Drink Deeply and Dream.

Chapter 7

 After work I drove home with Mickey in the car. The book and chocolate he bought were in the back seat. He was sorry for being mean earlier. He was not totally alone in being responsible for the incident so I forgave him though I would have done it anyway without the gifts. But I will never turn away a book and chocolate.

"I want candy... I want candy...." I pressed the green answer button on my dashboard. Thank God for technology. Nowadays you turn your engine on and your phone syncs to your car. "Hey Tina," I answered.

"Bitch where are you guys .I want to get my groove on before I'm 80." I couldn't help but giggle at her overly dramatic statement.

"We will be home in less than five minutes. I'll just wear some jeans and a shirt. No I am not wearing another skirt or dress because it is simply not me. I will see you at home. Bye T." I hung up and stared at Mickey.

"What are the chances she will let me dress myself tonight?" I sighed.

He full out chuckled. "Not a chance Suga, she has been looking for a reason to doll you up. This 'Ric guy is just the reason she's been looking for. You may get away with some dress pants, don't hold your breath on the rest of your clothes though." I slouched in my seat.

"Don't look so sad. I promise I won't let her make you into glitter Barbie. Or slutty Barbie. I have a feeling your new man isn't attracted to overly slutty." I smiled at him. Mickey to the rescue again. At least I could relax knowing I had back up.

We pulled into the driveway and got out. Tina was in the living room and already dressed in her black dress with the slit on either side. She may as well just put a loin cloth around her waist. If it wasn't for the strips of fabric dangling from the hem everybody would get a show.

"Your clothes are on the bed. Shower and be quick about it, we have to eat on the way." I nodded, giving Mickey my 'should I even go tonight' look. He nodded, "You better, she put in the effort to get your things together. And hurry. I can't be held accountable for her crazy if you take too long." Some help he is.

The hot water felt amazing on my skin and served to both clear and focus my mind as I focused on the water, letting my mind go blank and.drawing energy from its essence. Grounding is essential to keeping control and remaining centered. It is meditating. I use the elements to center myself. Earth is my elemental sign, overlapped by Air. When I cast I can draw power from them with little effort. Water is an element which is strong and life giving: Every living thing has water inside of it.

Letting the peace wash over me I started to shiver, I had let the water grow cold. I got out of the shower and shut off the water. I walked into my bedroom as I dried off and saw a pair of denim jeans and a sleeveless emerald green shirt on the bed. I dressed quickly and applied some light blue eyeshadow with some black eyeliner. I added some pale pink lip gloss and zipped up my boots; I was ready to go out. My hair would be in ringlet curls when it finished drying so I didn't bother putting it up.

Tina and Mickey were waiting at the door when I walked down the short hall. "Come on! You could have at least done your hair up or something.You want this guy to stay interested? So be interesting." I rolled my eyes at classic Tina and her boy advice but I was not about to pretend to be who I am not.

"If he doesn't find me interesting as I am then he can walk. Honestly Tina! I am not going to change to fit a guy's Idea of the Ideal woman. If I act a certain way now and change to my true self later and it doesn't work, then the time together was a waste. Or if I do act the part for the rest of my life there is resentment. And we don't even know if he is truly interested anyway. Lots of people dance with random people in a club. Isn't that why you love them so much?"