This Isn't The Way I Envisioned Love

Chapter 3

I took a quick shower and did the usual routine. I laid down and pondered Mira’s words. So Caspian likes me? I shouldn’t listen to the delusions of a sixteen year old girl. He’s getting his little family. I fell asleep and woke up feeling exhausted. I dragged to the closet and threw on a Raiders jersey and some black skinny jeans. I put on some hi-top chucks and decided against makeup. I threw my hair in a messy ponytail added a skinny headband and went downstairs.

“Array, are you still here?” I looked at my phone and saw the time.

“Of course I’m still here? What are you doing here?” I asked my mom.

My mom was a petite woman. Skinnier than me, shorter, she had long brown hair that was thinning, and light gray eyes. She looked exhausted. I felt horrible.

“They made me take a day off. They said if anything bad happened because I’ve been working so much they’ll be sued. You know every day counts.” She looked depressed and she had a bottle of Xanax next to her.

“I got a job, only five dollars an hour right now but I’m still looking.” I said to her hoping it would help.

“I don’t want to take your money sweetheart.”

“Mom, we all need this. Maybe dad will stop drinking himself stupid and try to get a job too.”

“He has cancer, Ray.” I felt like she hit me.

“Why didn’t you guys tell me?” I asked breathlessly.

“We didn’t want this to be on you. I’m sorry.”

“Why is he fucking off his life? Why isn’t he doing something?” I asked suddenly angry.

“Ray!” I walked off not wanting to hear her lecture.

I went outside and waited for Preston. He was late. I got in the car feeling so angry and Preston noticed.

“Sup girl?” He asked and I sort of smiled.

“Just got some news.”

“Do you have time for more?” He asked and I rolled my eyes, “you didn’t call me last night.”

“Oh my God I am so sorry! I forgot!”

“I had plans made and I felt real stupid. Can we reschedule today?” He asked and I smiled.

“Mira said we’re going to the club.”

“Before that.”

“Okay. After school we can do whatever you had planned.” I said and he smiled, happy with himself.

“Good. Now let’s go.” He sped to the school and we barely made it on time.

School was uneventful. I told Fay about the club and she was excited. I was so happy for today. The thing with Preston, then the club, and after the weekend I start my job. I met Preston by his car he was walking up with one of his other friends. When he saw me he turned to the guy, the guy quickly left.

“Hey baby girl!” He shouted and gave me a hug.

“What’s up baby boy?” I said back and he got in the car.

“Where are we going?” I asked after we drove for a while.

“All in due time sweet cheeks.” I chuckled and he pulled off at the park.

He led me to a spot under a tree where a…picnic was set up.

“What is this?” I asked looking around for the prank.

“It’s for you. I like you okay? I thought it was obvious. I wanted to show you my feelings in a romantic and extravagant way.” I smiled at him.