Not the Same

Chapter eleven

I spent the whole week trying to keep myself busy and constantly doing something, that way, I couldn't think about my date with Cameron, but it was hopeless. I would find myself sitting in class, becoming anxious just thinking about this date. In the cafeteria, I would get nervous whenever I saw him and drop my food or run the other way, causing him to chuckle. Even when I was sleeping, he would somehow sneak into my dreams and I would wake up because of the nerves. It was clear that he was taking over my thoughts, and I did not know how to handle this.

I know that it's not a real date and it's just because of our little arrangement, but still. It's not every day that I get asked out on a date, whether it's real or not, and I want it to go well.

All too quickly, I find myself to be back in my dorm after my last class on Friday getting ready for the date. Hailie has been thinking and preparing for this date all week as well. Each day she gave me a new update on the outfit she was picking out for me. Monday it was a dress, Tuesday it changed to a skirt, Wednesday she considered leggings, Thursday's choice was a romper and today, she finally decided what I should wear.

Laid out on my bed when I arrived back to the dorm was a pair of jeans, a dark blue knitted sweater that was slightly cropped to expose part of my stomach, brown sandals and some silver bracelets. I actually liked the outfit.

"I was planning on making you wear a skirt, but I figured that might end in disaster," Hailie says. "Do you like it?"

"Surprisingly, yes," I admit.

"Could this be?" Here we go. "The incredibly difficult to deal with when deciding clothes Avery likes one of my outfit choices? I knew this day would come eventually, I just didn't expect it to be so soon."

"You're so dramatic," I tell her jokingly.

"Yeah, and you're starting to like my fashion sense" Hailie cheers triumphantly. "I can live with being dramatic if it means you'll wear my outfits happily."

"Let's not get carried away."

I change into the outfit and Hailie immediately starts working on my hair and makeup. She curled my hair and put a small braid on the sides. As for my makeup, she adds some eyeshadow and eyeliner to the top of my eyes, making my hazel eyes pop more.

She turns me around so I can see my reflection in the mirror.

"My work here is done," Hailie announces "And not to brag, but I did an amazing job. Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I almost feel the need to do a double take. I look different, bolder. For once, I seem more put together. Usually, my outfits reflect how I feel on the inside; all over the place. But today, looking at myself in the mirror, gave me confidence for once instead the negative thoughts that usually come to my mind when I think of myself.

Checking the time on my phone, I see that it's almost five. Hailie reminds me to have fun and relax, and with that I'm out the door and on my way to meet Cameron.

I walk out of my building to see Cameron's back to me. As if he knows I'm here, he turns around. He's dressed in dark blue jeans, a cranberry colored button down and his leather jacket. He looks casual, but classy at the same time.

"Ready to go?" Cameron asks me.

Cameron and I climb into his Jeep Cherokee and start to drive to who knows where. I roll down the window and let the fresh, cool air hit my skin, calming me down. The car ride is relatively silent, except for the sound of rushing wind coming from the window.

After a few minute I decide to break the silence.

"So, where are we going?"

"You'll see," Cameron says, his eyes never leaving the road.