The Hourglass

Thirteen

I woke up to the sun hitting my face as it streamed through the kitchen window. I was stiff from falling asleep in a weird position on the couch. I glanced over at Chelsea and saw she didn't look any more comfortable. I felt bad for falling asleep out here and taking her bed for the night. I grabbed my phone to check the time: Half past seven. I yawned and relaxed, glad that I hadn't overslept and missed my chance to get ready for my date with Adam. 

I quietly got up and sauntered over to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. I opened the bag of hazelnut grounds and inhaled deeply, enjoying the scent first thing in the morning. I then went to the bathroom to get ready. I wanted to shower since I fell asleep without one last night, but I didn't want to wash my hair in case I got sweaty today. Wear comfortable shoes. Does that mean I'll be doing a lot of walking? Indoors or outdoors? 

I was growing frustrated with not knowing the details of our outing today. I went ahead and turned the water on and enjoyed the steam, letting it relax my sore neck muscles. I made sure to shave so I could wear a pair of shorts and then got out. Do I wear makeup? I wondered. I might just sweat it off. I decided to at least wear light makeup. I wanted to still look presentable. Like I cared to be there. 

I went into the bedroom and got dressed. I was wearing jean shorts, a gray cotton T-shirt, and white sneakers. Hopefully, it isn't muddy, I thought, but I didn't own a lot of athletic sneakers. I checked my phone as I walked back out to the kitchen to make my cup of coffee. I had a message from Adam: Be ready in 30. I looked to see when he had sent the message, only a few minutes ago. I breathed a sigh of relief. I wasn't quite ready yet. 

I took my coffee with me back to the bathroom so I could sip it as I braided my hair. I wore Dutch braids, hoping that I wasn't going to be underdressed for whatever today was. By the time I was done, it was almost time to go. I went back into the kitchen to rinse out my coffee mug and then went into the living room to check on Chelsea. She was still out. I didn't have the heart to wake her. I knew she would lock up when she left, so I let her be while I got my bag ready. 

It was time, and my heart was fluttering a bit as I wondered how punctual he would be. My phone buzzed at the thought. Very punctual. I read his message saying he was parked downstairs in a black BMW. I replied that I was on my way and headed down the stairs. I lived on the top floor of the apartment complex, which was great for not having noisy neighbors above me stomping around all night but not so great for when I did heavy shopping. 

When I walked out of the apartment building, I saw a black BMW sitting out front on the road and assumed it could only be him. If it wasn't, I was about to be very embarrassed. I walked up to the car and pulled open the passenger door. When I peered inside there was Adam, sitting there smiling up at me, looking handsome as ever. I was relieved to see him wearing cargo shorts and a plain blue cotton t-shirt.  I climbed into the car and shut the door, ready to start our adventure. 

"Good morning," he greets me as he pulls away from my apartment building. 

"Good morning," I reply back, nervous to be in the car alone with him, but excited. The interior was all black. The windows are tinted. It was clean and smelt very good. "Nice car," I commented. He didn't seem to notice. Or he at least chose not to comment. "So," I add, "Where are we going?" 

"You'll see," he says happily as he drives. He's wearing sunglasses and paying attention to the road. 

"I'm not sure I'm the type of person to like surprises," I admit. 

He chuckles. "Is that so?" 

"Yes, I''m thinking so." 

"And when did you come to this conclusion?" he asks me.