As I lay on my bed, reading those words I had penned six years ago, it felt as though someone else had written them.I remembered nothing, as if the events I had mentioned had never occurred at all.
Chapter 19
Dad had to work through the weekend, so I decided to step in for my mom.I tackled the laundry, dusted the furniture, vacuumed, and mopped, all before noon.I hadn't managed to sleep well the night before; Dad left for work at 7 AM, and after my coffee, I dived straight into chores without a break.
Last night, Jessica came over for dinner, with a fruit basket in tow.She was visiting her grandmother, who had been unwell, and had no idea about my mom’s situation.After dinner, she kept me company, and we ended up watching a movie together until her dad came to pick her up.
That day, she was heading back to her grandmother's house, which was about a 40-minute drive away, to spend the night.Her grandmother was nearly eighty-nine-years-old, and her parents didn't expect her to make it until the New Year.So they tried to spend as much time with her as they could.
With no plans for the day and no one to talk to or visit, I thought I'd just indulge in a movie paired with some junk food while waiting for Dad, who mentioned he'd be late and would skip dinner.
After a refreshing shower, I slipped into my pajamas and warm socks, grabbed a blanket and a bag of chips, and cozied up on the living room couch.I ordered a pizza and began scrolling for a movie to watch, but nothing caught my interest—I just wasn't feeling it.
The doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of my pizza, and I still hadn't picked a film.I hurried to the kitchen to grab the cash I had set aside for the delivery, then dashed to the door.
But it wasn't the pizza guy standing there; it was Zane, dressed in dark blue jeans, a black turtleneck, and a leather jacket that seemed a bit too light for the chilly weather.
“No climbing today?”I asked, trying to sound nonchalant, even though my heart was a ticking bomb that was about to explode at any second.
“Hey, no need for that.Your dad isn't home,” he replied with a smile.“Were you expecting someone else?”he added just as the pizza delivery driver pulled up.We both turned to watch him approach, and the driver eyed Zane suspiciously.I handed over the cash for my pizza.“So, we're having pizza tonight?”Zane teased.
“We?Who said anything about 'we'?You're leaving.I'm sorry, but I don't have anything to say to you,” I retorted, feeling proud of how indifferent I sounded.
“I have something to say to you.Can I come in?It's freezing out here,” he said, rubbing his hands together hopefully.I hesitated, glancing at him.Of course, I wanted to let him in; my curiosity was piqued.Maybe someday it would get me into trouble.I stayed just long enough to see if he would ask again, and he did.
I welcomed him inside.Zane moved cautiously, glancing around, and I kept a close watch on him as he headed toward the kitchen.I slipped past him, placing the pizza on the counter.I reached for the top shelf, retrieved two plates and some paper towels.Eating at the kitchen counter felt right.He took off his jacket, draping it over the chair next to him, and sat down, lifting the pizza box lid.
“Ham and mushrooms?Ugh, that's awful,” he teased.
“What?It's the best topping ever!”I shot back.
“Not for me.I can't stand mushrooms,” he countered.
“Oh, I'm sorry!I had no idea.I could order something else,” I offered, genuinely apologetic.
“Don't worry about it.I'll eat it for you,” he said, glancing at me to gauge my reaction.I felt my cheeks redden.He was willing to eat something he disliked for me.What else would he do for me?
“Can I get you something to drink?I have Coke, juice, or beer,” I offered, trying to make up for my pizza choice.
“A beer sounds good,” Zane replied, maintaining eye contact.I got up, opened the fridge, and grabbed two beers, hoping it would help ease my nerves.He raised an eyebrow in amusement and then glanced down at my pajamas, which I had forgotten I was wearing.Great.Another embarrassing outfit choice.
“What?I didn't intend to go anywhere, and they're comfy,” I defended.
“They're… cute.Are those unicorns?”he teased with a smile.
“No!”I exclaimed, leaning closer, “They're little bears, see?”
I showed him but realized how childish I sounded.He pulled out a key from his pocket and opened both beers.I took a sip for some courage and asked, “You mentioned you had something to say?”
“I do, but let's eat first.I'm starving,” Zane said, taking a bite.I followed suit, but he finished his second slice before I was done with my first, devouring all the mushrooms and leaving the crust behind.
“You're leaving the best part,” I pointed out, gazing at the pile of crust he had left.
“There's nothing on it, just bread,” he argued.
“But it's the crunchiest part!”I insisted.
“Still, it's just bare.”
