To the Lake
The revelation that Diane doesn't exist continues to haunt me, a stepmother that never was. The worry in my friends' eyes reflects my own confusion, and I can't bring myself to push the issue. Instead, I laugh off their concerns, not wanting to seem like I've lost my mind.
It's baffling to think about Diane's nonexistence, but what troubles me even more is the strange and unsettling truth that I only spoke to my dad yesterday morning. He was very much alive then, and his absence now sends a shiver down my spine. I can't help but wonder if this is connected to the bizarre events that have been unfolding.
"It's nothing, really," I say, my voice slightly unsteady as I shrug off their concerns with a forced smile. "Just a mix-up, I guess."
Not knowing what else to do, I decide to change the subject and distract them. "Guess what, though?" I continue, trying to sound enthusiastic. "Tom invited us to the lake."
Skylar's curiosity sparks, and she exclaims, "Tom? You mean Tom, the boy you've wanted to marry since the 3rd grade?"
Emily joins in, laughing, as she playfully yanks on one of Skylar's blue braids. "Of course, we're going, Aliyah. Who wants to see a movie when we can watch a real-life rom-com?"
Their laughter is infectious, and it eases some of my unease. We all pile into Emily's red, sporty two-door car, and I sit in the back seat.
"We are all coming to the lake… where should we meet?"
Tom texts me his address and I relay the information to Skylar. She plugs the address into the gps, then takes off down the road.
When we reach is house, he is standing outside, a grey backpack sling over one arm. He smiles as he walks up to the car and I can't help but steal glances at Tom, heart pounding loud enough that I'm surprised not everyone can hear it. He's a vision of youthful vitality, and it's impossible not to feel drawn to him.
"I can drive us up there." Tom offers, but Skylar quickly dismisses his offer.
"Hop in," she says "the back seat is cramped but Aliyah will make space for you."
She has a wicked smile now. I can feel my cheeks redden, but Tom doesn't seem to notice as he leaps into the back, his warm leg pressing against mine.
Taking deep breaths, we head towards the lake. In the car Emily breaks the silence with chat of school. we continue to chat, I find my mind drifting toward a more profound connection, one that I've longed for but never experienced. I wonder if Tom has ever felt the same way about me, or if my feelings have been hidden in the shadows for too long.
Suddenly, I feel a light touch on my hand. It's Tom, his fingers brushing against mine. The simple gesture sends a wave of warmth through my entire being. Our hands are now intertwined, and I can't believe my luck. Is this really happening? My heart races even faster, and I hope that my blushing cheeks aren't too obvious.
The car ride becomes an intimate journey, both of our hands connected as if it's the most natural thing in the world. The feeling is electrifying, and I can't help but steal glances at Tom, wondering if the connection between us is deeper than I ever imagined.
With Tom holding my hand, I realize that this day at the lake might be the beginning of something more significant, a chance for us to explore the feelings, maybe that we've both kept hidden. We ride together towards the lake, the sun shining down on us.