the last time, I wasn’t even enjoying it, just couldn’t seem to make myself stop. My throat was now completely swollen and my teeth were throbbing. I brushed and flossed my teeth, and crawled into bed. I let my tears flow freely, wanting nothing more than to get this miserable day over with.
When I awoke Saturday morning, the events of the night before came rushing back to me. Ugh. What was I thinking? I went to the kitchen and cleaned all the dishes. Then into the bathroom and cleaned it from top to bottom.
I was starting to feel a little better. I made sure all the empty containers were put in the trash and took it right out to the dumpster. I threw on my clothes and made a quick trip to the mini mart to buy replacement milk, cereal and snack cakes. I hadn’t eaten enough ice cream for Issy to notice, so I didn’t bother with it.
Once home, I opened all the new items and took out what I needed to make them look like they hadn’t been touched all weekend. I took out the trash once more and finally relaxed. Everything was as it used to be, and no one would ever know.
I looked at the clock…it was 9:30 a.m. I thought about the study session and while I really needed the help, I just didn’t want to be around people yet. I texted the group and made my apologies, using some lame excuse about not feeling well. They offered to send me their answers so I could check my work. What a great group.
Cara had called three more times last night. I still didn’t feel like talking. She knew me too well, and I wouldn’t be able to fake it with her. Exhaustion hit me again, and I crawled back to bed, wanting to escape to another world. One where I was perfect, and Jake would profess his undying love for me.
“I’m back!” Issy yelled as she threw open the door. I was sitting on the couch finishing up the last thermodynamics problem. My afternoon had been surprisingly productive, and I was almost feeling like my old self again.
“Was your mission successful?” I asked, putting my books down.
“Of course it was. I didn’t even have to see my dad. Turns out my mom is dating a hot new guy from work, and she is exceedingly happy. We had the best time ever! I love new guys…I get a whole new wardrobe when they come around!” I giggled as I watched her dance and twirl her way into her bedroom to drop off her bags and then climb over the back of the couch to sit next to me.
“So, I totally have us all set up for tonight. I met these two guys at the post office who are gorgeous, and they are a part of Lamda Sigma, the hottest fraternity on campus. Anyway, you and I have a double date for dinner and drinks tonight at Sammy’s…yeah!” She was clapping her hands and jumped back off the couch. “By the way, I am totally picking out your clothes tonight. You were way too conservative last time we went out.”
Issy was back in her room before I could even utter a word of refusal. Truth was, even if she had let me speak, it wouldn’t matter. Issy does not take “no” for an answer. It was probably good. I had been locked away in this apartment for over twenty-four hours, and I was feeling a little cabin feverish. “Do I have time for a run?” I yelled so she could hear me.
“Yes, but make it a short one. We’re meeting them in two hours!” I seriously started to wonder what I did for fun before Issy came along.
An hour later, however, I was not having so much fun.
“Issy, I am not wearing that!” I refused, looking at the outfit she was insisting I put on.
“Come on, it’s sexy and you totally have the legs to pull it off.” Issy was practically pouting as she tried to convince me to put on black leather booty shorts and a leopard print top.
“Issy, it’s not happening. What’s your plan B?”
“Fine!” She headed to my closet and pulled out a pair of stretchy, shin length, white jeans with a gray zig zag pattern on them and a mushroom t-shirt that had a silky feel. “Find some sexy heels to match and I’ll deal with this,” she resigned, totally exasperated.
While I wouldn’t