Shift

Just a Dream?

Friday came quickly. I didn't hear from or see Chris, and I tried not to let that bother me.  

I had Erik...kinda.  

He hadn't kissed me on the cheek again, but he had hugged me often, pulled my chair out for me at lunch, and walked me to the car for the past two days. 

He grew more cute and charming every day. 

When Jessica asked me to come back and spend the night once I was in her driveway, I didn't think twice before saying yes. 

A night with Jessica and Erik, outside of school? What could be better? 

It wasn't until I was in my room, packing my bag that I panicked.  

Would Erik be there? Would we hang out with him? Should I bring comfy pajamas or sexy ones? Would he even look twice at me?  

I sat on the bed, head in my hands. I was about to have a panic attack here. 

This was more than I had dreamed after just one week of school, and instead of happiness, I was borderline panicking. 

I scolded myself into a calmer mood. I grabbed a pair of flannel pajama pants and a gray racerback tank top, deciding on comfy but not grandma. I tossed the rest of my things in the bag, not caring now that I'd crossed that bridge. I grabbed a phone charger and put it in last, then I grabbed my purse and headed downstairs. 

"Bye, Amanda." 

"Bye, honey! Have fun!" 

"I will." 

I had been nice-ish to her since the night I guilt tripped out of nowhere. I figured I could at least be civil while she was about to pop out my little brother. 

I drove to Jessica's house, struck again by how beautiful it was when I pulled into the long driveway. 

In this part of South Carolina, the mansions were huge and old and beautiful. Most of the people were from old money. My family was, and our house was nice, but this was outstanding. 

I walked up to the covered porch and rang the doorbell, relieved to see Jessica answer it. 

"Hey! No one is home, or I would introduce you. Come on in." 

"Are we going to the football game?" I wondered out loud. 

"Of course! It's the first one of the year! Who else is going to go cheer Erik on?" 

"The whole school?" I laughed. 

She rolled her eyes. 

"Oh yeah. I mean, who else that he can stand?" 

She led me up an actual winding staircase to the second floor. She pushed the door at the end of the plushly carpeted hallway open, revealing a huge room with a four poster bed, a futon, a coffee table with magazines and candles, twinkle lights everywhere, and two french doors leading to a balcony. The door to the walk in closet was open, as well as the bathroom door. Everything was light and airy and open, and everything was white: the bedspread, the sheer curtains, the futon, the shag rug on the white carpet.  

It was gorgeous. 

"I love your room," I gushed. 

She smiled. "Me, too." 

We sat on the bed and I dropped my tote to the ground. 

"So..." 

"So..." 

"So... I have to ask. I'm sorry. Do you like my brother?" 

I felt my face turn tomato red as my mouth dropped open.