Blood in the Water

My Pretty Valentine

"Hi, gorgeous," Connor said while I was getting ready for our Valentine's Day date.

      We were going out for a nice dinner. It was enjoyable because we needed to talk about our futures. We were nearing the end of our junior years. The last two weeks have been difficult for me. My mom and I are somewhat fighting. She thinks I care more about Connor than her. I keep trying to tell her no but she doesn't believe me. It might be because she doesn't try with me anymore. She works her night shifts and sleeps during the day. I only have Connor. I got my leg taken off by a shark and she wasn't even there for me, Connor was. Did she sleep with me in the hospital bed? No, Connor did. Connor is more my family than her, what else does she want me to say? She just knows the truth. He cares about me more and she just can't accept it. I am so done with it. She isn't a teenager.

I believe Lydia is a borderline alcoholic, and I can't bear to see her like that. I'm exhausted from relying on my crutches and dealing with school. I'm tired of people staring at me in public, and I'm frustrated by my inability to cheer or be active. The stress of college is overwhelming. I'm just so weary of vitality that it leaves me feeling lifeless and numb.

     Drew's birthday recently passed, and I gave him his new blanket and basketball sweatshirt, but I couldn't enjoy the celebration. He was also diagnosed with anxiety. Our whole group is struggling, and we need to rely on each other more. Our mental health is rapidly declining. I hope today marks a turning point in my life because, at this rate, I fear I'll be sent to a mental hospital soon.

I found a cute red top and paired it with white jeans. I wore my gold heart necklace and hoop earrings. I curled my hair and applied a full face of makeup. I was feeling great. After spraying on my strawberry perfume, I called out to Connor, who was waiting on the couch.

"I'm ready!"
"Ok, coming," he said.

     I heard his heavy footsteps heading my way.

"Oh my god, you look perfect."

     It made me smile. I was standing on my crutches. He walked over to me in his navy blue suit. He grabbed my hips and pulled me into him. He was looking directly down at me since he was over a foot taller. I stood up on my tip-toe and started kissing him. He pulled us onto the bed and got on top of me. I was squealing. We made out like there was no tomorrow. Our salivas became one.

"I don't want my hair and makeup to be messed up, let's stop."
"Ok." He rolled off of me.

      I brushed my hair and we started driving to the restaurant. Connor parked our car. He came over to my side and opened up my door, holding my crutches. He got me out of the car and we started walking in.

"Reservation for Connor."
"Yes, right this way."

      We were seated at a table with a captivating view of the river. As I browsed the menu, I decided to order a steak. We chatted for a while, but the conversation was still light and casual. I couldn't help but admire his tan skin, dark brown eyes, fluffy brown hair, and perfect nose. His jawline was striking, and he was incredibly muscular. He seemed perfect—how had someone like him ended up with me? We shared the same intentions and interests as if we were made for each other.

"How's your Mom?" He asked.
"I don't know. We haven't talked since the last fight about who loves me more. I don't blame her because I was lying. You are the love of my life, and it's not like she was there for me any of this time. Of course, I would feel closer to you when you've supported me and helped me unlike her."
"I think she's trying babe. Give her some time, you'll make up."
"I don't know, hopefully. Enough about her. What about Alabama? Have you heard anything about a scholarship for you?"
"No, but scouts are coming to watch many of my games in the fall. If they like me, which I hope they will. It is possible I can get a scholarship."
"I am so happy for you! I like the idea of Alabama for me as well. Their medical school is good. I always wanted to go somewhere in the medical field, but after the attack it made me know for sure."
"This is perfect," he said. He had a beaming smile on his face.