"Mom, have you seen my pale blue jeans?" I hollered as I ran around my room trying to assemble a decent outfit .
Today was the first end-of-month maths test and - I am proud to announce - that I improved my mark by five percent. Not much I know, but I had at least managed to start each question correctly this time. Richard was so happy for me that he decided we should celebrate by going to a new-release movie in the cinemas. More specifically, one I have been dying to see since I heard of it.
"Are you sure they're not in your closet?" Mom called back to me.
To be honest, I was surprised my mom even allowed me to go out with Richard. I guess she really trusted him.
I rummaged through my drawers and right in the corner, by my socks no less, I spotted the familiar colour.
"Found them!"
For a moment it was a wriggling contest for me to get myself into them and afterwards I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Casual white top, jeans and my running shoes. The usual type of look for me.
Even though I was only going to the movies with Richard as a friend, I was debating on whether I should wear make-up or not. I shrugged my shoulders and grabbed my eyeliner and mascara. Who knows who I might see out in public?
I pulled my hair up into a high ponytail and tried to ignore how the ends frizzed out into a hideous pompom. I noted I would need a trim soon. I looked around my upturned room before deciding to let it be and grabbed some allowance money. Soon I was waiting on one of the old, worn-out couches in the living room where my dad already lay passed out on one of the couches after a hard day's work.
"Shouldn't you take some long-sleeves with you, Lizzy? You know you get cold in those theatres," Mom said from the kitchen as she washed the dishes.
I had to refrain from rolling my eyes.
"Mom, it's a summer night. It's too hot for long-sleeves," I stated.
Honestly, my mom still treats me like a child and it's starting to get on my nerves.
"Yes, but still-" She was cut off by the doorbell which chimed then clunked. Another thing broken.
"I'll get it," I said and hopped off the couch, making my way to the front door. When I opened it, I was greeted by the sight of Richard standing before me with a broad smile on his face.
"Hey," he greeted and I smiled in return, taking in his appearance.
My smile faltered slightly when I saw him wearing a nice button-up shirt, dark blue jeans and white sneakers. His hair was gelled back in a slightly spikey style which really suited him. Basically, he looked really handsome and well dressed.
"Ready to go?"
"Uh, sure," I responded and saw his smile slip.
"What's wrong?" he asked, instantly picking up on my hesitation.
I looked down at my slightly worn out running shoes and rather plain outfit. "I didn't realise that we were going to places other than movies," I muttered.
His eyebrows furrowed. "Other places?"
"The reason you're dressed so nicely," I clarified by pointing to his outfit.
He gave an awkward cough and a nervous smile came to his lips.
"Oh, what this old stuff? Please, I had to fight to get my mom off me because she refused to let me wear such old clothes." He added a nervous chuckle.
I saw through his lie immediately. I've known him my whole life and so I know his entire wardrobe. I'm his best friend; give me some credit. That and also he's a terrible liar - much like me.
I sighed, but let it slide. He was probably just saying that to make me feel a little better about myself. This outfit was at least two years old. Unfortunately, my parents didn't have money for me to go clothes shopping often.
"Hi, Richard," Mom greeted as she came to stand next to me.
"Hey, Aunt Carol," Richard greeted and gave her a smile. "How are you?"
"I'm fine, thanks. You?"
"Can't complain," Richard replied.
"That's nice to hear. Please have Lizzy back by 10:30, okay?"
"Mom ..." I whined and she shot me a look.
"Don't worry. I will," Richard sent her a charming smile. A smile he and I both knew worked magic on my over-protective mother.
"Okay, you two have fun then," Mom said, and we all said our goodbyes before leaving the house.
-
Going to the movies with Richard has not been the first time. We used to go all the time when we were little, with parent supervision being the only difference. But what ensued soon after we arrived was a first.
"Please, at least let me pay for my own food," I said as we stood at the entrance to the cinema.
"No. I invited you so it's my job to pay," Richard said and crossed his arms.
"You don't have to do that. I'm happy to pay."
"Stop being so stubborn, Lizzy," Richard sighed.
"I am not!"
"Are too!"
I huffed and crossed my arms over my chest like a child. "It's not like we're on a date, the guy doesn't have to pay."
I seemed to have hit something with those words as I saw Richard's ears turn pink and he looked at the ground.
"What if I wanted it to be?" he mumbled so softly that I almost didn't catch what he said.
I averted my eyes and coughed awkwardly, pretending I didn't hear him. Why does he suddenly do that? Everything is fine and then he just says something to make it awkward. What's going on with him lately?
To try and ignore the increasing level of discomfort, I looked around at the few people milling about the mall. I was surprised by the fact that it was rather quiet tonight. Friday nights aren't normally.
While my eyes wandered around aimlessly I caught sight of a tall figure walking in our direction. It was definitely a boy judging by the broad shoulders and short dark brown hair. He wore a fitting leather jacket, black jeans and boots that had chains by the ankles with his hands stuffed in his pockets.
As he came closer my heart stopped and accelerated simultaneously as I took in the tanned skin and right studded ear. My breath hitched in surprise.
"Cole?"