Sweethearts

Facing My Expectations

                Derrick’s truck pulled into the parking lot in front of Vicki’s apartment. My entire body felt numb, and from the look of it Derrick felt the same way.

                He turned off the car and pulled the key from the ignition. “So, we’re here.” He said, he closed his eyes and rubbed his hands across his face.

                “Things will be easier once you go inside. The expectations of what might happen and getting up the courage are the worst parts. It gets better.” Lewis said.

                “How do you know?” I asked.  I just wanted to hear him talk for a while, it made everything better.

                “My grandmother died two years ago. It was really rough for a while. Just trust me.” He looked at me, and I knew I trusted him. I would do anything he wanted me to do because I did trust him. With every single piece of what remained of my broken heart.

                He opened the car door and hopped out. He offered me his hand, and I knew if I took it I would have to go inside and face Miranda, Vicki, and every memory I still had of Kendall.

                So, without any hesitation, I grabbed his hand and he helped me out of the truck.

                “Are you ready Derrick?” Lewis popped his head in the truck and asked him.

                “I need a few more minutes. You go ahead and go in.” His eyes were still closed and he was taking deep breaths to steady his nerves.

                “No, the second I turn around you’re hauling ass out of here. I know you too well, Derrick.” Lewis said.

                Derrick smiled and let out a small laugh. “That was the plan.” The smile fell from his face and he put his hands on the steering wheel. “They don’t want me here. Vicki hates me. I’m probably the last person she wants to see.”

                “Well, at least go in there. If she doesn’t tell you to leave then she doesn’t have a problem with you being here.” Lewis walked around to Derrick’s door and opened it for him.

                Derrick let out another breath and finally stepped out of the truck. I walked over and gave him a hug; I knew how hard this was,

                Lewis walked over to us and put his arms around both of our shoulders. “Okay, the hardest part is almost over. We just have to go inside and then it’s a piece of-“

                “Cake?” I looked up at the apartments and I saw Vicki standing in the doorway. Holding a cake. Ever since I met her, Vicki always baked when she was nervous. She was great to have around when midterms where coming up because her kitchen was filled with all types of tasty treats. “I have a bunch, I made about 6 last night. And I have like 3 pies and who knows how many cupcakes and brownies. I’ve gained about 20 pounds in the last month. I don’t think I’ve eaten anything healthy in weeks actually. Well last weekend Miranda and I went out to lunch and I had a salad, but I only had a few bites, so I’m not really sure if that counts. I should actually probably go see a dentist because I’m sure I have a few cavities by now. Which is a shame because I have never had a cavity in my entire life. I guess my record is ruined. My dentist is going to be so ashamed. I also haven’t flossed in a few weeks. My oral hygiene is becoming a mess!”

                Vicki also rambled when she was nervous. That was the bad part about having her around during midterms.

                She caught us up on her dental catastrophe as she made her way down the stairs and to us. She stopped in front of me and handed Lewis the cake she had been holding.