Most of the Time

Chapter 11

I woke the next morning smelling like salt water with sand in a few different places. It was Monday but for some reason each day this summer feels like the weekend. I checked my phone for messages even though I knew I probably would not have any and if I did, they would just be from Lily.

I saw a text from an unknown number saying I'll be there at 10:30. I was confused but fear eclipses my face as I realize that I agreed to go on a date with Justin, today.

I text back,  I have an appointment at 11am.

I realize I should probably confirm the number is Justin so I text, this is Justin right?  quickly after the first message. 

He quickly responds,  yea I know, I said I'll take you to the appointment remember?  He double texts, I'm hurt you don't have my number saved.

Considering how much I liked him High School, there is no way that I would have Justin's number and not save it. We have only communicated through social media. Before I let myself become more confused, I realize that he must have gotten my number from Lily and Lily has everyone's number.  

Shut up, you didn't have my number. You probably got it from Lily. Also, I don't remember you saying that. I text 

He responds, My source isn't important, your lack of use of your own sources is worrisome. Now I need to get ready for our date, see you soon.

I take a second, still in bed blushing at the fact that right now Justin is getting ready for a date... with me. It doesn't feel real. Then I remind myself it's not. Lily set this up. I am rudely startled by my mom loudly opening the door.

"You know you have an appointment today and you're still in bed?" She asks rhetorically, I think.

"I am getting up right now" I say still in the comfort of my sheets

"Maybe if you weren't out so late last night." She begins

"It wasn't that late" I correct

"Is Lily coming or a I am taking you?" She asks

"Um, Justin's coming. We're hanging out today so he's just gonna take me to the appointment." I say trying to make it sound as causal as possible.

"That's nice of him." She says surprisingly pleased "I'm glad you have friends you can depend on for this." She pauses to briefly smile. "Now get up, you know you take forever to get ready."

I haven't had much time to be anxious about today which in many ways is a good thing, but that also means I didn't think about what I should wear, what I would do with my hair or face. I start with my outfit because that's usually the easiest. I like to wear loose clothing, but I would say I have mastered the look of cute but cozy. I stick to the rule of tight bottoms and loose top or vise versa. Which contrasts Lily's look of tight everywhere. Considering I have tubes coming out of my side and a rather large hole in my stomach I decide on a loose light blue top and jean shorts that are relatively tight and at a Lily approved length. My tight curly hair usually stays in a low puff ball, but for today I thought I should do something different. I bring all of my hair to the top of my head and let the curls fall along the side of my face. I tied and untied it a couple of times until the curls feel into the perfect position. I don't know how to describe it, but I know it when I see it. I take out a couple strands of hair from the ponytail for effect. On a regular day, I stick to putting concealer under eyes and brushing out my thick eyebrows. Today, I did the same but added blush and mascara. Today is special, I thought, why not.

 Before I headed downstairs, I laid back in bed. I wanted to take a moment to think. I closed my eyes and thought of possible scenarios in my head. What Justin might say, what I might say, then what he might say back, and what I will not say. I thought it would be smart to think of things I don't want from this date. I decided that I will not make this a sympathy thing. At no point do I want him to feel sorry for me. I can't help but think that my injury may be the reason why he's been around so much. At no point will it get serious. I have had enough of serious. Serious lectures from my mom, serious appointments, serious procedures. I checked my outfit one more time in the mirror. I could see my tubes hanging on the side of my shirt. I tried to tuck them under my shorts, but they were too long. I didn't want to wear a jacket because in Texas it's hot all day and night as soon as the month of June hits. But even though it would be hot, I felt more comfortable with them hidden so I grabbed an over-sized cropped hoodie and headed downstairs. I had a few minutes to kill so I sat at the kitchen island watching my mom cook for my brother, Sam and herself. I was surprised he was home but didn't think much of it.