screaming. Nothing but darkness until the sun greeted me, casting prisms of light through my window. My thoughts shifted to Christian. I wondered what he was doing, if he ever had bad dreams. He said he didn’t think we were that different. Right before he invited me over!
I threw myself out of bed and into the shower. Nana and Pops were running errands, which meant I was free to act like a nutcase in peace. I wasn’t very good with meeting people or socializing much in general. I used to be, but that was before.
I stumbled back into my room and sifted through what seemed like endless clothes. I hadn’t touched half of it in years, most still had tags, but I had a reason to wear something new. Frantically, I searched for the black bikini I bought a few years ago. It was simple with accented silver threads in the top and a cute outline of the moon on the front, also in silver stitching. After burying myself almost to my shoulders in boxes, I finally found it and came up for air.
I threw the bathing suit on the bed and searched for some shorts and a shirt. Toward the back of the closet I found a button up shirt with swirls of silver that curved around swatches of blues and greens. I smiled, remembering my vintage phase, and threw it on the bed as well. The shorts I picked were cutoffs I’d made from my favorite pants; faded dark blue, the pockets hung lower than the hem, and they hugged my butt just so. I had to admit, I knew how to clean up.
I heard my phone somewhere in the distance and cursed as I stubbed my toe on the bed. I whirled around trying to remember where I'd left it before the cloth tornado struck, when it chimed again near my desk. I crouched down, throwing the clothes out of my way, reaching it right before the voicemail picked up.
“Hello!?” I said louder than intended.
“Hello to you, too. I take it you’ve had a good morning so far?” his voice sounded heavenly.
“Not bad actually. You?” I responded breathlessly. I tossed the clothes back into the closet with my foot.
“Very delightful. I’m looking forward to my afternoon more. Would you like me to come get you?”
“Well that depends. How long would it take for you to get here?” my stomach was in knots.
“I can take as long as you need. It’s early so we’ll have plenty of daylight to do whatever you’d like. Do I need to wait?”
“Go ahead and leave, just take your time. I’m still getting ready and I’d hate to make you wait. Should I bring anything? You know, like snacks or drinks?”
“Now what kind of a host would I be if I made you bring your own food? I’m sure if there’s anything in particular you’d like I can get it for you. I have some beer and wine as well.”
“Ok, well I guess I’ll see you in a bit then?” I asked hesitantly.
“You will,” click . I didn’t know whether to be offended by his lack of phone etiquette or if that was one of the things that intrigued me. I shook my head with a smile and headed to the bathroom.
I didn’t wear makeup usually so I chose some simple eyeliner and lip gloss. I pulled my hair out of the messy bun and let it fall to my shoulders. Spraying a hint of perfume added the final touch. I twisted in the mirror, checking for any imperfections and trying desperately to ignore the butterflies in my stomach and the weird vibrations in the air. I was determined to just be myself, or at least who I used to be.
The doorbell rang and I flew downstairs, opening the door to the most gorgeous man I’d ever laid eyes on.
“You look very different today. I like it. Are you ready to go?” he said while looking me over.
“Um, yes I think so. And, uh, thanks,” I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and locked the door.
The beefiest vehicle I’d ever seen sat at the curb. It was a Jeep, painted in a sleek black with a soft gray top. Everything had a chrome finish that sparkled in the sun. It had a huge fixture on top that housed several
Learning to Kill: Stories