Did she honestly think I would like this? Maybe it was her way of trying to get on my good side. Maybe I needed to keep an open mind. After all, she did just buy me a dress. Granted, it didn't really fit me right.
I knew my fitness-guru mother didn't like the fact that I had a little pudge. My other sisters were in tip top shape, but me? I liked pizza and cookies too much.
The dress was a good gesture. It was an olive green that really complimented my eyes, but it was a bodycon dress with mid-length sleeves. Yes, it made my hips and boobs look good, but not my stomach. It was kind of tight through the middle, and I was sure that you could see my rolls from the side. Currently, I was standing in my bathroom, debating whether or not to even go show my mom. It had been hanging up in my closet this morning when I had woken up, standing out because it wasn't black, white, or blue. I hated shopping and my wardrobe showed that. It was probably the nicest thing my mother had done for me in a while, so I decided I'd just go ahead and show her.
As I opened the door to the bathroom, I tugged down the bottom of the dress, not entirely comfortable with the length. Just as I passed my door, I looked up and Tom was coming my direction. It still was shocking to see a celebrity in my house, and I had to regain my composure after a moment.
Suddenly feeling completely embarrassed and self-conscious, I crossed my arms over my chest and looked down as we passed. I saw from my peripheral vision that he had taken out an earphone and his mouth was opening to say something. I beat him to it.
"Don't even make a joke of what this dress looks like," I start, looking at him. "I'm not keeping it, just figured I'd show my mom before I said a definitive no."
His mouth opens and closes like a fish before he says anything. "I was actually going to tell you that you looked very nice," his British accent told me.
My eyes widened and I broke eye contact, ducking my head down so he couldn't see the blush working its way to my cheeks. "Thanks," I murmur before rushing towards the stairs.
With my back to him, I failed to see him turn and watch me go.
---
My mother liked the dress on me, surprisingly. Maybe it wasn't her liking it more than a certain boy, but I kept it. I'd probably have to go to one of my dad's boring work parties soon enough, so I'd wear it then.
After hanging the dress back up and getting changed into a pair of Nike athletic shorts and an old soccer camp t-shirt, I checked my phone for the time.
10:42 A.M.
Twenty-four hours ago I would've been wandering JFK airport, wasting time before I was flying home.
Man I missed New York. The freedom. The bustle. The lights.
Breaking free of my longing thoughts, I grabbed an old pair of tennis shoes and decided to go on a run. My house was situated in the back of a two mile long, curvy road with trees and wildlife all around. Hot or cold, all of the trees provided a canopy from the harsh sun and the biting wind, perfect to run in all weather.
I actually loved running, even though I'd never told a soul. I was always afraid that if I told anyone that I, a noticeably overweight girl, loved running that they would laugh in my face. It wasn't like I was fast or anything. I just enjoyed the steadiness of my hair flowing behind me, and my feet pounding on the gravel underneath of me.
Slipping on my shoes and grabbing my earphones and iPod, I stepped outside. For the time of year it was, it actually wasn't too humid, which was extremely surprising for Missouri. I put on my earphones and started playing my music, letting the world around me slip away, save for the road in front of me.
