Pretty Surrounded in Pink

Falling

I sat at the diner across from Tim, it was Saturday and we had planned to see the new action movie but both of us had forgotten to buy tickets. By the time we showed up at the theatre it was sold out and there were no more showings for the rest of the night. Tim popped a fry in his mouth; after swallowing he gave me a stern look, I knew where thus was going. 'So when are you going to ask her out?' he asked me, I shrugged as I continued to chomp into my burger. He continued to chastise me saying it had been two months since school started and I still hadn't made any progress. I took a sip of my milkshake holding it  in mouth until it melted completely  before I swallowed. I told him patience was a virtue and he threw his head back snorting at what he and I both knew was an excuse. I mixed the milkshake with the straw staring at it as it turned then I looked up at Tim, next week I told him we have to start our first project then, next week.

Next week came faster than I wanted. I shook my head when I entered History class I needed to stop being a baby and man up. Four years! this would be four years of me fantasizing over someone. As I sat in my seat my mind began to whirl. What if that was all this was, a fantasy? Maybe I had built her up to such a degree I would be crushed when I actually did get to know her. What if she just didn't like me? My head began to throb and I pushed the points of my palms into my temples as I stared down at my desk. Soon a hand appeared with a whispered 'here'. It was her and she was giving me an Advil with a worried expression on her face. I smiled taking it from her; or maybe she could be much more.

When class ended everyone turned to their partners to discuss when they were going to meet up. She turned around to me eyes alit with what I wasn't sure, but I was hoping it was because of me. We decided we would meet this Saturday at my house, I scratched down my address on a piece of paper. Putting it in her pocket she rose from her seat ready to leave when she turned around and handed me her phone, 'your number' she asked. I couldn't help but feel giddy as I typed in the ten digits. Thanks she said as she turned to leave, this was nothing for her but this was a step closer for me.

Saturday seemed to take forever to come. It was Friday and she was absent from class I was worried that she might not make it Saturday and all my anxiety would continue to accumulate until I combusted. As the last bell rung for the day my phone vibrated in my pocket. It was a text message from her. 'Don't worry I'll be there tomorrow 12 sharp.' A grin spread across my face as I grew excited for tomorrow.

I stood in my room trying to decide what I should wear. I didn't want to look like a try hard but I also didn't want to scare her away by looking like a slob. I thought I could fall somewhere in the middle by putting on a light blue shirt with dark jeans. I sighed looking at myself in the mirror this was the best it was going to get. Running downstairs I cleaned up the dining room pouring out chips and popcorn in bowls. I brought out the pitcher of sweet tea and placed it on the table; as the clock hit twelve I remembered the skittles and rushed into the kitchen pouring them into a small bowl and placing them on the table. I glanced at the clock 12:01, she had said 12 sharp, and just then the doorbell rang.

She stood in front of me her hair pulled back in a low bun, black ripped jeans like a second skin and a flow-y black blouse. The more I looked at her the more beautiful she became. I realized I was staring when she asked if she could come in. 'Of course' I said moving aside to let her through. I led her to the dining room. Her eyes widened and I became concerned that I did too much. She touched my elbow and looked up at me smiling 'how did you know I was starving' she asked sitting down in a chair and popping a few chips in her mouth. I could get you real food I said walking towards the kitchen, she shook her head saying 'let's be unhealthy just for today' and she laughed. The sound was beautiful like a chime ringing out in a church-angelic.

The first two hours were spent solely on the project and then somehow by hour three we wandered to other topics. I learned that her favorite color was blue and she loved mystery novels. Like me she was a fiend for action movies and she tortured me by pretending to spoil the latest one as I covered my ears singing a nonsense tune to block her out. We burst into a fit of laughter as she tried to pull my hands from my ears. I learned that she was planning to go the same college as me and I couldn't help but beam at that. I wouldn't lose her, at least not soon. By the time four came around we were lost in each other throwing jokes back and forth talking about our families.

We were interrupted by a yell from the front door. My mom called asking me to help carry in the groceries. She stopped when she saw her at the table. And who is this she asked, I introduced them telling my mom about the project. She told her she should stay for dinner, she said she needed to text her parents but she'd love to. We sat the three of us at the table discussing our classes and how it felt to be seniors my mom's eyes sparkling with excitement. When She left my mom turned to me, 'so that's her huh' she didn't ask. 'I like her' she said clearing the table, I went over to help. You know she has an amazing energy my mom's eyes twinkled. She was into very interesting stuff some people would call it hippie ideas. Her aura is pink she said and I asked what that meant. She stops and looks at me she says 'many things but for her I think sweet, sensitive and joy fits the most.' I nod my head in agreement she's definitely surrounded in pink.