Chapter 5
I ran around my room, in my towel no less, trying to decide what to wear. I am usually just a very casual person…mostly sweats and t-shirts…jeans and an occasional sweater. BUT, this was a date…and well, I wanted to impress Nick, although very subtly. He was a very kind and handsome young man and I didn't want him to think I was coming on to him. I loved Nick, but was afraid of a relationship after…after what I had done.
Suddenly, thoughts of my terrible mistake came back to me. I sunk down to the floor in tears. How could I?? How could I!!! I started to scream inside and hated myself for my heinous crime. I pushed him away…and I got rid of a life I would never know. I felt sick to my stomach and just laid there on the floor.
~Ding Dong!~
Nick stood at the door for what seemed an eternity. He looked at his watch…6:00 pm, right on the dot. "Hmm, maybe she didn't hear the doorbell." he thought outloud.
~~Ding Dong!~~ for a second time.
I rose to my feet and looked over at the clock. "Oh my God!!! Nick is here! And I am still in my towel!!!"
I ran down the stairs and to the front door…and without thinking…flung the door wide open. Nick stood for a moment, not sure of what to say. Finally, to break the silence, he said,
"I didn't realize we were having a toga party, but I am game if you are!"
With my face turning beet red…I screamed and shut the door in his face! After reality set in…I slowly opened the door to see if he was still standing there. In complete and total embarrassment, I asked him to come in.
"Nick, I am sorry, I feel asleep and I lost track of time…and well, could you just give me about 5 more minutes?? Please?" allowing the puppy-dog eyes to stare him in the face.
"Oh Heather, sure…take your time. I am sorry that I interrupted you." he said as he looked away, not wanting to be rude and embarrass me any further. "But I have to say…you look radiant in a terry cloth!"
I ran as fast as I could up the stairs to my room. In a panic, I grabbed the one and only decent outfit out of my closet. It was a lightweight summer dress, the kind with spaghetti straps and a lace hem. It just seemed a little too revealing for the occasion, but it would have to do. After twisting my hair into a loose bun at the nape of my neck and putting on a tiny bit of make-up, I was ready to go.
I felt nervous as I approached the top of the stairs. As I descended the stairs, I saw Nick look up at me. He had a twinkle in his eye…one that gave a hint of love at first sight. I felt my cheeks warm slightly as I started to blush. Out of nervousness, I started to feel a bit shaky. Not being a very confident person, I grabbed the handrail so I wouldn't fall. Nick noticed and, of course, being the gentleman that he is, met me half way and escorted me down the rest of the steps.
"Heather, you look just beautiful…I just don't know what to say." he said softly.
"Shhh, you don't have to say anything…" I whispered gently into his ear. "Let's just go have a wonderful evening together."
"Yes, let's get going…" his voice trailed off as we walked out the door.