Part 55

“Actually, I think the worst part was when I had to change into one of their outfits,” I tell Chelsea.

“I know I couldn’t have done it, especially with a man in the room.”

“Paul? He didn’t bother me too much, well not the way you mean. It was quite obvious that girls held no interest for him. No, what bothered me was just changing in front of others. I’m awfully body-conscious but I’m working on it. I have to if I want to do any work in fashion.”

Chelsea and I are hanging out at what’s become our normal after-lunch meeting and eating ice-cream place at one of the picnic tables under some pine trees midway between the lunch hall and the upper school.

“So how could you tell this Paul fellow didn’t like girls? He could have been faking.”

“For starters he was wearing more makeup than most girls we know. No, he’s quite obviously gay.”

“Gloating, I see. What did you tell them about me?”

Turning around, I see Lindsey and her posse behind me. Lindsey looks pissed.

“What are you talking about, Lindsey? Tell who what about you?”

“Don’t act all innocent with me. You know exactly what I’m talking about. I didn’t even get a chance to talk with them, they had me walk up and down then said goodbye, and that they’d be in touch. So what was it you told them about me?”

“Jeez, paranoid much? I didn’t even know you were there until I saw you as I was leaving and you saw me leave. If they didn’t want you, it’s not because of anything I said.”

“So, did they hire you?”

“Not yet, they told me they’d be in touch.”

Lindsey is looking a lot less pissed and with a snort she says, “Well, probably not then. If they didn’t want me, they sure as hell wouldn’t want you. Besides, I probably wouldn’t have been able to do it anyway. I’ll be doing a photo shoot for a magazine then some more work for the beauty pageant. Well, better luck next time–not.”

And with a snicker from her, followed closely by her sycophants, she and her entourage flounce off.

“What–a–bitch!” I say as I watch them walk off.

“That’s Lindsey for you,” says Chelsea. “When we first met she asked me why I didn’t want to hang out with her and her crew. I told her it was because I didn’t really like how she treated everyone. Her reply was that the people who don’t like her are just jealous because she’s so beautiful. I laughed at that and have been on her ‘S’ list ever since.”

“It’s hard to believe that anyone can be that self-centered.”

“Yeah, but she is. What’s scary is she’s better than she used to be.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Nope. By comparison she’s almost civilized these days.”

I just shake my head at the thought and finish off the last of my ice-cream sandwich.

“I wish I knew what made her take such an active dislike to me. I’ve never done anything to her; she’s been like this ever since I started here.”

“Oh, but you did do something.”

“What are you talking about? I did not.”

“Yes you did. You see, you’re a commercial success, with a national commercial–wait–make that international commercial and the prospect for more. You’re a bit of a celebrity as well. Lindsey is the type that can’t stand being second to anyone, whether it’s real or perceived. She sees you as a threat to her standing around here.”

“But I’m not. I don’t care about any standing around here. I just want to get through school as best I can.”

“She doesn’t see it that way and probably wouldn’t believe you if you told her.”

“Oh cripes, wait until she hears I’m doing another commercial for Nike then. She’s going to flip.”

“You are? How brilliant! I’d love to be the one to tell her.”

At my look, Chelsea starts to giggle.

“Say, rumor has it that our gym teacher is finally here. Please tell me it’s true.”

“Miss Carter? Yep, she’s back. No more mixed P.E. classes for us.”

“Praise be. I know I’m not the only one who’s happy about not having gym with the boys.”

“Too true, but there’s a bunch who’ll be sad to see it end.”

“Mostly the guys is my guess.”

“True, but there’s a number of the girls too.”

At the look on Chelsea’s face I say, “You?”

“Me? N-no not me. Why would you say that?”

“Chelsea, you do a ton of stuff really well, but hiding your emotions is not one of them. Really, don’t ever play poker…unless it’s with me. Now tell, who is it?”

Blushing and looking around, Chelsea leans in and says, “Promise you won’t tell?”

“Cross my heart, now give.”

“It’s, um…well its Eric.”

“Eric? As in Eric Price?”

“Yeah.”

“Wow, I wouldn’t have guessed that. So how long have you two been together?”

“Oh Gawd, he doesn’t even know and you can’t tell him either.”

“Chelsea, you’re being a bit silly you know. Why don’t you tell him how you feel?”

“I haven’t had the nerve to. But I’ve decided to ask him to the Sadie Hawkins dance. Do you think he’ll want to go with me?”

“I can’t imagine why not. Now who is Sadie Hawkins? She doesn’t go here does she?”

Chelsea is giving me a look like I just grew a second head then she starts laughing.

“What, what did I say?”

“You really never heard about Sadie Hawkins? Well to be perfectly honest I hadn’t until a couple of years ago and I’m not really sure who she was, but basically it’s a dance where the girls ask the boys–not the other way around. I figure it will be the perfect time to ask Eric. It’ll at least give me some cover. So, who will you ask?”

“Me? No one. I don’t know anyone for starters and even if all the boys around here didn’t act like I had the plague, they all seem so, oh I don’t know, but I think I’ll just go by myself.”

“Oh, you can’t go alone, this is the one dance where you have to bring someone or none of the girls would ask any of the guys. The boys only act that way around you because you intimidate the hell out of them you know.”

“Intimidate them? How the heck do I intimidate them?”

“Harrumph, let’s see, for starters you’re beautiful, you’re smart, you’re beautiful, you’re a better athlete than any of them, you’re tall and oh yeah, you’re beautiful. We can also add to that your being famous, a business success and let’s see…um beautiful too. You freak those poor little puddin’ heads out, girl.”

“You’re nuts, you know that?”

“Yeah, but that doesn’t change anything. Oh cripes, I need to run: I need to take care of something before class. See you at P.E.”

“Okay, see ya.”

As Chelsea runs off, I gather my things and head on down to the library. As I walk, I think on what Chelsea said. Is what she said the reason why hardly anyone will say anything to me? I’ll get the occasional ‘hello’ but not much more than that. I really wish Mom and Dad hadn’t made me go to school. I was perfectly happy being home-schooled and probably could have tested out and gotten my diploma this year. Hmm, now there’s a thought, maybe I still can; probably not though, Mom and Dad really seem to want me to “experience” the school life.

“Hey, Alex, wait up.”

Turning, I see Justin jogging down the path from the lunch room towards me.

“Hi ya, Justin.”

“Mind if I walk with you a bit?”

“Sure, I’m heading to the library. So what’s up?”

“Oh, nothing. I guess you heard that Miss Carter is back?”

“Yeah, no offence but it’ll be a relief not to have to deal with taking the class with the boys or having to deal with Moe and his big brother.”

“Hey, I couldn’t agree more, I just wish I could escape them too and take my classes with you girls.”

Laughing, I respond, “I just bet you would.”

Turning red, Justin says, “That’s not what I meant.”

“I know, just pulling your chain.”

“I just get so tired of the constant pissing contest–everyone with something to prove. I’ve got nothing to prove to anyone.”

“It’s no different on my side of the fence: it’s the same crap just different panties.”

Justin gives me a smile and says, “I am going to miss having you in class. It’s been real fun. I’ve watched the videos of you and I’m really impressed by your abilities. I’ve never done Parkour, but it looks like it’s a blast.”

“Oh it is. It’s a huge rush. There are times that I swear if I just pushed a tad harder, put just a little bit more effort into it, I’d be flying instead of jumping. I’d love to be able to fly, it’d be the greatest. So what’s your story, why are you so good? You only take basic gym and don’t go out for any of the sports around here yet you’re a better athlete than anyone else around.”

“Thanks, but you’re just as good if not better. To answer though, I’ve been doing martial arts since I was six and I know what you mean about the rush you described. I get it too, when I’m really into doing one of my forms.”

“Since you were six? Wow, you must be pretty good.”

“I hold my own. Um, some friends of mine and I were going to take in a movie and some pizza this Friday. Um, would you like to come along? They’re all okay and well, they can’t believe that I go to school with you. They’d love to meet you and hear about your Parkour.”

“Oh, well I don’t know, Justin. I might be busy but that might be fun. Can I give you an answer tomorrow?”

With his face brightening, Justin says, “That’d be fine. Well, I need to rush off to class. See you at morning assembly?”

“Sure, see ya later.”

With a final wave goodbye, Justin starts off jogging down to the boy’s school and I turn off to go to the library.

Entering the library, I head on back to the little hidey hole and fortunately no one is in there. I settle down next to the window and pull out my Biology book and my final exam. I really do like this class and Mr. Knighton is a great teacher, but this exam of his is devilishly difficult. You’d think that by having the test in hand and the textbook that it would be a breeze getting all of the questions answered correctly. You’d think that, but you’d be wrong. A lot of the questions can only be answered if you understand the concepts being taught and other questions deal with what was covered in the lectures and his lectures are not from the book.

Settling down and getting my book open and my notes spread around me, I start work on getting more of this test done.

About twenty minutes later, I hear someone coming back to where I am and I look up. Blair is side-stepping her way in and with her arms as full as they are, she doesn’t see me right away.

“Oh, I thought this was empty, sorry,” she says and she turns to go back out.

“Blair, wait. It’s okay you can stay.”

Stopping, Blair says, “I don’t want to disturb you and besides, you don’t want to be seen with me, promise.”

“Two things: the first is you aren’t disturbing me and second, who’s going to see us here? Come on, please stay.”

Blair hesitates and says, “Are you sure?”

“Yup, pull up a flat spot.”

“Okay, thanks.”

Blair is dressed in what I term pirate Goth. She’s wearing a short black skirt made full by multiple black and purple lace petticoats, a black lace-up bodice and a grey silk shirt with large sleeves and embroidered cuffs that run from her wrists to her elbows. Despite the style, I can tell that her outfit is well-made and not just something bought at the thrift store.

She’s wearing a wide variety of chains and rings are on every finger. Both ears are lined with piercings. Oh, her piercings? Well as I said, they’re all along her ears, at least five each. Her nose is pierced and the thought of that just makes me wince as well as at the white gold hoop on the right side of her lower lip and in her left eyebrow.

Her makeup is in the typical Goth style, but well done and I like the look on her. Topping everything is her long purple hair. I can’t quite decide if it’s a wig or not, but the shade of purple is great.

As Blair sets her stuff down and gets settled, I ask, “So why do you keep saying that I don’t want to be seen with you?”

“It’s a good way to lose your friends. If you haven’t noticed, I’m not real popular around here.”

“Well, I don’t have many friends here either and if they were to stop liking me for who I like, then they wouldn’t be very good friends anyway.”

“Yeah, but at least you have some.”

“Well, so do you.”

“Who? I don’t have any friends here.”

“Me. I’d be your friend if you’d let me.” Seeing how uncomfortable Blair suddenly looks, I add, “It’s something to think about at least.”

With that I go back to writing out my essay answer on describing the fluid-mosaic model of a plasma membrane. Damn, this is riveting stuff…not.

Fifteen minutes later, I set down my pen and stretch my back. Glancing over at Blair, she’s typing on her laptop and has her headphones on listening to music. I take the opportunity to look her over again.

Blair is really a very pretty girl despite how she dresses. And to be fair, I kind of like how she dresses though I’d feel ridiculous wearing the same thing, especially her boots. She’s wearing knee-high lace-up combat boots with three maybe four inch soles and the heels are even higher. I’d feel like Lurch wearing those but even with them on she’s shorter than I am by quite a bit. The rest of her outfit is rather cute though and I do kind of wonder how I’d look dressed as she is. I notice that she’s wearing a very lovely crucifix in silver.

“Checking out the freak?”

Startled I say, “What?”

“You’re staring.”

“I’m sorry; I was admiring your jewelry and wondering about your piercings. Didn’t they hurt?”

Blair just looks at me for almost an entire minute. She doesn’t say a word. I have the distinct impression that she’s trying to figure out if she should trust me or something.

“It’s not so bad and I like the look.”

“So do I. It looks good on you.”

Not wanting to push things too hard, I give her a smile and pull out my poetry book to start reading.

The rest of the period passes in silence and when the bell rings, I close up my book and put it into my bag.

“Well, I’m off to P.E. now. See you later, Blair.”

“Bye, Alex.”

With a parting smile at Blair, I gather the rest of my stuff up and head off to the gym.

* * *

Journal Entry: October 1^st

Oh where to start today?

Let’s see, last weekend I went to a ‘go see’ to see if this designer wanted me to wear some of her clothes in a show. I heard back from PJ last night that they do want me and I will be going over to the fashion house tomorrow to get my fittings and start working on what they want us to do for the show.

I’m actually pretty psyched to do this and that kinda has me surprised. I never thought that I’d want to do modeling but it seems like the more I do, the more I want to do. It really is fun. We’ll see if that continues.

Now I also wanted to give a bit of an update on how well I’ve been doing health-wise. Physically I’m getting real close to where I was. I’m still a tad thin to my mind but I actually think I’m a bit stronger now than I was before. That may also just be a false impression since I was so weak for so long. In any case, things are looking pretty good physically.

Mentally, things are improving too. The nightmares are still happening but not nearly as often nor as strong. Well usually not as strong. Every now and then I’ll get a real bad one but they’re getting farther apart.

I still don’t like being touched all that much, but that too is getting better. Amanda has me doing therapy that involves me getting a massage to help me re-associate physical contact with good things rather than bad. Given how enjoyable the massages are, even if I get better, I’m not real sure I’ll tell anyone, they feel just too damned good.

Something else I’ve been talking over with Amanda is my, well my orientation, my sexual orientation that is. Amanda tries to tell me not to worry about it but I do. I don’t know if I’m coming or going or somewhere in between and that bothers me.

Let me see if I can explain. First there’s Robbyn, I love her, I really, really do. Physically and emotionally that gal has the magic touch for me. But she isn’t here and I find myself thinking “what if” about all sorts of people. Don’t get me wrong, there’s no way I’m going to cheat on Robbyn but the wondering has got me, well wondering.

I’ll try to explain. Now I know I’m at least bi, me breaking out with a bad case of “hot ’n bothered” whenever I’m around Robbyn is proof alone of that, but even taking that out of things, I still find myself looking at other girls. It’s sometimes all I can do not to stare while changing for gym. Speaking of gym, I finally got to meet my gym teacher, Miss Carter, this week. OMG she’s freakin’ gorgeous! It’s difficult to not embarrass myself when I’m around her. Can you say, major crush?

Miss Carter can easily be described an Amazon princess. She’s at least six feet tall, maybe six-one or two. She used to play professional volleyball and has a body that just won’t quit with the longest legs I’ve ever seen. I could just…never mind.

Miss Carter is also currently engaged to an extremely good-looking guy. Actually that’s not accurate, if she’s an Amazon princess, he’s some Greek demigod, in fact he looks a bunch like Brad Pitt in the movie Troy, only he’s taller, like six-five or so. They’re two of the best-looking people I’ve ever seen and if they ever have kids, they too will be gorgeous.

It was Miss Carter’s fiancé Mark who got me really thinking about guys, you know, in that way. See, Mom was picking me up late from school so I stopped over at the gym to pick up my dirty gym clothes when I peeked into the gym to see Miss Carter and her fiancé playing a little one-on-one basketball. He had his shirt off and they both were really going at it. Well damned if I didn’t find myself wondering what it would be like to be with someone like him. The realization was shocking, even more so when I’ve caught myself giving speculative looks to some of the guys here at school!

Needless to say, I’m a rather confused little girl about now and I’m trying to get this whole thing figured out.

Now, speaking of guys from school, I need to finish this up because I’ve got a date tonight. Okay, it’s not a real date but I’m meeting a guy from school at the Mall so we can see a movie with some of his friends. His name is Justin and I don’t care if you’re straight or gay or somewhere in between, he’s got a rockin’ body and looks real nice in his jeans. Don’t worry, we’re just friends, but there’s nothing to say I can’t look.

Well, I’ll let you know how things go but I gotta run now. Later.

End Journal Entry

* * *

As I finish putting in my large silver hoop earrings, I turn and give myself a critical look in my mirror. Not too bad, I guess. I’m wearing my grey silk tank, black jeans, boots and since we’ll be going by the Bay after dinner and we’re expecting some heavy fog tonight, I’ll have my leather jacket that Robbyn gave me.

Nodding to myself in the mirror, I slide my jacket on, grab my purse and go downstairs.

“Weehoo, looking good, sis,” says Ellen.

“Thanks. You and Jack ready to go? I’m supposed to meet them at the theater in about forty-five minutes.”

“Sure are, give me just a sec.”

“You look very nice, honey,” says Mom. “But I still would like to meet this boy before you two go off on your date.”

“Mom, I keep telling you it’s not a date. It’s just a group of us kids getting together to go see a movie and get a bite to eat. Jeez, I thought you wanted me to start socializing and all. If you’ve changed your mind, let me know so I can test out and not have to go anymore.”

Jack is behind my Mom trying not to laugh as Mom comes over and starts fussing over me.

“We do want you to socialize more, honey, but you going out for the first time with a boy spells ‘date’ to me.”

“M-o-m. It’s not a date!”

“It’s not the first one, Mom,” says Ellen. “Her first date with a boy was last year, remember? Going to get kissed this time too, sis?”

“Oh please, it’s not a date. Besides, I’m already taken.”

“Yes, dear,” says Mom. “Just remember, ‘no’ means ‘no’ and don’t say ‘yes’ just yet, okay, sweetie?”

“Argh!” I scream. “I’m waiting in the car.”

“Have fun, honey,” Mom calls after me. “Call when you need to be picked up.”

I wave and get into the back of Jack’s car. Laughing, Ellen and Jack follow and we head off to the theater.

Turning to face me from the front seat, Ellen says, “Mom and I are just teasing you, Alex.” ¬

“Yeah, I know, but it’s not a date. Heck, I don’t even know why I said yes to this except it’s getting rather boring sitting around the house and I want to blow off some steam before I start work on the fashion show.”

“Well, I think Mom is right in that you need to make some more friends.”

“I am making friends, I just don’t see the need in making friends with everyone in the Bay area. I’d rather have one or two really good friends than a bunch of just acquaintances. Oh, there’s Justin, just let me off here.”

“Say, he is cute.”

“Don’t start, Ellen.”

Chuckling, Ellen says, “Have fun.”

“I will, thanks for the ride.”

With a parting wave, I get out of the car and head over to Justin.

* * *

Justin waves to me as I come up.

“Hey, Alex.”

“Hi, Justin, where are the others?”

“Oh, they’re checking on the movie times. I thought I’d wait out here for you and I’m also waiting for my Mom to get back. She’s just across the street picking something up. Here she comes now.”

Turning, I see a small woman with short brown hair coming towards us. It’s obvious that Justin takes after his Mom, they look very much alike. Justin’s Mom approaches and has a smile so big you’d think she just won the lottery.

“Hey, Mom, this is Alex, the girl I told you about from school. Alex, this is my Mom.”

Sticking my hand out I say, “Hello, Mrs. Griffin, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Taking my hand in both of hers, she replies, “It’s nice meeting you too, Alex. Justin has told me so much about you. Oh, Justin, she is pretty. Now, Justin, do you have enough money?”

“Yeah, Mom, I’m fine. We should go in now.”

“Well, you two have tons of fun. It was a pleasure meeting you, Alex.”

“Me too, Mrs. Griffin, goodbye.”

The entire time, Mrs. Griffin kept smiling at me. She really seemed happy to meet me. As Justin and I turn to go to the theater, I ask him, “Justin, your Mom seems real nice. She does know this isn’t a date, doesn’t she?”

“I don’t know why she would think this was a date. I just told her that me and some friends were going out to a movie. Here, let me introduce you.”

We walk up to three other kids our age, two guys and a girl.

“Alex this is Ed and Loren and you might have seen Larry at school. He and I are in a bunch of classes together.”

We all say “hi” and then get down to trying to decide which movie to see. Loren and I are all for watching Eat Pray Love and the guys want to watch Scott Pilgrim vs. the World so we end up deciding on watching Salt with Angelina Jolie.

After grabbing our drinks and some popcorn we go into the theater. I end up in the middle of our group. There’s Justin and Ed on one side and Loren and Larry on the other.

About halfway through the movie I feel a tap on my right shoulder. Turning, I see that Loren and Larry are in a lip lock and Larry’s hand must have hit me when he put his arms round Loren. I turn to Justin to point out the two love birds and find him and Ed going at it on my other side. Can you say awkward?

Hunching down with my drink and popcorn I concentrate on the movie. It’s easy to do, this is a really good movie and I’ve always liked Angelina Jolie.

After the movie, we all head across the street to a Mongolian restaurant. The awkwardness grows as the two couples are increasingly into each other and I’m quite obviously both figuratively and literally the fifth wheel.

When we’re all done with dinner, I beg off going down to the Bay claiming a busy day tomorrow and not really feeling all that well. I guess it would be different if Robbyn was here or if they weren’t so obviously into each other tonight.

As they head off to the Bay with friendly goodbyes and promises to do this again, I get out my phone and give Mom a call to come pick me up.

* * *

Saturday morning starts way too early for my taste. I usually like to wallow in bed as long as possible on the weekend, but today I need to get over to the designer’s studio to start getting fitted for the show and learn what they want me to do.

After a quick shower and even quicker breakfast, Mom and I get over to the studio twenty minutes before they said they wanted me there. I’ve already learned that in this industry you must never be on time, you have to be early. Seems screwy to me, but that’s the way it is.

The fittings go well; I only get jabbed by a pin a couple of times so not too much blood gets spilt. The clothes are really nice. Usually Yoga and workout clothes tend to be a bit bland and boring, but the colors in these are bright and fun and the fabrics are even better, feeling great to wear and to move in.

There’s one outfit that’s so light that it takes me awhile to get used to it. It doesn’t feel like I’m wearing anything–it’s so light and comfortable.

I see that cute redhead, Connie, there along with ten other girls, but we only have time for a quick hello between fittings and makeup. Thank god there isn’t any sign of Lindsey, I guess she didn’t get the gig. It might just be me, but I don’t think it would be at all enjoyable to work with that girl.

The entire day is spent on fittings and working with the makeup artist for the “look” for each model. By the end of the day, my hair feels like it’s all been pulled out and my face feels like I’ve scrubbed it off with sandpaper. Everyone at the studio seems happy at how well things are progressing, especially the designer, Margo, and towards the end of the day we’re given our instructions for where we need to be tomorrow. That’s when we need to be at the fashion show site so we can all learn the pattern for the walk and what each of us will be doing.

As I’m waiting outside for Mom to pick me up, the photographer who’s been around all day shooting all the models gives me a quick shot with her camera and comes on over.

“Alex, nice work today, we never got formally introduced, I’m Janice Flynn.”

Shaking her hand I say, “Hello, Janice, nice to finally meet you. We were hard at it, but you looked twice as busy. Did you even get a break today?”

“A little one but I like it real busy, it’s exciting. Well I got to run, I just wanted to introduce myself, say hi and tell you that you have a great look. You seem to model ‘H’ to ‘T’ and 2-4-7 and I wanted to let you know that it’s appreciated by not only me as a photographer, but by the designers too. I heard them talking. Anyway, see you tomorrow.”

“Bye, Janice.”

While I’m trying to figure out just what she meant, I hear my name being called. Turning, I see Justin’s mom of all people waving and walking towards me.

“Alex, hello there.”

“Oh, hello, Mrs. Griffin. This is a surprise.”

“It is, isn’t it? What brings you downtown, are you here with someone?”

“I’m just finishing up work for the day and waiting for my Mom to pick me up.”

“You work downtown? Where?”

I indicate the shop which is the public view of the studio that’s in back.

“Oh, you sell clothes? How nice and this place has some very nice pieces too.”

“No ma’am, I’m not a salesperson, I’m a model. The studio has a fashion show in two weeks and we were doing fittings and makeup today.”

“A model? Goodness, Justin never told me about that.”

Not really knowing what to say to that, I just smile at her then notice Mom coming towards us.

“Nice meeting you again, Mrs. Griffin, my Mom’s coming so I gotta run.”

“Oh great, I want to introduce myself to her.”

Mom pulls up and I quickly open the door and get in the car. Mrs. Griffin leans down before I have a chance to close the door and introduces herself to Mom.

“Hello there, I’m Jennie Griffin, Justin’s mother,” she says as she reaches across me to shake Mom’s hand. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

“How do you do, Jennie, my name’s Sharon, it’s a pleasure to meet you too.”

“Well, I know you have to run and so do I, but I just wanted to introduce myself. Our kids make such a cute couple, I’m sure we’ll meet again soon. Bye now.”

Mrs. Griffin helps me close my door and with another “goodbye” and a wave she’s off and Mom pulls back out into traffic.

“Couple? I thought you said that it wasn’t a date.”

“It wasn’t and we’re not but I think I’m beginning to figure out what this is all about.”

“Well, when you finally do figure it out, will you fill me in too?”

Giving Mom a smile I say, “Sure will, Mom.”

With that, I look out the window and try to make out just what Justin is up to.

About ten minutes later I exclaim, “I got it!”

“What? You figure out what all that with Justin is about?”

“No, well maybe, what I meant was the photographer for the show, her name is Janice, well she said that I seem to model ‘H’ to ‘T’ and 2-4-7. I couldn’t figure out what she meant but I think I just did.”

After a minute of me not saying anything Mom asks, “Well?”

“Oh sorry. I think “H to T” means “head to toe” and “2-4-7” I think means twenty-four by seven or all the time. If I’m right that’s a great compliment. I’ll ask Ellen when she gets home.”

Mom reaches over and takes my hand. “It’s nice to see you enjoying yourself and doing so well. I’m proud of you baby.”

Giving Mom’s hand a squeeze I reply, “Thanks Mom.”

We’re both smiling as we pull into our driveway.