Second Chances

Finally

By the time Saturday rolled around, I was a nervous wreck. Literally. I didn't even know why. Like, I was only meeting Jacob for the first time since the coffee incident! Rummaging through my closet and hating all of my outfits, I finally decided to wear a navy blue sleeveless top with a white flower design and some light wash jeans, paired with some black ballet flats. Something chic, but not too plain. I threw on the clothes, grabbed my phone from the side table and ran to the bathroom to check my appearance. Turning on the light, I turned around to see myself in the mirror.

My hair was a mess! It looked like a bird's nest that been tossed around in a storm! I sighed and opened a drawer and found a brush. Running it through the tangles, I winced every time it pulled on one. Finally, my brown hair actually looked acceptable enough for my liking. I set the brush down, but wanted to do something more. Taking a deep breath, I bent down and pulled open the last drawer. There in a card board box, sat all of the tubes and bottles of unused makeup and mascara that my Aunt Chloe had given me for my birthday and Christmas, every single year. She always said:

"Oh Kendall, I just hope you like the mascara I got you! It's extra plush so it will make your dull eyes pop! And the blush will add some color to your cheeks and hid those freckles!"

I didn't need makeup and blush made my cheeks break out in pimples.

But I for some unknown reason, I grasped one of the tubes of mascara, ripped the plastic off with my nails, twisted it open and brought the brush to my eyelashes. After a few seconds, my eyelashes became darker and I twisted the cap back on the tube and dropped it in the box. I didn't look bad in mascara, but my eyes didn't look too different. I bet that would happen if I had green or blue eyes. See, another reason why I wish I had Alec's eyes.

Then I rubbed some moisturizer on my cheeks, grabbed my phone, turned off the light and skipped down the hall to the stairs. Once I was down, I grabbed the house keys from the little bowl on the coffee table and called to Dad.

"Dad, I'm going to the park to meet Jacob! I won't be long!"

My Dad walked in from the kitchen, carrying a coffee mug. He was probably drinking strong green tea, his favorite. It kept him awake.

"Kendall, you look nice. But is that the boy who you ran into at the coffee shop?" My dad asked inquisitively.

"Yes Dad, I told you so many times!" I said exasperated

"Fine, you can go. But I want you to be back home at 6:00 pm sharp so you can help me with dinner."

Of course he needs help with food

It was almost 5:00 so I had about an hour to talk with Jacob.

"Will do Dad, I promise to be home by then."

"Ok Kendall, and be safe."

I nodded, and walked to the front door, opened it and shut it behind me. After locking the door, I strolled down the steps and onto the sidewalk. The park was only ten minutes away, so I wouldn't have to walk so far. As I was walking on the sidewalk, the tree leaves started to sway with the wind and the cold air stung my cheeks.

"I should have brought a jacket," I mumbled, crossing my arms.

At that point, I turned and stomped through the damp grass, my hair probably all messed up. Hey, if you were meeting a hot guy, would you want your hair to look nice? I though so.

Crossing over the grass, I finally reached the park. Looking around, I didn't see Jacob anywhere. Maybe he was late. I made my way over the the swings and sat down in the one that wasn't wet. I pushed myself a little, so the swing stared to rock back and forth, faster and faster. Then I decided to swing. Hey why not? I was waiting anyway. I kicked off and soon I was swinging through the air. I laughed a little because I forgot how fun this was. I couldn't even remember the last time I was doing this. I subconsciously looked over my shoulder, and there walking toward me, was none other than Jacob Carter.