The VLC - Adelaide

A Week Away

We didn't wake up until ten a.m., and I finally read Gavin's text.

"Hey, just wanted to see what you were up to. Probably, sleeping...I imagine you are adorable when you sleep. Text me when you get this."

I responded. "Good morning! I was out late with some friends, and didn't hear my phone. We're just waking up. I promise I do not look adorable when I sleep. I drool a lot. ;)"

Almost instantly, he replied. "Even with slobber running down your cheek I would still think you are beautiful. Can I call you?"

"You are ridiculous. No, you can't call. I am with my friend Kari. We're going to breakfast. I will try to sneak in a call to you later, but I am going to another friend's house tonight, so texting will probably be it."

":( OK. Have a good day! Miss you!"

"You too."

I promised my mom I would call her in the morning so she would know what my plans were. When I asked about staying at Jenni's house that night, she was more than happy to let me. She told me I could spend as much time with my friends as I wanted, but that I just needed to check in from time to time so she would know I was okay. My mom had thoroughly vetted all of these friends, and their parents, over the years. So, she didn't worry about me. She was comfortable as long as I didn't hang out with anyone new. She also said she would bring me my suitcase in the afternoon, and pick me up for church in the morning.

Kari insisted on dressing me again, telling me that I would have to keep Michael's attention if I wanted him to remember me when I left. This time, she made me wear some of her skinny jeans with boots and a long sweater. I did look pretty good, and it was fun to wear cold weather clothing for a change. I had Kari send Michael a text to let him know we were up and on our way over.

The forecast predicted rain so Kari grabbed umbrellas as we left the house. Michael lived about a quarter of a mile away, so it only took us about five minutes to get there. His mom answered the door when we knocked.

"Hi Addy, Kari, Michael will be down in a second. He woke up late and hopped in the shower as soon as you messaged him."

Michael came rushing down the stairs, hair still wet, but looking refreshed, and not at all like he had a late night, and overslept. There is something about tousled, wet hair on a guy. I didn't have a lot of opportunity to see this look unless I was at the pool, or the beach with a guy. It hinted at forbidden things and made me swallow hard.

"I guess it's almost lunch now, but we can still order from the breakfast menu." He grabbed a sweatshirt from the coat rack. "See you later mom."

"Have fun. Let me know if you need a ride somewhere today."

As Michael zipped up his sweatshirt, I remembered that I had packed his in my suitcase so I could return it to him. "I brought your sweatshirt back, but it's in my suitcase at my grandma's. My mom is bringing my stuff over later."

"Why do you have Michael's sweatshirt?" Kari asked, raising her eyebrows.

"I gave it to her when she was here for Thanksgiving. Remember it snowed that weekend?"

"You know Michael, she didn't even tell me she was in town! Yet, you got a visit."

"Hey, that isn't fair. I only saw Michael because my parents are best friends with his parents. I didn't even know if he would be there, and I didn't tell him I was coming."

"Ouch, you make it sound like you were forced to see me. I didn't realize that it was such a burden." He punched me playfully in the shoulder.

"You two need to quit teasing me. It's bad enough when I am with just one of you, but I forgot how obnoxious you can be together."