working on my story for the competition, but its slow going. I just can’t find the motivation and I spend hours staring at a blank page. My mind drifts. I can’t stop thinking about Jon and the things he said to me – that I’m pretty and smart. It makes goose flesh rise on my arms. I’m almost embarrassed. No one’s ever said those words to me, except for Gran, and I don’t think her opinion counts because she’s my grandmother and she has no choice.
I wonder what Jon’s writing about. I didn’t get much of a look when I tried to spy on him at the coffee shop. I’ll have to ask him tomorrow if he’s going to enter a story for the scholarship award. A contented smile spreads across my face. My dream’s coming true. I’m actually going on a date with Jon Kingsbury!
The temptation to call Gran to tell her my awesome news is almost unbearable, but I decide to wait for tomorrow’s visit, so I can see her reaction.
I finally pulled a few ideas out of my preoccupied brain and hurriedly got them down on paper. I tuck my story away and rummage through my closet for something to wear on my date tomorrow. Something slimming, probably something black. I decide on my new dark wash jeans and then sneak into Eva’s room to root around for a top.
My heart sinks when the unmistakable sound of footsteps stop me cold. I’ve been caught red-handed.
“ What are you doing?” she asks at the door, hands planted firmly on her hips.
“ I need to borrow a top.”
“ What for? You only wear T-shirts.”
“ I have a date.”
Eva laughs. “Yeah right. That’s about as likely as one of my tops actually fitting you.”
“ You might have something…”
She slams a palm inches from my face. “Don’t want to hear it. Get out.”
I feel my face redden and I throw her a nasty look. I step toward her and she jumps out of the way.
Yeah, that’s right. I could pound your little ass into the ground.
Satisfied, I stomp away. Sometimes, being big has its advantages.
The thought of asking for Mom’s help flits briefly through my mind, but I let the idea slip away. An impromptu shopping trip is always a possibility, or God forbid, she might actually find something of hers that fits me. I can imagine it, sparkly and low cut. Eva’s wardrobe isn’t that much different than Mom’s, but her taste is slightly less showy. Besides, I don’t want Mom to know I have a date. She’ll get all nosy. Panic rises; I hope Eva doesn’t say anything. But I know my sister well. She’s either already forgotten about my date or doesn’t believe me anyway, and is immersed again in her own shallow life.
Once back in my room for another round of rummaging, I finally settle on one of my nicer T-shirts. It’s fairly new and the colors are right black and dark gray: slimming colors. It’s got long sleeves so it probably doesn’t really qualify as a real T-shirt, but it’s light enough to wear at this time of year. Besides, Jon likes me the way I am, so why change now? I wince. Only a small part of me really believes that.
* * * *
Finally, it’s Sunday morning. I lie here trying to relax and push away the thoughts that are forcing me out of the comfort of my bed. I’m not really nervous about my date with Jon, at least not yet. More than anything, I’m excited, but my adrenaline is definitely pumping. I’m getting used to him, I think . Our conversations are never awkward and he’s funny, but Charlie’s usually there as a buffer. Tonight will be different. It’ll just be me and Jon. An uncomfortable churning in my belly finally drives me from my bed.
Hurriedly I dress, pulling on the same clothes I wore the day before. I’ll have a shower and wash my hair when I get back from Gran’s.
Dad’s at the kitchen table, sipping from his giant mug of coffee while scrolling through something on his cellphone. No doubt he’ll be heading to the garage for a smoke soon, taking his coffee with him. He’s got a nice little set up
I wonder what Jon’s writing about. I didn’t get much of a look when I tried to spy on him at the coffee shop. I’ll have to ask him tomorrow if he’s going to enter a story for the scholarship award. A contented smile spreads across my face. My dream’s coming true. I’m actually going on a date with Jon Kingsbury!
The temptation to call Gran to tell her my awesome news is almost unbearable, but I decide to wait for tomorrow’s visit, so I can see her reaction.
I finally pulled a few ideas out of my preoccupied brain and hurriedly got them down on paper. I tuck my story away and rummage through my closet for something to wear on my date tomorrow. Something slimming, probably something black. I decide on my new dark wash jeans and then sneak into Eva’s room to root around for a top.
My heart sinks when the unmistakable sound of footsteps stop me cold. I’ve been caught red-handed.
“ What are you doing?” she asks at the door, hands planted firmly on her hips.
“ I need to borrow a top.”
“ What for? You only wear T-shirts.”
“ I have a date.”
Eva laughs. “Yeah right. That’s about as likely as one of my tops actually fitting you.”
“ You might have something…”
She slams a palm inches from my face. “Don’t want to hear it. Get out.”
I feel my face redden and I throw her a nasty look. I step toward her and she jumps out of the way.
Yeah, that’s right. I could pound your little ass into the ground.
Satisfied, I stomp away. Sometimes, being big has its advantages.
The thought of asking for Mom’s help flits briefly through my mind, but I let the idea slip away. An impromptu shopping trip is always a possibility, or God forbid, she might actually find something of hers that fits me. I can imagine it, sparkly and low cut. Eva’s wardrobe isn’t that much different than Mom’s, but her taste is slightly less showy. Besides, I don’t want Mom to know I have a date. She’ll get all nosy. Panic rises; I hope Eva doesn’t say anything. But I know my sister well. She’s either already forgotten about my date or doesn’t believe me anyway, and is immersed again in her own shallow life.
Once back in my room for another round of rummaging, I finally settle on one of my nicer T-shirts. It’s fairly new and the colors are right black and dark gray: slimming colors. It’s got long sleeves so it probably doesn’t really qualify as a real T-shirt, but it’s light enough to wear at this time of year. Besides, Jon likes me the way I am, so why change now? I wince. Only a small part of me really believes that.
* * * *
Finally, it’s Sunday morning. I lie here trying to relax and push away the thoughts that are forcing me out of the comfort of my bed. I’m not really nervous about my date with Jon, at least not yet. More than anything, I’m excited, but my adrenaline is definitely pumping. I’m getting used to him, I think . Our conversations are never awkward and he’s funny, but Charlie’s usually there as a buffer. Tonight will be different. It’ll just be me and Jon. An uncomfortable churning in my belly finally drives me from my bed.
Hurriedly I dress, pulling on the same clothes I wore the day before. I’ll have a shower and wash my hair when I get back from Gran’s.
Dad’s at the kitchen table, sipping from his giant mug of coffee while scrolling through something on his cellphone. No doubt he’ll be heading to the garage for a smoke soon, taking his coffee with him. He’s got a nice little set up
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