The Hanna Waltkins Story

Ch.5

        Sadly, Sunday couldn’t come any sooner.

        The clock reads five, which means that in an hour The Rogers will be coming over for dinner. It also means that I will have to endure an hour of awkward forced conversations and fake smiles. And trust me, I do not want to go there. Reluctantly, I go up to my room and start  to get dressed. For the dinner tonight I’m wearing a light blue, sweetheart dress, with white polka dots, that goes a little above my knees. I’m also wearing my brown toms and a pink cardigan to complete the look.

        I then head over to my bathroom which is across the hall from my room to do my makeup and my hair. While my curling iron is heating up, I apply my makeup. I’m not really a makeup a person, so I just put on mascara, chap-stick, and lip-gloss. When my curling iron is heated up, I pick it up and start to curl my hair, I start from the back and then towards the front. I then flip my hair forward, and then back so it can stay in place. At least I did something with this purple mess.

        After I’ve finished using the bathroom, I lay across my bed and stare at the ceiling, contemplating whether I should just ditch this whole thing, snuggle up in bed, and fall asleep. But before I can reach my decision, I hear my Mom calling my name. Picking up my phone from the side of the bed, it reads:

                                                                                    6:05 pm

 

        Sighing, I stand in front of my mirror, smoothing out my dress, and twirling my hair between my fingers.

                                                                                    6:07 pm

        “Hanna!” I hear my mom say again, after a moment of hesitation, I leave my room (reluctantly) and head towards the living room. As I turn the corner, I see my Moms curly hair from a distance. She’s sitting down on the couch next to Dad, a smile plastered on her face. She is wearing a simple dress with a light overcoat. My Dad, on the other hand, is wearing a simple plaid shirt, khaki pants, and boat shoes. 

        “Hannie, come sit with us.” She pats the seat next to her, and I awkwardly sit down.

            My parents continue to talk to the Rogers, going from our neighborhood, to the economy, and life in Roseland in general. After the conversation has slowed down a bit, Moms face brightens up and she clasps her hands together.

            “Well, why don’t we all go sit in the dining hall, and I can get everything set onto the table!”

            Mrs. Rogers picks up a bowl and carries it with her towards the kitchen. “I hope you don’t mind, but I baked a little something for the dinner tonight. It’s my way of saying thanks!”

            “Oh, you shouldn’t have!” My Mom gushes as she takes the bowl from Mrs. Rogers and places it on the table.

        “Oh, it was no hassle at all!”

        As my Mom places the various dishes on the table, we all sit down around the table. And as we all get comfortable in our seats, it’s then that I realize Tanner is sitting right next to me. Trying not to make it any more awkward, I avert my eyes and stare at my plate.        

        “Well   Bon appétit everyone.” My Mom exclaims, sitting in the seat next to Dad, who’s across from me. She catches my eye and winks at me. Glancing away, I catch a glimpse of Tanner. His head is bent, eyes closed and his mouth is moving silently. After a couple seconds he lifts up his head and starts to eat quietly.