Falling Asleep On A Stranger

Chapter 18

 Tony:

I had an amazing time eating breakfast at Jenn’s house today. It was a bit awkward when her mom found two guys in her kitchen and we had to introduce ourselves. I was glad I met her mom though. She looked us over, a bit judgmental at first, but then she smiled and we talked for a bit. Right now the guys and I were in Vic’s garage trying to write something for a new album. I couldn’t stop thinking about Jenn though.

“Hey, Tone. It’s already five. We should get going so we could get ready.” Jaime was speaking to me as he put his bass away. I set my ESP on its stand in Vic’s garage and stood to leave. “We’re picking up Jenna at 7:30, so make sure you’re at the restaurant at that time. We don’t want her to see you guys if you’re late.” I told Vic and Mike. They nodded. “We’ll be there turtle. Stop worrying.” Vic laughed. “Sorry, you know I want this to be perfect.” I said shyly. “Yeah man, I get you. We won’t be late. I promise.” I nodded and Jaime and I left. I got into Jaime’s car and he drove me home, and then left to get ready himself. I was to pick him up before we went over to Jenna’s.

 I jumped in the shower as soon as I got home. I got out about 15 minutes later and jumped into my boxers. Then, I walked to my bedroom and stepped in my black skinny jeans. I dried my hair as much as possible with my towel then threw the towel on top of my bed. I walked back into the restroom and ran a brush through my hair. I dried it with the hair dryer and combed it back, leaving my side cuts clearly noticeable as I always do when I wear snapbacks. I brushed my teeth and shaved the stubble growing on my face. Then I walked back into my room. Where did I leave my watch? Oh, shit! No, where did it go. I looked for my watch for 10 minutes straight and I couldn’t find it. I grabbed my phone and dialed Jaime’s number. “What’s up man?” he asked into the phone. “Himes, I can’t find my watch and I’m freaking out!” “Woah! Calm down turtle! Look on top of your dresser.” I looked, and there it was. I let out a breath I didn’t know I had been holding in. “Oh God. Thanks man. It’s there.” I heard Jaime laughing. “You need to chill out Tone. I know you like this girl but calm down. Everything will be just fine.” “Okay, okay. I will. See you in a while.” I hung up the phone as I took out my green camo button up shirt. After putting it on, I slipped on my gold watch and grabbed my black and camo Key Street snapback before heading back into the restroom. I brushed my hair back again and put on my hat. I looked through my medicine cabinet for my cologne and once I found it, I sprayed it on. Shit, I was really nervous. I really wanted to impress Jenna. I glanced at my watch noticing that it was already seven. Shit! I ran back to my room and slid on my black blazer over my camo shirt. Walking over to the mirror in my room I folded up the cuffs of my sleeves over the blazer as I took in every detail of my outfit. Shoes! Crap, I need to stop this. I slipped on my nice black shoes that I saved for special occasions and headed back to the mirror. It seemed like I was ready to go. I grabbed my phone, keys and Jenna’s necklace from my bedside table and rushed out the door. I slipped on the necklace as I was rushing down the stairs. I grabbed the gift bag that I had left by the door containing Jenna’s gift. I stepped outside and locked the door behind me.

Once I was in my car I forced myself to relax. I dialed Jaime’s number again. “What’s up turtle?” he answered on the second ring. “I’m on my way to pick you up.” “Aww, did you bring me flowers?” I stopped before I even pulled out of the driveway. “Shit! I forgot her flowers. I’ll be there in a bit Himes.” I hung up and ran back into the house. I took the flowers that I had left on the living room table then ran back to the car. This time I pulled out and started driving to Jaime’s place as fast as I could. It was 7:18 and I was running late. Damn it Tony! I arrived at Jaime’s house and ran up the porch towards the door and rang the doorbell about 20 times. “Woah, dude! Chill out I’m coming!” he said as he opened the door. “Here hold this.” He gave me a small box to hold on to as he locked his front door. We walked back to the car and started driving over to Jenna’s house. “What did you get her Himes?” I asked as I drove. “I got her this bracelet.” He opened the box for me to see the bracelet. It was made of a thin silver chain and it had a sort of plaque on top with Jenna’s name engraved in cursive. “That’s cool man.” “Yeah, I saw it and thought of her. On the back it has today’s date engraved on it.” He said smiling. “She’s going to love it dude.” “Hopefully. What did you get her turtle?” he asked me looking back at the blue gift bag I had set in the backseat. I smiled. “You’ll just have to wait and see.”

We arrived at Jenna’s house at 7:35. I got the flowers and her gift and stepped out of the car. I popped open the trunk and set the gift in there and shut it quickly. Jaime got out of the car with his gift and we walked to Jenna’s front door. Jaime rang the doorbell and we waited. “Mom! I’m leaving now! Don’t wait up!” I heard Jenna call out on the other side of the door. She opened the door and I froze. Before me stood the most beautiful girl I had ever seen.