Losing Charley

Chapter 9 Part 1

I wake up feeling like I'm in a fog from last night's events. I glance at my phone. 6:45 a.m. I also realize that Piper is asleep on Crystal's bed. Wonder when she came in? I still have time left to sleep before going to the zoo. I set my alarm for 7:30 a.m. and roll back over.

At 7:30 a.m., there is that god-awful noise again. As I jump out of bed, Piper mumbles something. I then head to the shower. I'm super excited about the trip to the zoo with Joe. This is a great birthday present and a way to knock one more item off the Freshman Seminar list.

When I return to my room, Piper is getting ready and packing her bag. I really hate that she's leaving so soon.

"Pipe, I wish I had known you were coming. I can cancel the zoo trip if you want."

"Nah, girlie. I need to get back to the beach anyway. I just couldn't miss your birthday."

"Well, I can call Joe and cancel. You could go to Hank's tonight with us. You'd feel like you were at home."

"Don't cancel. I can tell he really likes you. I'll plan a weekend trip soon. You still going to the Dixon-West game Friday?"

"I'd planned on it. Are you?" I look at Piper after pulling my tank over my head.

"I'm not sure, depends on what's going on. It's so far. I mean, I'd love to hang out with everyone. I wanted to see if Cash planned to go 'cause, if so, I'll probably stay at school."

"Oh."

"Charley, if you really want me to I will, but I figure you and Cash will need some alone time. I just want to make sure he will be there in case Dylan shows up."

The sound of his name makes me want to puke. I must have gone a little white in the face because Piper is pulling me into a hug.

"You okay?"

"Yup." I debate telling her about the envelope. I vote to keep it to myself for now and take it home next weekend. Cash and I can deal with it together.

Piper waits for me to finish getting ready, and then I walk her out to her car. I hug her and feel like I could cry. I'm not sure if it's the envelope, her leaving, or her not coming home next weekend. I feel like we're pulling apart. I know college is about finding yourself and moving forward but I hope that Piper and I stay as close as we have been even with the distance between us.

I go back to my room and text Cash. I want to tell him about my party.

Me: Morning $!

Cash: Hey Char-coal! How was party?

Me: Fantastic & Piper was here!

Cash: :)

Me: U ass! U knew!

Cash: Y do u think I didn't show up? If she hadn't I would have been there instead! Didn't want 2 ruin girl time

Me: That would have been k 2 :) I'm going to zoo 2day

Cash: Really? Fun w who?

Me: Joe, it's my bday present & part of that pass/fail project

Cash: K, I don't like it but I know u <3 those stinkin elephants! Be careful

Me: I'll send ya a pic of those stinkin elephants

About that time, I hear a knock on my door. I open it, and Joe is standing there looking sexy as hell in an aqua Lacoste tee and pair of white Bermuda shorts. His hair looks a little messier than normal, but perfect nonetheless. I invite him in, grab my purse, phone, and send one final text to Cash.