Roman Holiday

Lauren

My lungs tighten up. My heart is pounding. I can feel the sweat coming on. She can't really mean that. Even if I kinda-sorta-like her, that's pretty weird. And fast. 

As soon as she says it was her high friend, I melt. I'm back. I feel peaceful for once in the last two minutes. We text each other until about one in the morning. Even if it's kind of boring sometimes. Even if it's not a constant stream of texts. It's evident that Normani actually wants to talk to me.

When I have yet another hard time getting out of bed, it's responding to her texts that gets me out. There's one from a half hour ago about how Tatianna snuck back home while she was sleeping. She's grounded for scaring Normani. I decide that I'm a bold type of person, and that I'm going to hang out with Normani today.

L: I'm finally alive awake alert 

N: Morning!

L: U should meet me at Clearing Trails at 12:30

N: Why so energetic 

L: Because!! I'm bored

L: also don't eat lunch before 

N: ...ok. I'll b there I GUESS

I throw on a sunflower button-down shirt that was like sixty bucks and Capri jeans and the dorkiest cheap sneakers. I can't wear Nike. They don't support my feet. I double braid my hair and try to do my makeup as best I can. Lunch is peanut butter and jellies, orange cream soda, watermelon, and Rice Krispie treats in a picnic basket. All made by me. This is undoubtedly the cutest idea I've ever had. Good one, Jauregui. 

My mom is pretty questioning about Normani. She's a teacher, she definitely knows about Normani as the one who got in a fight with Luke. It's going to take a lot to change her mind. She knows Normani isn't a trouble child, but she's afraid she's bad luck or something. 

Another thing - I don't know if my mom knows I'm bi. I haven't told her, but some things you can just kind of tell. I wonder if she's onto me.

When my mom is done investigating my personal life, I hop in the car and drive down to Clearing Trails. It's a lovely park with tons of weed and white guys with dreadlocks and cute couples reading. And, the infamous trails that lead up to the nice clearing where we'll eat lunch.

Normani meets me by the entrance and, not going to lie, it's awkward. Talking in real life is different than on the phone. And last time we talked in real life, it didn't go so well. But after a while, we grow into each other and are easily talking. It happens so quickly that I decide to forget that there was an awkward period.

Of corse we take the shortest trail (the picnic basket isn't light). Halfway up, a realization occurs to me. "Normani. Your hair is different."

"You sound like Scott Pilgrim," she laughs.

"Oh my God, I can't believe you even know that reference."

"According to Tatianna, it's a great movie to watch while high. Kira and I don't smoke though."

"Oh. Man, for a second I thought you read comics."

"Well, I knew they were comics."

"That's better than nothing."

She giggles again. "Anyways, so you like it? My hair can finally breathe!" She shakes her head and a short mass of curls flies everywhere. It's kind of amazing to watch.

"It's cute. Very fall."

"That's what I was saying. Next I think it should be long and wavy. Real classy."

"Oh, I love that. You'll look so good. I'm not ready."

"You'll have months to prepare for it. Don't worry babe!"

I utter a laugh, when I'm really trying to process "babe" as a term referring to me. I want to hear her say it over and over again. I want babe to replace my name. I mentally beat myself up. So embarrassing.

"Ahh, we're here!" The sun glows through the trees and I know we're at the Clearing. I push through the branches and we let ourselves through. It's a gorgeous day, and this hill overlooks the park. The rolling green grass. Not too many people. And not a single couple getting it on.

I lay down our blanket and unpack the lunch.

"Oh my gosh!" she squeals. I can't help but smile. Why is she so cute? I feel like this lunch was completely worth it all of a sudden.