Solo

Chapter Ten: Casey's Party

My stomach was in such knots that I barely maintained a convincing smile throughout dinner.

"So Casey's party is tomorrow? Did you get her something," Mom asked.

"Not yet, I'm not sure what's available around here. I'm actually thinking about getting up early and driving to Eugene to buy her a mall gift card.

"That's such a long drive, do you want company?"

"Sure."

"Okay. It'll be fun."

Later that night I had the weirdest dream. Actually, it was more like a nightmare. I was running toward Lucas, but he kept moving away from me. I couldn't get close enough for him to hear me pleading for a second chance. The faster I ran, the more distant he became. Then I tripped. When I looked up, he had his arm draped around another girl. She turned around. It was Sasha. I woke in a sweat. I had a hard time going back to sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw their faces. Eventually, I gave up and stared at the ceiling, waiting for six o'clock.

Finally, the clock buzzed and I rolled out of bed. I didn't put much effort into my appearance: comfy yoga pants, tank top, flip-flops, and baseball cap. It wasn't like I would run into anyone this early in Eugene.

I think my lack of sleep was obvious when I went downstairs. I didn't hesitate to say 'yes' when Mom asked if she could drive. I knew it would be safer for both of us if I wasn't behind the wheel.

"Maybe we can grab breakfast at the diner before we head out," Mom suggested as we backed out of the driveway.

"I'm not very hungry," I muttered, thinking about Lucas and Sadie at the same diner the day before.

"Well, we should eat something, maybe toast or cereal."

"Fine, I'll find something."

We picked out a table by the window so we could enjoy the beautiful sunlight.

"Honey, did you have a rough night? Your eyes are bloodshot."

"Yeah, I had a bad dream. I don't feel like talking about it, though. I'll take a little snooze in the car."

"I hope you don't feel as bad as you look right now."

"Thanks, Mom. I know I look awful this morning; hence, the baseball cap." I tugged the cap a little further down over my eyes.

"Sorry, honey, I didn't mean for it to come out like that. I was thinking you might be getting sick."

"Just a little homesick, that's all." I turned to stare out the window.

Our breakfast arrived just as the diner door opened. Mom looked up when the bell dinged. "Hey, aren't those your friends?"

"You've got to be kidding me," I whispered. I didn't look up; afraid of who I might see. I pulled my cap down a little more. "Mom, please don't make eye contact with anyone," I begged.

"Okay," she whispered back.

I took my fork and played with my eggs as the crowd passed by. Some of them were wearing baseball uniforms. I wished I'd paid attention to their schedule so I would have known about the game. I ate my toast, trying to keep my head turned so no one would notice me.

"Mom, could you please hurry?" I stared out the window. "I really want to get to Eugene."

She chuckled. "Honey, we just got our food."

I turned, pleading with her, "At least try to hurry."

"You don't look that bad. Your cap is covering most of your face. If anything, you're bringing more attention to yourself by trying to hide."