Second Chance

Second Chance Part 21

I have never cried when my dad and sister have left before. That may sound heartless, but it's true. Even though I get myself upset with the woes of my life, I'm not overly emotional when it comes to others. I don't know if it's because I'm doing better and I've allowed myself to feel more, or if its because we all had some really good conversations, but I just couldn't stop crying. At first my mom was worried something had happened between my dad and I while we were out. I explained to her in-between cries I didn't know why I was crying. Which for the most part was true. I obviously knew I was crying because they were leaving, but I couldn't explain why. I think it upset my mom. I calmed my self down though and she seemed satisfied by my explanation. I could tell she was hurting too. I know it's been really hard on her not having Elena here, and I'm sure today was just a reminder of the relationship they used to have.

Mom was really cool about me staying with Max and his mom tonight. I didn't expect her to have a problem with it, but ever since rehab she has definitely kept me on a shorter leash. She told me all the typical parent things like call her when I got there, thank Max's mom for letting me stay, those kind of things. I am really nervous about going. I'm sure things will be fine once I'm there, but I can't help but to worry. I hope she likes me, I hope she's nice, and things aren't awkward. Max really hasn't said much about his mom so I don't really know what to expect. I'm hoping to rack his brain on the way to the game. I grab my overnight bag and my purse and go set on the front porch to wait on Max. It took me forever to settle on an outfit to wear. I've never attended a football game as a casual fan. I've always been either a cheerleader or a girlfriend. I tried to look back at some of my friends Instagram's to see if I could get any kind of outfit inspiration. It was no help. I settled on distressed light wash jeans and a solid green V-neck crop top. It's not runway worthy by any means, but I think it looks cute without trying too hard. I hate how much I over think. Right now I'm literally worried about what I'm wearing to a high school football game. It's something so miniscule yet it takes up so much of my time. I jump up as Max pulls in the driveway. I love Noel and Luke, but I'm honestly glad we are driving separate. This gives Max and I even more alone time. I feel like our time with each other has been pretty scarce recently. "You look cute." Max says as I settle in the passenger seat of his jeep. "Thanks, I honestly wasn't sure what to wear." I say tugging on my tee shirt. "Well I think you did a pretty good job." I smile over at Max. He doesn't know how much his affirmation means to me. Max is wearing light wash jeans and one of his tee shirts from his old school. "Are you excited?" I ask. A smile spreads across Max's face. "I really am. I know things are going to be different since I left, but I really miss my friends." I can't imagine moving away. I mean you've been with the same people you're entire life and boom out of no where you are dropped into other people's lives and are expected to make friends. One thing I've noticed as I get older is it's hard to make friends. When you were in elementary school it was as simple as going up to someone and asking them if they wanted to be your friend. In your teenage years its a little more complex. I stick to saying I'm an extroverted introvert so new friends aren't really my thing. Especially if I am supposed to be the one approaching them. This sounds ironic now that I think of it considering I'm literally dating a new kid, but Max is different. If he hadn't come up to me on the bleachers on the first day of school I don't know when or if I would've ever approached him. I think it's a fear of rejection. What would've happened if I approached Max and he had just shot me down. It would've killed my self esteem and I would've been so embarrassed. I know I shouldn't put so much emphasis on what other people think of me, but it's easier said than done. "I'm sure your friends are excited to see you too" I say. "I think so, they've been texting me all day talking about the game. They are hoping to win in a landslide. I think my friend Josh may win Junior Homecoming Prince." "That will be cool." Max nods his head. "Wonder who will get it from our school?" Max asks making conversation. I've never really thought about it. Homecoming Prince and Princess is nothing but a popularity contest. The popular group of kids decide who they want it to be and then those people win. It's just how it goes. "Noel is President and Luke is pretty popular, especially with the football guys, so I wouldn't be surprised if it's them." I say. I would be really happy for them if they win, but I would also never hear the end of it. Noel would throw it in my face until the end of time. "Yeah I could totally see it. Luke hasn't said anything about it, and the last day for nominations was today." Max answers. I wonder if Max and I have been nominated. Max is definitely the cool guy on campus right now, and I'm decently well-known in my own right. I don't want to get myself excited though, because even if we were nominated there is no way we would win. "Well I guess we will see Monday." I say trying to push homecoming court out of my mind. I'm starting to freak out about homecoming, because the dance is next weekend and I still haven't got my dress. I was planning on going tomorrow with my mom, but now since I'm hanging out with Max I'm not sure if it will happen or not. "Are you nervous?" He asks. He puts his hand on my knee. "If I'm being honest a little bit. I'm sure it will be a lot of fun once I'm there, but it is a little daunting showing up to a game with a bunch of people I don't know. I do feel more comfortable knowing Luke and Noel will be there." "I totally understand, it's why I invited them. I mean I wanted Luke to meet my guy friends, but I also knew it would make things easier on you." I lean over and give him a kiss on the cheek. "You are so thoughtful." I say sincerely. Brady would've never done anything like this. I mean I can't even tell you how many times we showed up to parties where I knew absolutely no one. I think it's one of the main reasons why I have an issue with parties. "Are you nervous about meeting my mom?" He asks, his tone more serious. I exhale loudly. "For sure, I just want to make a good impression." I say. I bite my lip nervously, just thinking about it. "It will be fine, my mom is a total sweet-heart. I think the two of you will get along really well. I don't know if you're interested or not, but there is a dress shop near my house if you want to check it out tomorrow for homecoming. I know you were planning on going with your mom, but if you don't mind a change of plans I know my mom would be down." The thought of going dress shopping with his mom actually makes me feel sick, but I do need a dress, and if I get one down here, theoretically no one should have the same one. "That would honestly be great. I was a little worried about when I could find time to go get one." Max smiles to himself." Perfect, I'll let her know." I think it's sweet Max's mom wants to have some bonding time with me.