Journey's Child

39

I woke up slowly, pulling myself from a comfortable hibernation by stretching my arms out and sighing heavily. The cold air in my room made me immediately tuck my arms back under the covers. The morning light was making a weak dent in the dawning day. I could tell by the faded color of the sun's glow, that it was being filtered by a thick layer of fog. I might have rolled over and gone back to sleep, but it was Friday and I had a lot to look forward to.

I was greeted by Thad and Captain when I entered the kitchen, which didn't surprise me as Thad was always up before me.

"Pancakes?" he asked in his usual chipper tone.

He was almost always in a good mood and it made me feel safe and loved.

"Sure."

"Plain or chocolate chip?"

I really didn't care for chocolate in my pancakes, but I knew he had bought them especially for me.

"Chocolate chip, definitely."

My mom came wandering in a little later and poured herself a cup of coffee then joined us at the table. The sun had pushed aside the foggy film and was beginning to show its strength.

I looked over at my mom then up at Thad questioningly. He gave me the same look, then smiled.

'You look really nice this morning, Ally."

"You do. You look great, mom."

She chewed up a bite of pancake and replied, "Thank you."

This morning was the first time my mother came out dressed in her clothes, except when she went to the doctor. She even took it further by pinning her hair up and putting on some makeup.

"Do you have a doctor's appointment today?" I asked.

Thad nudged my foot with his and gave a slight shake of his head. I stopped talking.

"No," she answered, "I just thought I'd fix myself up a little."

"I'm going to Ben's play this afternoon," I said changing the subject.

"That's right. Are you excited?" she asked.

"Yes, I get to wear my new clothes."

"And break out of here for a while," Thad added.

"That too," I agreed.

*

We got my mom to venture out on the beach after breakfast, while I played with Captain and Thad painted. After a late lunch, I went to get ready for the play. It was scheduled to start at 4:00 pm. Ben promised that he'd meet me outside the auditorium at 3:45 and show me to my seat.

After getting ready, I came bouncing out into the living room to show my mom and Thad how I looked.

"Wow!" Thad exclaimed. "You look great!"

"Thanks," I said, looking for my mother.

"Your mom's in the kitchen."

"What time is it?" I asked, feeling a little antsy.

"Just about time to go," he replied.

My mom came in holding a steaming cup of coffee. "Oh, are you ready to go" she asked.

"Yep," I replied with a big smile.

"Well, have a good time," she said as she got settled on the couch.

My confidence began to fade with my smile. I had been waiting for my mother's opinion about my new outfit. All the excitement I'd been feeling began to slip away and in its place came the all too familiar feelings of awkwardness.