A Sunflower and the Pebble

The Best 24 Hours

Song: First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes

"Hey, Mum?" I called from the backseat. We were on our way home from our special school. Today was the last day, so it was bittersweet for everyone. Some cried, we signed each other's books, some even exchanged phone numbers. I loved the school, and all my classmates, but I was glad the week was over.

"Huh?" She asked, looking at me in the rear view mirror.

"There's a group going to the drive-in tonight, can I go?"

"Who's going?"

"I dunno. It's Angie's group so I assume her family and some of their friends."

"Yeah sure."

My nana piped in, "I don't think that's a good idea. You should stay home and meditate on what you learned in class. You have a lot to take in."

I glared at the side of her head. "Oh Nana, I hardly ever get out of the house."

"What about all the parties you go to? You're out like every weekend."

"Okay now that is just not true at all. I have gone to 2 parties this summer and the convention doesn't count as going out."

"Okay, well if your parents say it's okay." She meant well, I know she did. But the way she says things can sometimes come across as, well, a little controlling. My nana wasn't the type to go to dances or the movies. She was the type to sit in her backyard and read or look up how to build fly-traps or spend her time obsessing over her youngest son, my uncle. It wasn't uncommon, and my whole family knew it.

"Yeah, that's fine, Be." My mum said, ignoring my Nana's comments.

***

"Well, crap. I'm lost." I yelled to myself as I took another wrong turn. It'd been awhile since I'd been to the drive-in, but the first time driving myself there. My heart was racing and I could feel my anxiety rising in my stomach. Callan was the one who invited me, and I was so so excited to see him. I pulled up to a stop sign and pulled out my phone.

Me: I think I'm lost 😂

Callan: Oh geez 😂 well when you get here we're in the jeep with no top or doors

I chuckled and pulled my navigation back up. "Alright let's try this again." I followed the instructions as best as I could, and pulled up to the entrance of the drive-in.

Every time I'd gone before, my family always parked at the very front. But this group parked practically at the very back. It didn't surprise me, though. I figured as much. I pulled up, and hopped out of the car, feeling awkward as ever and silently chastised myself for not wearing something a little nicer. I wasn't dressed awful, but it was a baggy Panic! at the Disco shirt and a pair of jeans. Not exactly flattering, but not terrible either. I walked up to the group, trying not to be awkward and shy like I always am. Eli, Callan's friend, said hi to me and gave me a hug. Callan shot a smile at me and introduced some of his friends and family to me. Angie came up and hugged me, and we sat and chatted for a bit. At least until I mentioned the goldfish crackers I had in my car.

"I have some goldfish, do you want some?" I was practically jumping in my chair I was so excited for them.

"Sure." Angie looked a little scared when I took off running for my car. They're my favorite snack food, so much so that my mum buys multiple packs that I inevitability end up storing away in my room. I grabbed my lunch bag from my car which held the healthiest snacks: Nerds candies, Goldfish crackers, Sour Patch Kids, and Cracker Jacks. As I walked back I noticed Callan grinning at me. Oh lord, he probably thinks I'm ridiculous and childish, what is wrong with me? Tone it down, Be. He doesn't need to see that side of you just yet. Actually nobody here needs to know that side of you. What is wrong with you?!