Physical - Ch 21

The next day I woke to light flooding in Parker's window. I stretched and rolled over. Expecting to see my boyfriend's- not fiance's- loving face, but when I opened my eyes I was laying in bed all alone.

I sat up and walked into the bathroom. I looked in the mirror to see just how horrible I looked. My mascara was flaky and my hair was an absolute mess! I easily fixed my hair by running my fingers through it a few times, then, a brush through it. Then, I did my best to take as much mascara off as possible using water without creating black smudge lines. Success!

I didn't worry about putting on any more mascara, or any other make up. If he doesn't love me at my worst then he sure as hell doesn't deserve me at my best. And, I'm not trying to sound conceited, but when it comes down to it: I know I can do more than just turn heads when I want to.

When I opened the bathroom door, a great smell hit me. Pancakes! I trotted down the hall to the kitchen and quietly sat at the bar stool as to not disturb Parker who was humming along to some music I couldn't recognize with his back to me. After a few seconds he turned around and, to my surprise, shouted "Boo!" causing me to jump and scream. Again.

"How'd you know I was here??" I said once we had finished laughing about how easily I'm frightened.

"Let's just say you wouldn't make the greatest ninja," he laughed as he placed a plate with two pancakes already syrupy.

"Meany!" I joked, but dug into my pancakes any way. "So," I started once I had finished the most delicious pancakes ever, "what's my surprised?"

"Umm.... You'll have to wait just a little longer, but I promise you'll love it!"

"Ugh! Okay...."

"Lindsey brought some clothes over. Yes, there's a swimsuit. Yes, your surprise requires you to wear it. Now go change."

Sighing, I got up and went to the guest bedroom (also known as my bedroom) to change. I opened the bag sitting on the bed and found a pair of my Daisy duke shorts wear the pockets hang out the tattered bottoms, my aged dark gray tee-shirt that hangs off my shoulders, my light brown Sperry's, and my bright red OP bikini.

After I changed, I glanced in the mirror to fix my hair. After I brushed and straightened it, I pulled it into a low side pony tail. Checking myself in the full length mirror, I approved my outfit for a day of- well I really don't know what I'm doing today.

"Don't you look gorgeous?" Parker said as I reentered the kitchen.

"And aren't you handsome?" I teased. He was wearing dark lime green swim trunks with a huge white Hawaiian flower printed on the side, but no shirt- what a surprise. He could look good in almost anything as long as he had his shirt off.

"Come on let's go! I can't wait for you to see where we're going! You're gonna love me forever!" he said excitedly as he took my hand and led me to his truck.

I hopped in the passenger side as he trotted to the driver's. As I did a thousand times last summer, I flipped on the radio turned the volume up and searched through the stations until I found a song we both new. I kicked off my Sperry's, pushed the sliding seat back, and kicked my feet up on the dashboard.

This summer our whole routine was different. Well, it was the same thing I've done for years every time we went for a casual day together, but today it was different. Instead of simply laughing at each other, we held hands and laughed with each other. We sang along to whatever song was on the radio, instead of skipping through the awkward love songs.

As we pulled to stop sign, Parker leaned over and kissed my cheek. "I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too," I replied, then unbuckled to switch from the passenger side to middle, right next to my Parker. Just another thing we did different this summer.
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"Are your eyes closed?" Parker asked for ten thousandth time. I felt the car stop and heard him move the gear stick into park.

"Yes! When can I open them?" I countered, getting impatient.

"In just a few minutes!" he said laughing.

He led me what felt like a slight hill, talking to me with less and less pauses as we continued our way down the small hill to- Well. I don't know where to.

As the slope started to even out I could hear what sounded like a very, very faint roar of a motorcycle or a dirt bike.

"Okay," Parker said, pulling my hand, motioning me to stop. "When I say so, jump forward about 5 feet. Then you can open your eyes." I nodded. "Okay. One. Two. Jump!"

I did as I was told and hit solid ground immediately. Or so I thought. Whatever I landed on rocked as soon as my foot touched it. I threw open my eyes to take in my surroundings. I saw mud colored water and then trees. The Tennessee Tombigbee river- spread out in front of me. Every bit as magnificent as it was muddy. And trust me, it's pretty muddy!

"Parker!" I said excitedly as he stepped on what I now noticed was his VIP speed boat. "I can't believe you did this! I love this! So- so much!" I turned and threw my arms around his neck. "Best surprise ever!"

"I'm glad you like it," he whispered in my ear. He sounded a little upset.

"What's wrong?" His tone wasn't as excited or cheerful as assumed it would be.

"Well, I was thinking. And this is really the first time we've been out with family, friends, AND complete strangers as a dedicated, committed couple- a pair- here in Columbus. Are you sure you wanna do this?" He sounded doubtful. Like I wasn't sure. Like I'd turn around and ask him to take me home.

"The only thing I've ever been more sure of in my entire life, is loving you." I gave him a quick peck on the cheek. Now, let's get this motor purring!" I exclaimed, trying to lighten the mood a little.

Soon, we were off. Cruising the river. With no place to go and no place to be. My hair was fighting against my rubber band, so, finally, I took it out of the pony and let fly wildly with the wind. This is where I belong. Let the fun begin!