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Normal (13)

The drive home wasn't too long nor too tedious but instead was filled with amiable conversation—Michael, my driver, was an excellent conversationalist—and before I knew it we were pulling up the driveway. "Here we are, Miss Lockhardt."

"Thank you, Michael." I exited the taxi and took the time to make sure my bags were secure in my arms.

"Need any help?"

"I think I've got it. Lemme run these to the porch and then I'll pay you."

"Aw, miss, there's no need. Your conversation-"

"Michael, please allow me to pay you," I interjected pleadingly. He caved to my request with a sigh. I hustled to the porch to drop off my belongings and hustled back to his rolled down window to pay him the fee and sizable tip. "Have a lovely night Michael," I said firmly when he squawked at the thick wad of bills I pressed in his palm. He finally drove off once I reached the steps, and I let myself into the dark, disturbingly quiet house.

Disappointment slammed me in the gut. I was used to returning to an empty apartment in New York after a shoot but I was hoping it'd be different now that I didn't live alone.

I was mistaken.

A small yip of warning echoed through the house, making my disappointment vanish. "Charlie?"

Her yips increased in frequency and volume and I heard her scratching at her cage in one of the rooms. With effort I lugged my junk upstairs to my room and pulled the door open, happy to see my puppy in her cage at the foot of my bed.

"Charlie!" I squealed. She whined, butt wiggling so hard in excitement the force and momentum actually caused her to fall over. I giggled at her goofy antics and let her loose, scooping her up immediately to nuzzle her fur.

It was a warm, wet welcome. I quickly took her potty, yawning as she did her business in the cold, and raced back up to my bedroom once she was done. After I readied myself for bed, I sent my mom a quick text telling her I was home, and then played Flappy Bird until I couldn't keep my eyes open and just conked out.

~

To say I was startled and exhausted beyond belief when my alarm clock blared unexpectedly at 6:45a.m. would be a severe understatement. It was so startling I jerked and fell out of bed with a loud, resounding THUMP.

I groaned, then grinned when Charlie's curious face popped over the edge of my bed. "Guess that's one way to get out of bed," I muttered to myself. Getting ready for school was easy. I made sure to wear my thickest pea coat, recalling how cold it would be in mid-November, and put Charlie in her cage with a puppy treat. Walking to school with the Prada boxes and my backpack wasn't a thrilling process, but the anticipation I felt toward witnessing the girls' reactions trumped my reluctance.

When I took my first step outside I sank a little bit in the snow. With an elated gasp, I marveled up at the grey-white sky and the elegantly swirling snowflakes. It was snowing! In the midst of my silent awe, a car pulled up to the curb. "I had a feeling you'd be back today. Hop in before you get frostbite."

"SAM!" I grinned goofily and awkwardly trudged to his car. He reached across the passenger side to open the door when he saw me carrying the Prada boxes.

"Should I even ask?"

"What?" I glanced down at my boxes. "Oh. These are for Seraleigh and her friends. I promised them shoes from my trip." Sam nodded and buckled me in before peeling away from the curb and heading to school. "You know..." I drawled, sliding my eyes over to him. "I might have a present or two for you..."