Mysterious Notebook

saturday evening

As I sat doodling, different thoughts kept spiralling in my mind.

I have to change myself.

Ok.

But how?

Its not like I have deliberately remained this way and let others take advantage of me. I frowned and stopped doodling pondering about Max.

To change is to change completely.

Earlier I might have avoided going to the party Max had invited. But now..

I brought out my phone and checked the time. There was still four hours left for the party to begin.

I took a deep breath and then texted Max.
I am coming- A

He immediately replied.
Great! Thank god. I was beginning to get worried. I will come to pick you up at 7. Be ready. :) - M

7?! That leaves me with three and a half hours..

I got up to return home.

As soon as I reached home, I was confronted with my fuming mother at the doorstep. I winced after remembering about today's PTA meeting.

I tried to avoid her scowl and run upstairs but she caught hold of me before I could move away.

"You stole a laboratory animal?" She asked bitterly.

I swallowed nervously and attempted to clear the lump that had unconsciously formed in my throat.

"Not exactly steal. Urm.. I didnt know it was a laboratory animal. It was roaming about and I just picked..."

I was interrupted by her, "Dont give me those lame excuses! Your professor complained about you to me. Can you imagine how embarassing it was?"

I shifted uncomfortably and mumbled, "I am sorry. I didnt know."

I wonder if she would let me go for the party now.. I should have asked her before texting Max.

"You are going to return that animal to the Uni on monday!" She replied stomping away inside.

"But mom.. Fluffy doesnt want to .."

"No buts Annie! I want that animal out of our house on monday or you will have to pay." I heardher reply from inside.

I stood near the stairs thinking.. I have to be bold. I have to change.

I slowly walked inside her room and stood at the door watching her.

She looked up at me and made a questioning expression.

"Well mom.. you know I really want to keep her.. I promise I wont do the same mistake again. And.. and I am willing to take whatever punishment you .."

She raised her hand to stop me mid-sentence.

"That would be enough for now. I will think over tonight and let you know your punishments tomorrow."

I almost breathed a sigh of relief as I turned to leave her room, when she added, "And I should never have to bother about that animal. Keep that in mind."

I just muttered a "yes mom" and slipped out.

The next minute I was hurrying upstairs to my room to search for the  one decent dress I possesed.

I didnt know how I was planning to attend the party tonight but I kept throwing my clothes out of my wardrobe and closet in order to find that one dress.

Finally I got it!

It was a light white dress with frills a  little above my knees, but it was very pretty. I hardly ever wore it for fear of ruining it.

Now was the right time to use it, I decided.

I gave Fluffy something to chew on and then went to take a quick shower.

While scrubbing myself and washing my hair I tried to come up with ways of confronting mom about this party.

I had a feeling that she might not allow me. But I couldnt give up. Not now that I had promised Max I would go.

Maybe if all plans failed I would just try pleading mom about the honor of my promise. And convince her to let me go for only one hour.

The prospect of convincing mom gave me the jitters.

I sighed wrapping myself in the towel and stepping out to dress.

I dried my hair with the blower and let it fall over my shoulders loosely. I wore the dress and smiled at my reflection in the mirror. I felt beautiful.

After applying a bit of make-up so as to not look like a plain-Jane amongst all the others who would no doubt come caked in make up; I grabbed my phone and made my way dowstairs.

By the time I reached near her room I was shaking with anticipation and anxiety.

I slowly went toqards her door and tapped slightly.

"What is it? Come in." Mom replied from inside.

She looked up from her laptop to give me a full stare from head to toe. It made me squirm under her gaze.

"What is this all about?" She asked me, her eyes narrowing at mine.

I bit my lower lip nervously.

"Mom I need to go for a party tonight."

"Party?! Tonight?" She looked shocked.

"I have promised my friend already. I swear I will come before the curfew." I babbled.

She frowned.

"But you never attend parties. What's gotten into you suddenly?" Her face flushed with anger.

"Mom please. Only tonight. Please. I gave him my word." I pleaded.

She looked at me, and slowly her eyes softened.

She glanced back at her laptop and said, "Be back before the curfew."

I slapped my hand over my mouth to stop the squeal from escaping.

I ran to her and gave her a short hug around the neck mumbling "thanks mom thanks a lot".

She didnt return the hug but I was happy she allowed me. And after all I deserved it after the Fluffy incident.

Right then the doorbell rang.

I knew that the thought of Max waiting outside my door was giving me tingly feelings but I hid my smile as I rushed to open the door.

When my eyes took in a complete stranger, I gasped.

The guy outside my door just smirked in return.