Looking Back

Chapter 7: Monday

I woke up early the next morning looking for something to wear, because I wanted to look my absolute best for Tanner. Finally after studying my wardrobe, I chose my favorite Arizona blue jeans with a solid sky blue-screen tee that matched my black and sky blue jacket I was going to wear today. When I finished getting dressed and making sure my hair and teeth were brushed, I sprayed myself down with my favorite Vanilla body spray. Then grabbed some mascara to put on my lashes.

Stepping outside into the cold air always filled me with a morning rush. My jacket wasn't thick enough to keep any of the cold air out, so my walks always were quicker than normal. By the time I got to the highway, I was already shivering. Shouldering my backpack, I began to power walk. Cars passed by me on every side, like usual, never volunteering to see if I wanted a ride or not. People were always too busy and too selfish to think of anyone except for themselves.

And just as I was thinking about this, a truck that looked exactly like Tanner's pulled up on the opposite end of the street. With the windows tented I couldn't tell who was in the driver's seat so I kept walking until a familiar voice shouted out at me.

"Tamara!"

Turning around to look and see who was calling me, I noticed it was Tanner. His head was stuck out the window of his truck; his hand waving at me.

I hurried up and jogged over to the passenger side and climbed in.

With the heater turned on full blast, Tanner had to shout. "I was hoping I would find you. It's too cold for you to be walking. From now on I'll pick you up for school."

"No-"I started to protest, but he cut in.

"Don't be silly, Tamara. Just say, thank you." He smiled at me.

"Okay. Thanks." I smiled back. I couldn't resist that smile.

"You're welcome." Stepping on the gas, we headed in the direction of the school.

The ride to school was a little awkward since we knew we liked each other, but Tanner didn't seem shy at all. Instead he asked questions about work.

"What exactly do you do at the library?" He glanced at me from the side while trying to keep an eye on the road.

I shrugged. "I just help people find books, check fines on books that are overdue, and keep track of making sure they're are in the right order so it would be easier to find something to read."

"And you get paid for this?"

"Yes," I answered honestly.

"Wow," he said fascinated. "Smart, beautiful, and independent. I have to say I had my eyes on the perfect girl the whole time."

I blushed at his kind words.

"Say how about we go out to eat for lunch?"

"I don't know. I don't have any money with me."

"I'll pay for everything. Come on. You definitely can't turn down that offer," he said staying light hearted.

"I guess I can't, can I?"

Pulling into the school parking lot, we found an empty spot and got out.

My day was starting off better that I planned. 1) The boy I have been crushing on was looking for me so I wouldn't have to walk all the way to school in the freezing cold. That immediately told me that Tanner was interested in me. 2) The boy I have been crushing on is going to take me out to eat for lunch.

Two good surprises in one day! I was wondering if anything else of good was in store of me.

When we got out the car, I could already feel the unwanted stares crawling all over my skin. And as if Tanner could feel it too, he said, "Don't worry about what people say. They always say stuff until the day you die." He shut the door to his truck and came around to my side. "Here, let me take that for you," he said asking for my book bag.