The World I Know

Chapter 2: Elaine

       As soon as Alex leaves for school, I get busy. I begin by rushing upstairs and throwing myself through the shower area, moving on to a fresh leg wax, gently brushing on a slight amount of makeup, and donning a lower-cut dress than I usually wear. Then I start on the most important thing, cleaning the bedroom. 

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        Half of a Delta until Cam shows up, the entire house is clean, and smells like roses and vanilla. The scent pod in the back corner of the entertainment area is a bit too strong, otherwise I would have put it in the bedroom.  I pace, and wait in agonizing excitement, for the doorbell to ring. Staring down at my wrist, I hear a knock at the door. Slightly confused, I fix my hair, roll my shoulders back, and walk towards the door, at the same time it opens.

     "Mom? I'm going to the mall! And staying at Payton's! I'll see you tomorrow!" Alex yelled at me without even looking in the house. She then turned, slammed the door, and left for the rest of the night. 

     "Goddammit Alex," I sighed, sliding down the wall. I had thought it was Cam. "Since when do you go to the mall?" Suddenly the doorbell rang loudly, jumping me. I quickly fixed my hair and bolted to the door. I stopped short, took a deep breath, staring down the cherry wood. Calmly, I pulled it open, revealing Cam. His hair swept by the wind, a gray suit jacket worn casually over a white button up, and dark blue denim jeans. "Hi," I gave a little wave, anxiety suddenly gripping my throat, threatening to choke me. What if this didn't go well? What would Alex think? I stopped myself before I could let the lurking panic attack pounce and make things worse.

      "Hi," He simply replied, waiting. "Are you going to let me in?" He asked, cocking an eyebrow, chasing the threatening panic attack further down into its hidden cave. I smiled and stepped back,  and bowed deeply. 

       "Right this way monsieur," I said comically, dramatically pointing my hand towards the living area where a stack of films are waiting.

       "This looks romantic," Cam quipped, gesturing at my set up of some very comfortable bead-filled chairs resting in front of the low-set screen.

      "Being comfortable in each others presence isn't romantic enough for you?" I asked, cocking an eyebrow at him, with my hands on my hips, trying not to smile. This man has brightened my world as much as Alex always has. "Well, would you rather watch a film or just sit and talk?" I turned as I spoke, offering the pile of films in one hand, while the other hand I left empty, to signify the option to talk.

       "How about we begin with..." He paused, tilting his head, reminding me of a puppy. "Films, to loosen us up a bit. Sound good?" 

      "Sounds perfect." I reach up and give him a little peck, causing him to blush, and try to cover a boyish grin. "Now," I hold out the pile of films at arm's length. "Which film should we watch first?"