s e r e n d i p i t y

Ch.8

"Calm down Finn, it's ok chill, you're just going to grab her cardigan, give it back, and leave! No big deal, right? right??"

I immediately quiet down, realizing I've been having a conversation with myself in a half-asleep neighborhood. Chuckling softly, I round the now familiar corner to Connie's. Crickets are chirping loudly by the time I reach the storefront. I try the door, but it appears locked. I'm about to try again when I hear a man's voice behind me.

"Hey! I was actually hoping to see you!" Turning around, I realize it's Joe, and he's  holding Millie's light gray blouse.

"Oh, thanks Joe!"

"No problem, I'm sure your girlfriend would've been sad if you couldn't find it." My heartbeat quickens at his comment. "S..she's not my girlfriend," I say while rubbing my arms.

"Sadly," I add, but only loud enough for me to hear.

"Well, goodnight! See ya around."

With that, Joe stalks off to a nearby red Chevy and hops inside. I nod slowly, and find my way back to Millie's.
~  
As I walk up her driveway, it dawns upon me. How am I supposed to climb up? My eyes are still adjusting to the night when I spot vines of ivy growing up the side of her house, leading straight to Millie's window. I tug on it sharply to see if it can hold my weight. Luckily, it stays put. Tying the sleeves of her cardigan around my waist, I slowly inch my way up the thick trunk. Slightly out of breath and shaking, I knock on the window lightly. Within seconds it flies open and startles me, almost causing me to fall.

"Finn!" Millie whispers excitedly.

"Cmon!"

She grabs my forearms tightly and helps haul me into her room. I drop to the floor with a thud, the wind getting knocked out of me. Once I gather my bearings, I look around, awestruck. Millie's bedroom looks exactly how I imagined it would. The walls are a soft heather grey and covered with Polaroids, posters and fashion sketches. Her bed lies to my right, and there’s a white desk to my left. On the desk is a fuchsia lava lamp that sets off a hot pink haze.

"You okay?"

I gulp. How pathetic! She probably thinks I'm a freak for staring around her room. I shake my head yes and stand up quickly, brushing off my pants.

"I believe this is yours," I say while unwrapping the blouse from my waist.

She squeals happily and takes it from my hands.

"Thank you," she emphasizes the 'you' as she dashes to her closet to hang it up.

I hook my thumbs around the belt loops on my jeans and sit on her bed. The mattress is surprisingly really comfy, it must've cost a fortune. Millie sits down next to me and fidgets with an arrow necklace while humming a cheery song. I bob my head along and look at the nearby pictures on the wall. There's ones of Millie with friends, and some with people who I'm guessing are her family. I'm so caught up in my current task I didn't notice she laced her fingers around mine again. My face heats up, and I slowly glance at her. Her face is dappled with a blurry glow from her lava lamp, or maybe she's blushing. But why would she be blushing? Be logical Finn. The strong smell of vanilla must be messing with my vision, because it looks like she's leaning closer. Wait, she is leaning closer to me. My heart rate quickens and I break into a cold sweat. Her delicate eyelashes are fluttering close and her nose is brushing mine.

"I, um, just remembered, my mom said to come home as soon as the date was done, I..I'm sorry Millie, I have to go."