The Improbable Clause of Missing You

Chapter Twenty Five

Chapter Twenty Five

25: Sound in its perplex extremes

"You know you wouldn't miss your best friend's birthday for anything."

"But I feel like crap, Frankie."

"Sure you do, but I know you'll feel worse if you don't show up."

"You're right."

"As I usually am." Click. I hung up on Frankie and moved to my closet. Sighing, I tugged the doors open and ruffled through my clothes. Quinn's birthday was the next day, and she'd planned for a cozy dinner at a swanky Italian restaurant to celebrate.

After which she'd be having a party, though she doesn't know that bit yet. At least, I hope so. Hopefully a solid fortnight of planning by Frankie and I won't go to waste.

I stared at the clothes in front of me. Then: "Mum!"

My mum came rushing in. "What's wrong?"

"Whoops! Sorry to bother you." I apologised. She was slightly out of breath, and I felt kind of bad. It wasn't really an emergency. It's just... "I have no idea what to wear for Quinn's."

"Oh, honey. Don't worry. Where are you guys going?"

"Some fancy Italian's." I sighed, pulling out a white sundress and laying it in front of me to check my reflection. "Is this too daytime?"

"Something tells me you're not too thrilled. Everything okay?" My mum asked quietly, taking the dress from my hands and putting it back into the closet.

Guess that was a yes, I thought sarcastically.

"Ah, yea, everything's okay. I'm probably just tired." I offered a smile.

Although she didn't look convinced, she let it slide. The weary expression that was probably on my face must've told her not to pry.

"Okay, honey. You know you can talk to me. Anyway, how about this dress?"

I perked up and reached for the dress she'd pulled out. I hadn't worn it in a long time since it was so, well, dressy – no pun intended – but it was still in great condition. A light moss green with a backless detail, it was simple yet elegant.

"Thanks, Mum." I smiled gratefully. Well, that was one worry off my chest.

"Still feeling awful?"

"Not so much. You helped me out," I smiled again.

"I know how you feel. Sometimes, dressing up can really perk you up. It's just a little fun and effort and you know in the end you'll feel radiant."

"Ace life advice."

"I do try. As a woman in her forties I would like to hope I am a decently productive member of society." She said jokingly.

"You are, Mum." I reassured. "Thanks again!"

"No problem, sweetheart! You can talk to me if you need me."

Even though the outfit dilemma wasn't a great issue, I felt a great weight being lifted off my shoulders. It felt good. Now, I was beginning to feel the excitement of dressing up and going to dinner to celebrate my best friend's birthday.

Sometimes, Mum really did work her magic. Again, in fact, within 24 hours, when she gave me a lift to the restaurant with a small box of mints and a pack of chocolates.

"Have fun! See you tomorrow, then!"

Did I mention we were going to be staying at Quinn's?

"QUINN!" I yelled excitedly. "Happy birthday, love!"