shoulders and admired it in the mirror. Beautiful.
The second was a large bottle of my favorite perfume in a gift basket. A really expensive nice one too. The kind that cost a lot to purchase. I was starting to feel uncomfortable. These were the kind of gifts someone close gave to you. Not a stranger. My heart rate picked up. Did I have a secret admirer?
The final gift was a silver brush and comb set inlaid with crystals and stones. There was a large hand mirror and a matching set of hair combs. The kind you wore when you dressed up, like for prom. I became even more baffled. Who would give these to me? What expectation did they have? Would I ever find out?
Later that night I sat up in bed, reading late. I really wanted to finish reading Pride and Prejudice again. I was at the part where Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth were having their argument and she refuses his proposal. I loved the scene, just as much as I loved the A&E production of the movie. I was totally engrossed in the book, completely oblivious to everything around me when I heard a loud thud outside my balcony doors.
Startled, I put the book down and listened. Nothing. I picked it back up and continued reading when I heard the sound again, closer this time. Frowning, I listened for several minutes. Maybe I had imagined it. I went back to the book, reading only for a few more seconds, when a loud bang on my sliding glass doors made me scream and jump a mile.
Gramps came running in. “What is it sweetie?”
Anxiously I replied, “Something just banged really loud on my balcony doors and scared me half to death. Will you check Gramps?”
“Yes, of course.” He answered, looking outside and flipping on the light. “Looks like it could have been a bird or an animal. I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Everything is fine.”
He opened the doors and walked out momentarily just to be sure before he closed and locked them, pulling the blinds closed. I felt safe after that.
“Ok, thank you. It was just so odd. I suppose you are right.”
Gramps gave me a kiss on the cheek and told me goodnight. After he left, I felt a little silly. Why did I get so scared? I guess it was because I had been having the feeling of being watched for so long now that it put me on edge, sometimes without my realizing it.
The strange but concerning thing is I hadn’t heard noises on my balcony before. It was too close for comfort, making me feel edgy again. I sighed and closed the book, deciding rest was the best antidote. I tossed and turned before finally falling into a restless sleep, leaving the memory behind me.
Friday night came quickly. Emily and Jarrod were also going to the game, as well as Mariah and Chad. I was excited for my date with Kellen. No longer feeling like the third wheel, it lifted my spirits. I wanted to look nice for him, but keep it casual since I knew the gymnasium was hot and crowded.
I decided on jeans paired with a lacy camisole and an elbow length brown cardigan. I added a long gold necklace with an ornate cross and my brown ankle boots. I kept my make-up simple again and wore a brown braided headband in my hair. Studying my reflection critically in the mirror, I smiled and went downstairs to wait for Kellen.
It was only about five p.m. I wasn’t expecting Kellen until later. Gran and Gramps were out to dinner with friends, leaving the house quiet and dark. I flipped on some lights and turned the TV on. Jumping on the couch, I started channel surfing in the hopes that something interesting would come on while I waited for Kellen. I quickly got bored and left it on the country music video countdown for Gran. She would like that when she came in. I was more of a rock-n-roll girl myself.
The front doorbell rang and I jumped a mile. Giggling, I went to answer the door. Kellen was early but I didn’t mind. I was happy to see him. Smoothing my clothes, I opened the door.
“Hi!” I smiled brightly.
He grinned broadly back. “Hey Rhiannon. I’m
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