The Past
Elsie
Clothes scatter around the bedroom, some on the bed, the desk and all over the floor. I have been in my room trying on every item of clothes I own for hours. My mother didn’t bother to ask me why I came home running up the stairs as a lunatic and locked my door.
A silky yellow dress catches my attention as I bend down to grab it, holding it up. My head tilts to the side in consideration.
Would he like this color?
I put it over me, and face the mirror. The yellow dims my pale skin as I sway from side to side. A knock on my door startles me as my head turns to it.
“Elsie, can I enter?” the comforting voice of my mother, muffled by the door.
“Just a second!” I grab the clothes and shove them into the wardrobe as much as possible. Once they are hidden to my heart’s content, I unlock the door, opening it slightly. Blue eyes that match mine stare at me with amusement.
I put on my innocent smile, keeping the door open ajar. “Is there something you need, mom?”
She puts a hand on her hip and glances at the door with a smirk. “Do I need something to check on you?”
Knowing my mother won’t give up until I let her in. She knows that I'm up to something and one thing about my lovely mother, she is stubborn.
We stare at each other in a silent challenge until I groan out in defeat and her grin widens. “Fine.” I open the door further as shewalks in and sits down on my bed, crossing her leg over the other as I face her, fidgeting with the hem of my skirt.
Her gaze glances over my shoulder to the wardrobe that is a second away from erupting then she looks back at me as her lips tilt up in triumph. “So..”
“Fine, I was asked out on a date, mom.”
Her eyes widen slightly then she smiles genuinely as her inches forward. “Clayton finally asked you out? This boy has been taking so long to take action. I’m so happy for both of you, Elsie!” her eyes are gleaming with joy, her toothy grin shining.
Her smile drops slightly when she sees my confused stare, my eyebrows furrowing. “W-why would Clayton ask me out?” she stares into my eyes for a minute, i’m not sure what she is trying to find.
“I thought–nevermind.” She covers her slip with a sad smile. “Do you like the boy that asked you?”
I look away thinking. I have known him for a while since he enrolled in our school recently, the girls talk about him a lot. He seems lovely and kind to all our colleagues. Clayton probably knows him, since they are both in the same grade. I realize that I have been staring at the wall, while my mother is waiting for my response.
“He is handsome.”
“And?”
I stayed quiet, trying to make up a story of how we romantically met and he brought me flowers.
“Elsie, are you sure you want to–?”
“Mom, you know how embarrassing it is to be fifteen and never been asked on one date? I see all the girls with their boyfriends, talking about the butterflies they feel when they kiss. Every time they look at me with pity in their eyes and amusement, and I’m over it. Why do I have to make an effort to stay in my friend group, knowing they would always chooseeach other over me? Why do I have to be the last one who gets a date? Someone finally chose me for once, mom. So, yes, I will go on this date.” My chest rises as I take in a deep calming breath. “I’m sorry for yelling at you, I don't mean to be rude, but I–” My mother stands up abruptly and wraps her arms around me, pulling me in between her embrace tightly. I breathe in her familiar scent that never fails to bring me comfort. Her hand smoothes down my hair as I fight back my tears. We stay like that for a few minutes, knowing she won't let go until I step back.
I pull away a bit as I look up at her and find her beautiful smile staring back at me. “Elsie, you can’t force love. Let it find you when the time is right, just open your eyes and let your heart lead you. We love you without consequences, we simply do. You deserve to be the first choice.”
My lips tilt up as I hug her tighter. “I love you, mom.”
“I love you more. If you want to give this date a try, I won't stop you.”
Nodding softly as we hear steps coming up the stairs. “Bug, your friend is at the door, but let me tell you, I'm considering shooting him.”
I chuckle, shaking my head as my father stops at the doorway. His gaze jumping from both of us, he can see we have been tearing up. “What’s wrong?” he walks towards us, once he is close, he holds my mother’s chin between his fingers tenderly. She smiles at him, shaking her head. “We were talking and just got emotional.” I nod along with her and he eyes us suspiciously, tryingto figure out what happened. I spare him the overthinking as I hug him. His arms wrap around both of us immediately. “I have never understood women’s emotions, even after being married to your mom for over a decade.” He chuckles, hugging us tighter as we both laugh. I feel His body sagging in relief as he hears our laughter.
My mother holds my father’s arm and walks out of the room as she gives me a wink and closes the door behind her. I look back at my wardrobe then grab a lilac dress.
The dress hugs my waist as it flows down to my ankles. The color complements my hair as I leave it down. I stare at myself through the mirror, taking it all in. Afterwards, I found the courage to open the door and walk downstairs. The front door is open as I see Jackson, standing in our front yard. His head turns towards me as I stand before him. His eyes cast down from my eyes to my dress, taking every feature until his eyes turn back up to meet mine. My cheeks flush as I brush a strand of my hair behind my ear with a shy smile. My eyes take him in discreetly beneath my lashes. He stands tall, wearing a white dress shirt that hugs his broad frame. The black pants compliments his outfit. His blonde hair is slightly shaved on both sides, dark blue eyes and a kind smile.
