From Geekville To Gorgeous Town

Chapter 14

Isn't it amazing how life can take such dramatic turns? One day I feel lost and trapped inside myself, unsure of my own identity, to the next day knowing that I was a genuine, and transforming woman.

My summer had taken on so many twists and turns. Things in my life had never been out of the ordinary. I always have been more of a creature of habit. I had more of a set schedule and routine. I felt safe that way. The most unexpected event of my day would be running out of shampoo or losing my pencil.

I was now facing the rest of my life. This was just a minor taste of what was yet to come. It almost made me comfortable facing one more year of high school. If I could manage to handle a hot strange guy spending his day with a hiccuping, jello feeted, and insecure stranger, then I think I could handle Danica's darting glares. My awkwardness was accepted. I had been accepted.

I could not help but to wonder if I had not lost the weight or made over my appearance if this ever would have happened? I had my doubts. I also knew I lacked the confidence that I now presented myself with. I suppose I did carry myself in higher standards because I felt good about who I now was. All I carried was weight and doubt before I decided I needed a change.

The summer had flew by. I recalled so many summers where each day just seemed like a new hot day. This summer I would remember the rest of my life. I could not remember any other positive aspects of any other summer, other than no school and no Danica.

Now I would have to face my upcoming school year challenges. I had established my reputation way before I took charge of my life, and I knew that would be my upcoming battle.

After coming home from our shopping adventure, I did not know what to do with myself. I had so many emotions soaring through my mind and my body. With all of the crazy changes the summer had all at once bestowed on me, I was lucky to know what day it was or my own name.

I went straight to my room to escape from mom recalling the days events to my father. When we arrived at home, he still had not got home from work. I had time to anticipate his reaction. My sunburn was so uncomfortable for me that mom allowed me to rest while she prepared dinner. She did give me the look of disapproval when she fully took notice of it. I assumed she really knew that I did it on purpose, but she didn't dwell on it. I am sure she was more worried about what had occurred between Tristen and I.

I could not help but to think of him. His smile was mesmerizing. I was drawn to his lips that's for sure. I hugged my pillow as if it was him in my arms. He was so easy going. I thought all guys was like the jerks at school. My bad experiences at school would always leave a sour taste in my mouth. Tristen was so different. I almost wanted to move to the city just to be accepted as the new me. It all seemed so simple with strangers. Tristen's friends accepted me at first glance. It had been too easy. I had so many sensations running through me and not just from my sunburn. I felt happy, like this goofy smile would not leave my lips. I felt inspired, hopeful, scared, and tingly. I could still feel the warmth of his lips on mine. I didn't want to close my lips together because I was afraid it would disappear. My mind ran wild with thoughts of Tristen. I was truly a giddy school girl. My thought bubble busted when I heard my father's voice enter the house.

I went straight into listening mode. My room was so quiet you probably could hear a mouse belch. I was unsure what mother would say. She was not one to keep things from my father. I could only wait and fear what was happening. I knew my father would not raise his voice. They was only a few times I ever heard him get loud. Those times was due to him stubbing his toe or mother putting rubbing alcohol on an open wound for him. He was generally an easy going man. However I was his only baby girl.

It felt like hours before my mother come to tell me dinner was ready. I looked at my clock and it had only been 30 minutes. My head was pounding. She come into my room for a brief moment.

"I didn't tell him everything. There is just some things we accept even when it takes an emotion toll on us. It's all apart of you growing up." said my mother winking at me.

I let out all of the air I had been holding in without realizing it. I might get through this without feeling ashamed after all.

I really wasn't all that hungry. But I felt obligated to face my fears. I walked into the dining room and found my parents already at the table. I walked past my father and gave him his usual kiss on the cheek after not seeing him all day. I knew despite everything my dad would always be number one in my life. He gave me one of his smiles and took notice of my sunburn right after.

"Whoa Squirt, you got scorched today. That looks painful. your mother will have to get out the aloe gel for you. Your mother told me you had a little sunburn, but I think you got more than a little." He said looking at me shaking his head as though he understood my pain.

"I am starving ladies. Let's give The Lord Grace, and get started on this fine meal, shall we begin?" he asked rhetorically.We bowed our heads and all said our Amens when he had finished.

My father kept looking at me through dinner. He finally spoke what was on his mind when he finished his dinner.

"So what is this I hear about a boy maybe calling you?" He asked with a stern look in his eye. I made a big gulping noise and almost choked myself.

"Oh Daddy, he is just a guy I met at the mall." I said trying shrug it off like I didn't really care that much about it.

"Oh really? I think you have a big crush." He said in his teasing voice. I giggled like I did when I was 8 years old.

"I knew it would happen. I can't say I am surprised, you have blossomed over night into a beautiful young lady. I will have to keep a close eye out on you from now on." My father said winking at me playfully. I knew deep down he was really serious.

"He did ask me out on a date. Do you think I could go Daddy? He has his own car and will pick me up and everything!" I said still sounding like an excited 8 year old.

"Let's see if he calls you before I make a decision ok?" He answered winking at me. I was pretty certain he did not think Tristen would call me. I could tell it in his voice but he did not want to see my disappointment. We all finished dinner and I announced I was going to take a shower to cool down my throbbing sunburn. My mother told me after she cleared the dinner dishes she would get the aloe gel for me.

I was almost finished showering when she knocked lightly on the bathroom door. I announced it was safe to come in.

"My little lobster." My mother said smiling.

"Daddy don't think he will call me does he?" I asked speaking what was directly on my mind. My mother was quiet a moment, rubbing gel on my scorched skin.

"I think he is trying to convince himself that he may not call. You know we have to accept your growing up, but we still have to hope that we have longer than what we really have." Answered my mother calmly. I knew this was just as hard on them as it was for me. We was none prepared for this adjustment.

"I do know you are not leaving this house tomorrow with this sun burn young lady." My mother said sternly.

"Yes Ma'am. Do you think he will call Mom?" I asked worriedly. I had nothing else but Tristen on my mind.

"This is just a guess because we none know the answer to that. I think he will call you. He seemed to like you really well if you know what I mean. I just hope he calls you to get to know you and not for other purposes." my mom answered with a sigh. My mind was racing. I knew what she was getting at. We had the talk when I was a freshman in high school. I heard more details of it through school from eavesdropping on my classmates quiet talks that wasn't so quiet.

"I think he will be a gentleman mom. I might get lucky like you and dad are." I said smiling hopeful. My mom just gave me a not so sure look.

"I suppose time will tell. Be sure to let this absorb in your skin before you put your pajama's on ok?" My mom instructed me before leaving the bathroom.

I sat in the bathroom with so many thoughts racing through my mind. I snapped out of it when I heard the phone ringing.