CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Light gray clouds hovered over the Wells sky, and the cool air frosted car windows. From above, fell cold little snow flakes onto the many things upon the ground. The first snow of the season, on November 3rd. Happiness swept over me as I watched the green grass slowly turned white, that Saturday morning. I had a mug of hot chocolate in my hand, sitting on top of my desk, gazing out my window. It was my own personal tradition to watch the first snowfall. Every year I'd find a comfortable spot next to a window, and stare out into a winter wonderland.
A creek in the floor behind me interrupted my gaze and I turned to see Mark standing there. He walked over to me and leaned up against the wall beside my window. I knew he had something to say.
"How's it going?" I asked in a cheerful tone.
"I have some interesting yet shocking information." He said with a half grin.
I rose my eyebrows, awaiting his words.
"I talked to mom about the college I showed you." He began. My stomach twisted.
"She's actually considering it."
That was it. The words I didn't want to hear. How could my mother agree with this? I began to pace the room. "But you can't leave!" I blurted out.
Mark could tell that I was upset. "Mel, don't worry about it. I'm not even sure I want to go yet." He tried to reassure me. I could feel him place his hand on my shoulder even though I wasn't facing his direction.
I shook him off as I turned around. "Sorry." I muttered.
"Don't be." He winked.
I sighed as Mark left the room, and then shut the door behind him. With my mug back in the grasp of my hand, I continued to look out the window, but this time, there was much more going on in my head.
Later on that day I was sitting in my living room, sketching a picture that lay in my lap. I'd finished the main lines and was ready to shade when the sound of my cellphone ringing distracted me entirely. I set down my sketch pad on the coffee table in front of me.
"Hello?" I answered after clearing my throat.
"Hey!" Jack's voice cheerfully responded and my mood suddenly changed.
"What's up?" I asked him, allowing a smile to spread across my lips.
"I have a question for you." He began.
I started to feel butterflies as I wondered what he would ask me.
"How would you like to go out tomorrow afternoon and see a movie with me?" His words made me grin. A date?
"I would love that."
"Great. See you at three?"
"Alright." I said in an even tone, trying to hide my excitement.
As we ended our conversation, I let out an excited "Yes!" and noticed the phone call wasn't disconnected yet. I gasped and put the phone back up to my ear, relieved when I realized he had already hung up.
I couldn't stop thinking about tomorrow. What would I wear? How would I do my hair? I should start looking. I thought to myself, and bolted upstairs, heading straight for my closet. As soon as I got there, I just stared at my clothes blankly. Nothing caught my eye. Nothing said THIS IS THE OUTIFT... Then I remembered the jeans Jen had picked out for me when we went to the mall a while back. Yeah! I'll wear those. But... What top? Jewelry? Shoes? Not to mention my hair! Oh relax... It's just Jack! I reassured myself, taking a breath. Just Jack... The super good looking guy taking you out on a date... Tomorrow. I grinned playfully at my thoughts. I needed to stop obsessing over this, but I was excited!
