The Conversion

Chapter Nine

After Peter had his confession of sorts, I just stumbled around, shocked. I probably looked like I was drunk or something, but I really didn't care at that moment. When my brother had his race, I snapped out of it, but left immediately after, despite there being hours left of the regatta. So then, I wallowed miserably in my room.

What thoroughly confused me was why I cared. I'd known him for a day. Not even that, only three hours. I had a boyfriend! So why did I feel heart-broken. I understood feeling guilty and confused, but heart-broken? Nope.

At five, I pushed those thoughts out of mind and started preparing for my date. I showered, letting the warm water wash my thoughts away. Regretfully, I shut the water off and opened the shower door, shivering as the cold air enveloped me. I quickly dried off and pulled on some raggedy clothes. After flipping through my closet for a few minutes, I decided on a cute green skirt, a black top with lace on the shoulders, and black strapped sandals.

I laid it out on my bed and made for the bathroom to do my makeup. Nothing much - just some lipstick, mascara, and concealer. Now, my hair. Should I do a braid or curls? I decided to do two dutch braids that met and then became one braid. Carefully, I braided my hair and finished it off with an elastic. Perfect!

Now my clothes... I quickly changed and smoothed out my skirt. I looked in the mirror and smiled. Looking good! I laughed and grabbed my purse to go downstairs. It was 5:50. Bored, I curled up on the couch and started reading a book. After a minute, my head drooped and I was out like a light.

*********

I awoke to the rumbling of a car. What the hell? Where was I? I pulled my head up and realized I was in the car with Max. Did I sleep through Max's arrival? "Hey, sleeping beauty," he said. I smiled.

"Hey... did I sleep thro-" I started.

"I arrived and rang the doorbell, but no one answered. And then I called you, but you didn't answer then either. So, I just kind-of let myself in... and carried you out to my car," Max interrupted sheepishly. I smiled. That was a little weird, but...

"I'm so sorry! Where are we going?" I asked curiously.

"It's a little seafood restaurant next to the lake," he said.

"Yum! I love seafood. Is it Blue Fin?" I guessed.

"Yeah! Have you been there before?" he asked. I nodded.

"Yep, my friend's older brother actually owns the place, so she works there," I explained.

"Awesome!"

"Yeah..." Now it was getting awkward. I should say something... but what!? "How's life?" Oh, God. Did I just say that?

"Uh... life's good, I guess," Max said. I mentally slammed my head against a wall.

"How's football?" I asked, trying to start a conversation.

"It hasn't been that great lately. I'm thinking about doing another sport, you know?" he said.

"Oh? What were you considering?"

"Either basketball, soccer, or maybe even rowing." It was hard to hide my surprise when he said that. This would not turn out well. He couldn't row! I'm a rower... and I'll have to be a popular girl at rowing too if he comes! That would be terrible...

"Rowing. Really? Well, you should come with me next season. You can learn to row and see if you like it!" I said enthusiastically. Hold on a second, did I just invite him to rowing? Shit, I did! He makes me say things I don't mean at all...

"Of course, basketball and soccer are really fun too," I said hastily. Bad recovery, Bella! Thankfully, Max didn't seem to notice. We pulled into the parking lot at Blue Fin. I got out of the car and straightened my skirt.