Page 6 of Run For Me
“I have those all the time,” she says with a small laugh, pulling out her phone. She unlocks it and opens up her contacts, creating a new one before handing it over. I type in my name and number, then hand it back. She glances down at it.
“Sailor? Is that your real name?”
“It is.”
“Because of the show?”
I smile and shake my head. I get that question often.
“No, my parents met on a boat and just thought it was cute.”
“That is super cute!” she says, locking her phone and putting it into her pocket. She smiles brightly, and it’s adorable.
“Thanks… uhm, text me later and we can chat, okay?” I say.
“That would be so great. Thank you.”
I leave the bathroom, my mood a little lighter. That is until I sit down and once again get lost in my thoughts about how someone could be reading about me wanting to be hunted down and forced to have sex with them…
Chapter Five
Sailor
Unknown:Hey, it’s Amelia.
I stare at my phone for a long time, trying to figure out who Amelia is. Then the memory of the bathroom pops into my head, and I realize I never got her name. Wow, I really am so awkward—and rude! I text her back the moment it hits me.
Me:Hey! I’m glad you texted. Sorry about earlier.
Amelia:Don’t be sorry! I’m sorry if I was being weird. I really can’t control what I say sometimes.
I laugh, understanding the weird part. Maybe this won’t be so bad. I was just thinking that I needed a friend.
Me:I have no idea what that’s like. I’m awkward in a completely different way. LOL
Amelia:I’m totally fine with that. Opposites attract, right? Besides, we definitely met in a bathroom, so that seems fitting, doesn’t it?
Me:It kind of does, yeah.
Amelia:So about hanging out. Are you free tonight?
I glance at the half pound of ground beef sitting on the counter, defrosting.
I wasn’t going to do anything tonight besides make myself dinner and watch a movie. Alone, like normal. Maybe I’d video chat with Sam to talk about my day, even though after the conversation we had earlier, he’s the last person I want to talk to. He really knows how to get under my skin.
I go back and forth with what to say to her. I don’t want to lie or avoid her for no reason. Part of going back to school was to socialize and make friends. I could have taken these classes online, but it’s not good to isolate myself so much. Words I’ve heard my entire life, and don’t fully believe, but respect nonetheless. I promised myself I would start fresh and do better.
My family always accepted me for who I am. The awkward little potato, they’d call me, and then we’d laugh about it, but I know they wanted more for me. They didn’t want me to be the awkward little potato; they wanted me to be comfortable in my own skin. I don’t know how to do that, but I’ll never know if I don’t try new things.
Me:Yes, I’m free. Want to grab dinner?
Amelia:That would be great! What are you thinking?
Me:What’s your favorite?
Amelia:Surprise me! Anything will be good. I haven’t been out to eat since I’ve been here, and my Mama firmly believed in home-cooked meals.
Wow, that’s surprising but also sweet. I eat out way more than I should. Mostly because I don’t enjoy cooking for one person.
