“Okay. John, you up for a date night?”
I don’t even hear what my dad says back, I’m already on my phone, my face getting warm as my awkward fingers type as fast as they can over my screen.
We’re good.
My mom said yes.
K cool.
You want me to pick you up?
God, I love this woman.
“Mom, can you drop me off or should Heaven come pick me up?”
“Jesus, Saylor Mae,” Dad grumbles. “Can I get us to the edge of LA County first?”
Mom laughs. “Let’s at least unload the car and then I will drive you over to Heaven’s.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
I got a ride.
Give me like 3 hours.
K. See you then.
For some weird reason, my dad won’t speed and my mom won’t let me rush her out of the house the second I repack my weekend bag with fresh undies and clean jammies. I owe her, though, because I almost forget Heaven’s gift. Sofourhours later, we pull up to the Goo-Campbell residence. I let Mom stop the car before I jump out, but it’s a real close call.
“Hey, hold on a sec.”
“Love you, Mom. I’ll see you later.” I reach for the door handle, but Mom hits the lock.
“Hold your horses, little lady.”
I turn back to her, holding in a sigh as I resist the urge to roll my eyes at her. “Yes, Mommy.”
“I’m gonna text Maurene just to make sure this is all on the up-and-up. I don’t want to find out you two took this bingo party to Vegas.”
“We’re just gonna watch movies and like, braid each other’s hair or something.”
“Love it. Keep it wholesome, keep it local. Text an adult if you go out and tell Heaven I said hi.”
“Got it. Byeeeeee!”
She rolls her eyes this time, but at least she unlocks the door. I am off, power walking like a fool right up to Heaven’s front door. I don’t even have to ring the bell. Heaven is there, letting me into the house. I wave back to Mom and then head into the house.
“Hi,” Heaven says, as soon as I close the door behind me.
“Hi,” I breathe. And then we both just kind of stand there for a second looking at each other. I want to kiss her so bad, but this feels perfect too because I know it wasn’t just my horny teenage brain missing her.Ireally missed her. I wanted to see her and now that we’re together, it’s like I can breathe again. Fergie trots over and sniffs my cast, and I really feel welcomed.
“I like your hair like this,” I tell her. It’s another half-up, half-down style. No giant bow this time, but she has some curls loose in the front, framing her face.
“Yeah, I realized the buns were giving me headaches, so I’m trying some different styles out. I like your shirt,” she says. I look down at the oversized Vans shirt she picked out for me.
“It’s really comfortable,” I say, chuckling a little. I can’t stop smiling. I’m just so happy to be back with her.
“Do you wanna put your stuff in my room?” Heaven asks.