Losing Charley

Chapter 7 Part 2

We pack up our stuff and part ways. I'm ready to hit the mall. I need some retail therapy after that conversation. I wait for all the girls to get back from class. We ditch the café for lunch and decide that Bojangles' is in order. Anna looks at us like we have lost our mind, but Tori, Caroline, Georgia, and I all know that she is going to fall in love. There is just something about those seasoned fries!

We arrive at the Mills and decide to check out Charlotte Russe. I have only been in here a few times. As I begin perusing the store, I see a few things I like, but nothing that really strikes my fancy. We go by Wet Seal, Forever 21, and The Body Shop.

"I gotta question. So, Hank's is like a redneck bar turned ghetto fabulous on Saturday nights? What the heck are we suppose to wear? I mean, I'm just confused."

Everyone stops and looks at me.

"What?" I say with a shrug.

"I know exactly what you're saying. Let's go back into Charlotte Russe. I saw something that was totally hot and looked like you," Caroline says as she grabs my arm and pulls me that way.

Caroline is right. The perfect outfit is there. A pair of cream-colored lace shorts with a little fringe on the ends and a denim polka dot peplum top. It is perfect. I am comfortable, look great, but still look like me. I knew from the get-go that a skirt was out of the question.

When we return to campus, things are rowdy. People are on the stoop drinking. We are completely exhausted from practice and shopping. We decide to watch Safe Haven and call it an early night.

Saturday morning I wake to my phone vibrating like crazy. I have five missed texts from Tessa, seven from Cash, and two missed calls from Mama. She knows.

After reading all the texts, I decide that I have to face the music. I call Mama.

"Hey, Mama. Sorry I left my phone on vibrate last night."

"Hey, sweet girl! So, how's life?"

"Really good, Mama. Um, I wanna tell you something. Please don't be mad, but I joined the swim team here, and Cash brought me my bag this week."

"Charley, you can't hide things from your mama. I knew the minute Tessa started doing all her chores without being told that you girls had a secret. Cash stopped by Wednesday night asking your dad some random question. I thought that you wanted to put that in the past, but if you are sure, then I'll support you. In fact, I'm excited. I've missed seeing you in the water."

"Thanks Mama!"

"Oh, and the word from Tessa is that Cash is back in your life."

"Mama! Well, I really don't know what we are, but you know as well as I do that I've always loved that boy."

"I'm happy for you, he's good for you. Well, sweet girl, stay out of trouble, stay safe, and call to let us know what's going on. I gotta get going. I have three apple cobblers to get to the church's bake sale. Take care and I love you."

"Love you too, Mama."

Needing to get outside for a little while, I grab a pair of athletic shorts, tank, and running shoes. I've got to do something today or my body will be dead by the end of the week. I grab my iPhone, put in my earbuds, and head down the stairs. As I'm making a loop around campus, I notice a trail, take it, and after about thirty minutes, I end up back at the dorm. I'm drenched in sweat, but feel fabulous. I'm in such a good mood. I decide to get ready and read a good book on the lawn.