I'm Fine

Chapter 25

After resting on the beach a bit longer, we packed up and left. I pushed Damian for details about the surprise but he didn't budge, shaking his head, lecturing me about the definition of a 'surprise'.

I countered with the fact that I'm naturally curious, but he only said that he knew I'd love it.

"Get inside, I'll drop you home." He patted the passenger seat and I sat down, pulling the seatbelt down to click in.

"Home? What about the surprise?" I asked, tightening up my ponytail. He grinned and started the car.

"You'll see." I sighed playfully.

"You said that to all my questions!"

We chatted all the way until we reached my house. I was glad Annette wasn't home from her grocery shopping yet, and went straight for the couch.

I flicked on the TV and wrapped myself in a blanket, watching an ad on my side. I suddenly heard my phone go off in my pocket and reached down to answer the phone call.

"Hello?"

"I'll pick you up at 7:00, wear something warm." The line cut immediately after and I realized it was Damian's voice, giving me instructions for the surprise! I grinned, thinking of all the possibilities, and got up during the next ad break to make myself a hot chocolate.

Annette came home soon after I finished my drink, and I helped her set out the groceries.

"I'm going out tonight, Gen. I'm probably gonna leave soon, and I don't think my sister will approve. Cover for me will ya?" asks Annette, while we started to put away the cans.

"On a date, Annette?" I ask, picking up a can of tomato paste.

"Yeah. His names Jackson, total babe. You think he'll finally be the one?"

"Who knows?" I reply with a laugh. "But hey, I've got plans too."

"Really? Are you going on a date?" she asks, stopping her tasks to narrow her eyes at me, with a playful grin of course.

"No-o-o," I say, stretching the word. "I mean, no, not really. At least, I don't think so." She gives me an inquisitive look.

"You don't think so? Is it a date or not?" she says, returning to the remaining groceries.

I pick up a box of cookies. The chocolate chip kind the Lee takes to school and a feeling washes over me. I fumble with the box and it nearly tumbles out of my hands, but I manage to get a hold of it and place it in the cupboard.

"No. It's not a date. Actually, Damian's taking me out for a surprise." I wait for the impact, wondering whether or not Annette will approve. I know she's never really liked Damian all that much, but secretly, I've always believed it's because Damian used to comment on Annette's hair when we were young. Despite that, I've never really understood why she wouldn't like him. Still, I wait. It's an eternity before she responds, although I can tell she's trying her hardest to be happy for me.

"That's...wonderful, Gen. Really something that boy," she says, struggling to seem unfazed. She picks up the last few items, checks her watch and informs me she's going upstairs to get ready.

I take the bags of bread and put them away, then return to my room for an outfit change too. I take out a cream jacket with a fake fur coat collar, and I hear Annette stomp down the stairs and call up to me that's she heading out.

"Bye Annette! See you later!" I yell back down.

"Have fun with Damian!" she calls in return, slamming the door shut. I cringe in response to the thud, and continue on with trying to find my clothes for tonight.