fresh start ; paige bueckers

✮ 13

Lily

Thursday through Saturday dragged by as if it was three weeks rather than three days and my upcoming date with Paige sat like the light at the end of the tunnel.

We were both equally as busy with classes, homework and Paige with basketball and me with work that we had gone the entirety of Thursday and Friday without seeing each other. Of course, we'd spoken on the phone but it wasn't the same so by the time Saturday arrived I was practically craving Paige.

Kelsey and I had picked up an afternoon coffee and I walked her to her shift at one of the cafès on campus. I was on my walk back to my apartment when my phone rang, it was Paige.

"Hello pretty girl."

"Hi Paige."

"I'll pick you up at six thirty, so be ready."

"You don't have to pick me up, I can meet you at your apartment if that's easier."

"I'll be picking you up, Lily."

"Yes ma'am."

Paige had still refused to give me even the smallest clue as to what our date would consist of but I did manage to get a 'casual' dress code out her, although what that meant - I don't know.

I spent the short walk home going through casual outfit options in my head that could be acceptable to wear on a date and came to one conclusion:

I needed to consult Hannah.

✮

"And she's not even hinted at where you could be going?" Hannah asked and I shook my head, "Nope."

"Oh, this is fun though! Paige Bueckers - the romantic." She squealed as she rifled through my closet. "Are you excited?"

I nodded, a huge smile spreading on my face, "So excited."

"You seem really happy Lily." Hannah said turning to me, her hands full of clothes.

"I feel really happy." I say honestly because I do. This is the best I've felt since before everything happened but unfortunately I know my brain and I know this feeling isn't forever but I'll enjoy it while it lasts.

"Show me my options then." I say to Hannah and she brings multiple sets of clothes over to me and lays them out on my bed.

"Casual is a broad spectrum, your girlfriend left us with a lot of choice."

"She's not my girlfr-"

Hannah cuts me off with a wave of her hand, "Tomayto, tomahto." She says.

"Theres a jeans, skirt and yoga pants option." She explains pointing to each pile of clothes.

Mom jeans were a staple of almost all my outfits so naturally that's what I strayed to. Hannah had choosen a light denim wash pair of jeans with a long sleeve white off the shoulder top.

"I think I'll go with that." I say picking up the other two outfits and putting them back in my closet.

"Good choice! I'll leave you to get ready." She says walking out of my bedroom.

✮

I take my time getting ready because a rushed Lily is a stressed Lily and a stressed Lily is grumpy and I wanted tonight to be perfect.