The flowers were because Dad is going to Mexico. I knew he had to be going somewhere. He has been going on a lot of calls lately. I wonder what is going on. He doesn’t talk very much about his trips. It’s like one big secret. Yet, he comes back with bumps and bruises. I’m sure he knows we notice such things. Maybe he is waiting for us to ask. But to ask a question would yield a question, and I am not interested in the conversation. So, I think I will just wait.
Dad and mom have an anniversary coming up soon. They will make twenty-six years. That is such a long time. I honestly don’t know how they do it, especially my mom. My dad stays gone so much and without notice most times. He has to be ready to go at the drop of a hat. Yet, mom supports him through it all.
She has his bags packed and ready to go. Clothes ironed and shoes shined. When I tell you she takes care of her man, like really, there is no exaggeration. Then she cooks these gourmet meals and cleans well enough to eat off the floors. It really is amazing.
Considering she is so beautiful, you’d think she’d want to sit up and be pretty all day. Although she doesn’t have an outside job, she is the best house mom ever. The freshly baked cookies and milk when we come home from school help with the title as well. I wonder if I will be even half as good when I grow up. I used to let her teach me to cook, but now I try to avoid both her and dad as much as possible. I don’t even really know why except I just don’t want to be bothered.
“Missy, phone!” Phillip called up to my room.
“Ok I got it!” I called back.
It must be Sandy considering she is the only person who would call to talk to me. Ahhh, the life of having no life.
“Hello?” The voice on the other end didn’t sound like Sandy. “Missy?” The voice continued.
If not Sandy…who?
“Yes this is Missy, who is this?”
“It’s Megan. Megan Duriff”
How did she get my number? I don’t even try to enter their circle.
“Ok…yeah…hi? Can I help you with something?” I’m sure the confusion rang in my tone.
There was no reason whatsoever for her to call me. She must be playing some sort of game or sick trick.
“I know you like my boyfriend. I know he likes to play with you and string you along. But I want to make sure you understand, it’s just a game. Honestly, you couldn’t have thought he’d really be interested in you, especially with me as an option? You’re just not…well…you’re not his type. You are a really sweet girl, but he is just using you until he can graduate. Do yourself a favor and help him with the history test. We all know you did it before. Kevin is depending on you not to have a change of heart. The school year is almost finished. Just help him out and enjoy the party. It’s so simple. An act for an act.”
I truly am surprised she even called. I don’t know yet what I will do about the test, but I don’t think I will share my answers.
“Megan…why don’t you help him with the test?” She gasped at my response, but wouldn’t get a chance to answer because I hung up the phone.
How dare she call me with that? I don’t mess with anybody and I certainly don’t deserve such calls. Granted, she is very pretty. Her sun kissed skin illuminates a golden shimmer naturally. She is my height and is of an athletic build. Her hair is short and always styled to perfection. It kind of reminds me of Halle Berry’s cuts. She is, of course, the captain of the cheerleader squad. I just don’t understand why she has to be so mean. Her attitude steals so much from her appearance.
Regardless, I have no reason to entertain her. Whatever I decide to do is my business.
I looked in the mirror and pulled my hair back. I smiled at my reflection. I’m kind of pretty too. Then I let my hair fall back down covering the majority of my face. Why can’t I be comfortable with myself? There are those who base their existence on what others think about them and then there are those who define themselves.
Why can’t I define myself? Is it a gene process? So often hidden beauty goes undiscovered. Why am I waiting to be discovered? Why can’t I discover myself? Even though I may not think of myself a model, I will not be bullied into doing anything. Since she thought enough of me to call, I wonder if she considers me a threat.
I laughed and fell back on my bed. I looked up at the ceiling. Megan Duriff would never consider little ol’ Missy a threat. I’m not even on her level. Although, she did call me to reiterate the known, perhaps she does. Perhaps she sees something even I don’t see. I think in another life Kevin could like me. He has never been mean to me. He always gives me subtle smiles. Yet, he is a star quarterback and I am a nerd. It doesn’t exactly fit the mold. What if I weren’t so nerdy? What if I wasn’t so scared of myself? What if I let people see me; the real me? I wonder if things would be different then. What if I were a threat? What if I am a threat? I rolled over pulling my cover around me. I smiled.