You and Me

Chapter 8: Not Cool

After the day was over I drove to my house where my mom was waiting.

As I parked my Toyota and opened the front door, Ginger came out to greet me.

"Hey baby," I said, scratching her lightly behind the ear. "Did you miss me? I missed you."

I set her aside and placed my backpack on the floor. " Mooooom I'm hoommee!"

Quietly, I made my way up the stairs and into my bedroom where I shut the door. Mom was probably taking a nap; she worked so hard. It's not easy raising a family on your own.

I remember one night, when I was little, we went out to dinner and ordered a huge meal. By the end of the day everyone was super full.

Afterwards we sat together and watched a few football games on the tv, I think we even invited Reed's family over.

I frowned.

Mom and I almost never went out anymore. We normally ordered some kind of take out. I didn't blame her though, it was hard to relive some memories.

Suddenly someone knocked on my door. Mom peeked in. "Hey sweetie, I just woke up. How was school?"

I smiled and opened the door for her. "It was ok. You know, same old same old."

My mom nodded. "How 'bout we watch a movie later? We could order pizza."

My heart ached. "Sorry mom, I'm going out with Reed at eight. We're going on a date."

Mom grinned. "Ooooo, Where are you going?"

I layed back on my bed. "I don't know. He said it was a surprise."

My mom sat down next to me and placed her hand on my knee. "That's exciting!"

I looked up to her and frowned. "I don't know what to wear. What does 'casual' mean to you? Like, a jeans and a t-shirt? Or, a skirt and a blouse?"

"I don't know honey," she answered sweetly, "wear whatever makes you comfortable. I'm sure you'll look amazing in anything."

I groaned. "Well, you're no help."

My mom chuckled and got up to leave.
"Raincheck?" I said, still a little guilty for blowing off my mom.

My mom nodded and left quietly.

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At exactly 6:30 I started to get ready. I normally didn't take too long, but it was better to have extra time than to leave in a rush.

Grabbing my hairbrush, I combed out my thick hair until there were no tangles left. Afterwards I started to braid my hair into a French braid.

French braid's were the perfect thing between 'casual,' and 'comfortable.' The only bad thing was that since I had so much hair, I probably spent around 30 minutes trying to get it in the right places.

I then opened my closet door and put on some skinny jeans and a cute floral top. As I started to apply makeup, my phone gave a familiar sound.

Reed: Cal, I'm so sorry. I need to be somewhere. We'll do something later, I promise. I'll call you when I'm done.

I sighed in annoyance. Guess I'm not having that date after all.