don't want to look out of place. The last thing I want is to draw any attention to myself." She chuckles and I'm sure she's blushing.

"Casual is fine. However, considering how pretty you are, I'm sure you'll get a little bit of attention no matter what you wear." Well, that came out a little creepier than I wanted it too. She giggles.

"Wow, thank you. I'm sure you will too, with those eyes of yours." 

"What's wrong with my eyes?" I say, crossing an arm over my chest, with a look of confusion. She laughs at me.

"Nothing is wrong with your eyes, you big dope. I was saying they're hard to miss. They're gorgeous." 

"Oh, right." I say, rolling my eyes at myself. "Well, thank you. You'll get to see them later on tonight. I was thinking I could get you at six instead of six thirty. That alright?"

"That's perfect. I'll see you tonight." 

"Yes, you will. Bye, Lyrick."

"Goodbye, John." She says, and I hear the click as she hangs up the phone.

'Yes, you will.' Seriously, John? Seriously? I mentally hit myself repeatedly for that one. 

Anyway, I have to figure out what to wear for that date with her tonight. I don't want to look like a hobo today.