Almost a stranger

Off the balcony

We were walking toward my house. When we were close, everything started looking familiar- finally. I can only imagine my mom freaking out. I have never been out for so long, alone. 

Travis: What did you want to tell Mia when she asked you what love is?

Where did he get this question? Out of nowhere.

Abigail: That everything she will hear will be a lie that will make her hate herself. 
Travis: You hate yourself?
Abigail: Why are you asking me this stuff?
Travis: Curiosity. 
Abigail: Well, mister curious. What would you tell her? That the movies, the books are all true?
Travis: Probably. 

It's easy for you to say when you look like that. What? Aby, stop! What's wrong with you?

Abigail: Well, I think she deserves to know the truth. 
Abigail: And before you can ask me another question, we're finally here. 

We were standing in front of the doors of my house. I could hear my mom from the inside. When I opened the doors, I saw my mom sitting with Paul, looking at their phones- along with mine too. 

Molly: Thank God you're here. Where have you two been!?
Abigail: We're fine...

My mom came to hug me, but she stopped,
"Do I smell beer?"

Travis: Your mom is good. My dad never smelled that. 
Abigail: It's nothing. 
Molly: I'm just glad you're here. 
Travis: You're not glad to see me, dad?
Paul: We'll talk about this at home. 

Paul looked at my mom and said, 
"We have to go. See you tomorrow."

Molly: Good night. 

Before I even noticed, I was staring at Travis. He looked deadly serious, looking at our parents. He's so weird.

Molly: Next time take your phone. 
Abigail: I thought you wanted me to go. Having some fun?
Molly: Yes, but I still need a message that you're alive. 
Abigail: I'm sorry. 
Molly: Now tell me everything that happened. 

I told her everything. She was like my best friend, best at keeping secrets, giving advice- she was my mom. I skipped the part when Travis whispered to me and the part with drinking. She didn't even mention the beer after. I guess she was happy to see me. 

The next day in the morning I went to the beach, alone. A little note was on the table, 
*I'm at the beach.*
Since my mom was still sleeping, probably tired from yesterday, I didn't want to wake her up. Another perfect day for reading the book. While I was reading, I saw Tuners coming toward me. Lauren had a big smile. We were mostly talking about school.

Molly: Hi!
Abigail: Hi. 
Molly: Why didn't you wake me up?
Abigail: You were tired from yesterday.
Molly: Never too tired for a beach. 

Now, Lauren will talk to my mom. I was looking at Lauren's husband who was playing with Mia. I don't know if I could have a kid like that- playing with him every single day, all day. It would be exhausting. I had to run away from Mia yesterday and I was with her for about half an hour.  It seems extremely hard. I wonder how parents do it. 

It was about 11 p.m. when I was in bed, reading the book. My room was on the second floor so I was in complete shock when I heard someone's knocking on my window. When I looked, Travis was standing on the balcony. What is he doing here? When I opened the doors, I realized I was in my pajamas. 

Abigail: What are you doing here!? My mom is in the next room. 
Travis: I know. I missed the window at first. 
Abigail: First, that's creepy. Second, you didn't answer what are you doing in my room in the middle of the night!?
Travis: Middle of the night? It's 11 p.m. What are you, my grandma?
Abigail: If you came to make fun of me, you can always text me. 
Travis: I'm more for talking than texting. 

I was looking at him not believing what am I hearing. He's in my room, in the middle of the night, making fun of me. That's too weird for him too. 

Abigail: What do you want?
Travis: Put on the swimsuit and come with me. 
Abigail: What?
Travis: You'll see. It will be great. 
Abigail: Why would I do that?
Travis: Because it's gonna be fun?

I don't know why, but I agreed. I was staring at him. 

Travis: So?
Abigail: So... will you turn or what?

He smiled and turned around. I can't believe I'm doing this. I was putting on my swimsuit when I remembered that he might be looking. 

Abigail: If you're looking I swear I'm gonna dig your eyes out. 
Travis: Okay. 

I'm going out with almost a stranger, leaving my mom here alone. Great... I wrote a note and put it on my bed, but I should get back before she wakes up. 

Travis: You girls are taking forever...
Abigail: I'm not the first one you're waiting for?

He was silent. I probably don't want to know the answer to that question. 

Abigail: Done. 

In a white dress, I was standing by the door of my room. 

Travis: What are you doing?
Abigail: What are you doing?
Travis: Going from where I came?
Abigail: Me too. 
Travis: My way is faster. 

I rolled my eyes, closed the doors, and went after him. He just jumped on the window below and he was on the ground. It looked so easy when he did it. 

Abigail: I'm glad you're expecting this from a person who never drank beer before. 
Travis: You said you did...
Abigail: We both knew it was a lie. 

Since I was shorter than him I couldn't reach the lower window, so I was hanging from the balcony now. 

Travis: Just jump. 
Abigail: Easy to say when you're 6.6 feet tall!
Travis: It's actually 6.5, but thanks. 
Abigail: Not my point...

I let the balcony go and felt the hard ground below me. Again, I would have fallen, if he didn't catch me, somehow. 

Abigail: Next time we're taking the stairs. 
Travis: Whatever you say.