Choosing Us

Part XI: Now What

The next few weeks flew by. My parents had finally received the news that my father had a specific type of cancer that was treatable but would take a significant amount of time to treat meaning that they ended up renting an apartment there and entrusted me with "holding things down at home." Weirdly enough, this had become more comfortable and normal for me. I would go to school, spend time with Liv, and periodically, watch Shane play football on Fridays. Shane and I had continued to spend time with each other, and Shane had kept his promise by respecting my desire to take things slow. I felt that I was learning that I could actually  trust Shane despite our rocky start. Seeing and interacting with Wyatt also became less painful overtime. Though it still shattered my heart when he asked me to stay after class to assist with finding things that he needed for upcoming classes, but these were rare occasions. Our interactions were brief yet cordial. I longed to know how he was doing but felt that it would have been inappropriate to ask. Though I was officially dating Shane, there were still nights when I would look at Wyatt's contact in my phone. My thumb would hover over the call button, but I never had the courage to actually press it. 

...

Liv and I were walking to our second period class when we heard several people shushing each other from within the classroom. As I walked in, I saw that Shane was holding a massive sign saying: 

Tori, will you be my homecoming date?

There were also flowers and candy situated on my desk. Everyone waited with baited breathe for my response, especially, Shane who's smile was expectant and confident. I was speechless as I had never been one of attention or public gestures. My eyes scanned the room until they met with Wyatt who appeared hurt for the first time in several weeks. I looked back at Shane. It seemed that time had stopped completely. My stomach was in knots reminding me of the time that Liv and I had eaten gas station sushi. I finally resumed back to the present and nodded yes. Let me be clear, I did not do that to hurt Wyatt, but this was what was expected now that I was dating Shane. My parents were also so proud and in disbelief that their daughter was dating the high school quarterback. I took my seat while I was surrounded by fellow classmates, losing their minds over my "homecoming proposal." I tried to minimize it as much as possible because I knew it would just cause more pain for Wyatt. Once the class was over, and I was collecting the flowers, candy and my backpack, Wyatt came by my desk and said, "I am happy that you're happy." He said in a kind voice that I had been craving to hear. "Thank you. That means a lot," I responded thinking about his words and considering if they were actually true. "Am I really happy?" I asked myself, but I was shaken out of thought when Wyatt said, "Have fun and be careful Friday night, okay?" His eyes seemed kind and his lips pressed together before walking away. "I will. Thanks, Wyatt." I replied and I bit my lip with consideration of his kind gesture.

...

It was finally Homecoming night, and Liv was putting the finishing touches on my hair. I squeaked out an "ow!" to which she responded, "beauty is pain, my love!" She then sprayed one more layer of hairspray and said, "AH! She is finished!" I looked in the mirror and hardly recognized myself. I was in a one shoulder slim tailored dark emerald green dress that was floor length. My hair was gorgeously organized with curls as well as some strands being pined up. My makeup was sultry but not trashy. I looked like some sort of movie star. "Liv, you have really outdone yourself," I said almost breathlessly. "Yeah, the ingredients I had to work with were pretty good too," meaning me as she winked. "Thank you," I said. "Now get going, you'll turn into a pumpkin at twelve, missy!" Liv was never one to go to dances, but I do appreciate that she was supportive and helpful for me on this night. Liv asked, "now where are your heels?!" I looked at her and smiled nervously. She looked at me with a serious face, "you aren't..." she said with a horrified expression. I looked away and then began to nod. Liv let out a deep and exaggerated sighed with annoyance. I pulled out a new pair of converse Allstars. This pair was emerald green to match my dress. "You are lucky that you are beautiful, smart and kind or else your shoe choices would totally ruin you," Liv said pretending to be disappointed. "I know. I know, but... it's a little bit of me within all of this... that isn't me," I said. Liv gave me an understanding smile and sat down next to me. "And... it's my favorite part. ... I mean besides the person wearing the shoes," Liv responded and we both began to laugh. "But seriously, you need to go now or you're going to be late," Liv admonished. "Yes, mom," I said playfully.