Andrea and the 5-Day Challenge

by Cindy K. Green

  Mom snickered at my limited ability at speech. “Are you trying to say, you don’t feel well?” She reached over and touched my forehead. Her eyes turned concerned. “You do feel warm. Dr. Prosser said you might get a fever. Do you want me to take you home instead of to school?”

  I nodded a little too vigorously as the movement ignited pain in my jaw once again. Actually, I didn’t feel too bad. As soon as I got the cotton out of my mouth and the pain reliever kicked in, I’d probably be fine other than the way my stomach kept tying itself up into knots. I just couldn’t go to school. I couldn’t face Luke. I didn’t want to see his beautiful eyes glowering at me.

  As soon as we pulled into our driveway, I jumped out of the car and took off to my room. I needed time to think. Time to evaluate.

  Mom stuck her head into my room an hour later to see if I needed anything before she took off for her monthly committee meeting at church. I was fine with that. I wanted to be alone, and for some reason I felt really tired. It must have been all the emotion and the drugs.

  While feeling groggy, I flipped on the radio and turned to the station which played the new independent Christian stuff that Luke mentioned. I started to doze off when a song from Requisition Believer began playing. I recognized it, and then my eyelids felt too heavy, and I fell asleep listening to ”These Days”

  Buzz. Buzz. My phone sounded with a text message. I yawned and stretched before sitting up and checking out the time. 2:33. Well, school’s out. I picked up the phone.

  How R U? Amy texted.

  Fine. Mouth hurts.

  And Luke? He’s totally not himself. Dion said you guys broke up. True?

  Yes.

  So soon? Why??

  Long story.

  I think it’s a mistake. Of course, she did. She who was the instigator behind my misery.

  Tell it to my parents.

  Well, find a way. Luke’s miserable. TTYL

  I lay back down on my pillow and cradled the phone in my hands like a precious thing. Was Luke really that miserable? Could he possibly be as miserable as I was? I barely had the will to get out of this bed. Of course, that might just be the pain reliever talking.

  ‘Find a way.’ Amy’s words resonated in my head. She had no idea what she was asking because there was NO way. It was a lost cause.

  Five minutes later my phone buzzed again. I sure wished it was Luke. Maybe I should have told him the whole truth, like why I had to call it off. Then at least he wouldn’t hate me. But what kind a dork am I that I can’t go to homecoming because my parents won’t let me?

  It was Angie this time. This should be good. She usually made me laugh. Saw Steph with Luke @ lunch. Don’t worry. Spilt soda down her shirt.

  I held a hand to my mouth and giggled. It barely hurt. Leave it to Angie to make sure justice is dealt. Still, how dare Luke have lunch with Stephanie after everything that’s gone on between us! Never mind that I was the one to break things off this morning. Yesterday, he gave me cake!

  I sent a reply. You didn’t.

  Totally did. ;) Accidentally, of course.

  Of course.

  CM Ltr.

  Will do.

  I laid the phone down again. Sounded like excitement reigned supreme at school today. It almost made me sad I’d missed the whole soda-down-the-shirt thing. That had to be priceless. The next minute my phone started up again. Boy, was I popular. Now it was Alisha. Were they all in this together, trying to bolster my spirits?

  Hope yr feeling ok, texted Alisha.

  Getting there, I replied.

  What happened w/Luke

  He & I weren’t meant to be.

  You sure. I think Luke misses you. Call him.

  I don’t think it’s a good idea.

  Ok, but if I were U I’d call.

  Again, I laid my phone aside and rested back on my pillow. Should I call Luke and really explain everything to him? I really wanted to. I wanted to pretend that this morning never even happened. Maybe I’d just send him a quick text. But what should I say?

  I’m sorry.

  I stared at the read-out on my phone. All I could do was examine my message over and over and wait for that magical sound when he’d responded.

  Ten minutes later. Still nothing. I shouldn’t have sent the text. It just sounded like a lame excuse. Why hadn’t I realized that ten minutes ago? He was never going to forgive me.

  That settled it. My pathetic life had hit an all-time low. I felt more feverish and scrunched under the blankets. Then I sat up, my legs restless from lying around all day. I took a sip of water through a straw. My mouth hurt so I popped another pain reliever.

  Then the phone buzzed and my heart rate skyrocketed.

  There it was. His response. Don’t be sorry. And then just after that. Hope u r feeling ok. Here he was mad at me (as he should be) and yet he still asks how I’m feeling. It’s things like this that reminded me why Luke and I would never have lasted. He’s too good to be true. Yes, it’s good we cut the cord before I got too far into this relationship and ended up in therapy when it all fell apart.

  I’m doing ok.

  Dentists are awful.

  Totally

  TC. Later.

  That was it. My last conversation with Luke, and it had been over text and about dentists. I’d have to save this one—for sure. Then I can read it over when I’m locked up in my ivory tower and need to be reminded that once I almost had a life.

  ~*~

  At 3:30, my phone rang. This time it was Amy calling.

  “Hi,” I answered, sounding almost monotone.

  “Hi. How are you? I mean, really. Are you OK?”

  “Fine, just dandy.”

  “Now I know you’re bluffing. You only sound like your grandmother when you are about to lose it completely.”

  “I’m not going to lose it. I’m exhausted and resigned to my fate.”

  “Resigned, huh? Look, I’m going to be out of the newspaper office in ten more minutes. I’d like to come over if that’s OK. In fact, Alisha and Angie would like to come, too.”

  “Wow, an actual request not a demand?”

  “Andi! Can we come or what?”

  “Fine, but only if there is no mention of Luke.”

  “I make no promises, but as recompense we’ll bring pizza.”

  My stomach rumbled. I’d forgotten to eat since this morning. “Not sure I can eat with my fillings and all, but if my mom agrees then OK.”

  “See you in a few.”

  I hung up and forced myself onto my feet and into the bathroom. After washing my face, I felt a million times better. It’s amazing how washing your face increases your outlook for the good. If only the affects lasted longer than the time it takes for the water to dry. Maybe I just needed more alpha hydroxy.

  ~*~

  By late afternoon, Angie, Alisha, Amy and I had imbibed on pizza and soda until I almost couldn’t move. Even with the soreness, I managed to scarf down three slices by cutting it into small pieces and chewing on the left side of my mouth.

  My friends got me to laugh and forget about Luke and this whole miserable situation—including the fact that come Monday I had to face the inquiring eyes of Aubrey Academy. I better get into that school in Chapel Hill because I really couldn’t take the stress of seeing Luke every day, let alone all the whispering behind my back.

  Amy draped herself comfortably at the foot of my bed while the rest of us lay on the floor in different places around the room. “So, tell us what happened with Luke,” Amy opened, oh so not subtly.

  “Yes, spill,” Angie added.

  “You’ll feel better,” Alisha threw in at the end.

  I sighed, on my back in the middle of the striped area rug beside my bed. “I left school with Luke yesterday and instead of coming right home, he took me to the batting cages. I got home late, forgetting I’d promised to put in extra piano practice. My mom saw me getting out of his car.”

  “Is that all she saw?” Angie asked with upraised b
rows.

  “It wasn’t like that.” I gave her a warning glare. “Anyway, Mom and I had a big fight, and then my parents basically vetoed the whole homecoming thing. The whole Luke thing.”

  “That’s so not fair,” Amy interjected.

  “Just go, anyway,” said Angie. “Sneak out and meet up with him later.”

  “Seriously, that’s your advice.” I stared point blank at Angie. Of course, the same thought had entered my head for a second, but I’d instantly disregarded it.

  Angie shrugged, with a smug smile on her face. “That’s what I’d do.”

  “And I’m sure your grandmother appreciates the respect,” I tossed back at her.

  “Gran doesn’t have the patience to wonder where I am at all hours. She gave up on that two years ago.” It was sad Angie and her grandmother really didn’t get along. Her parents died when she was six and so her grandmother raised both her and Seth. They always seemed to have drama going on between them.

  “Still, that doesn’t help Andrea any,” said Alisha. She looked at me with one of her encouraging smiles. “What did you tell Luke?”

  “What do you think? I met up with him this morning, told him I couldn’t go and we can’t see each other anymore.”

  “That’s all you told him,” exclaimed Amy. “Are you cracked? No wonder he walked around all day like his team lost the World Series. You totally crushed him.”

  Angie and Alisha both nodded.

  “What should I have told him? That I’m being held prisoner like Rapunzel or something?”

  “Well, at least if you had, you would have made him laugh. And you know how much Luke loves to laugh.” Amy grinned at me and that started me into laughter.

  Pretty soon we were gasping for breath between the giggles.

  When our energy had been expelled, all four of us remained quiet until Alisha spoke. “Really, Andi, what are you going to do…about Luke, I mean. You can’t just brush him off like that. He deserves to know what happened.”

  “I know, but I just don’t know how.”

  A knock sounded at the door and my mom walked in. “Sounds like everyone is having fun in here.” She looked at me. “Feeling better?”

  “A little,” I admitted. “Thanks for letting everyone come over.”

  “Here.” She handed me a square shaped envelope. “I found this sticking out of the front door when I got home. It’s addressed to you.”

  I took the thick cardboard-like envelope. “Thanks.”

  Mom smiled, and then left us.

  On the front of the envelope, there were just two words written—To Andrea. And the thing is that the writing looked exactly like the handwriting on the card I’d gotten from Luke a couple days ago.

  “What is it?” asked Angie.

  “Open it,” commanded Amy.

  “Do you know who it’s from?” asked Alisha.

  “You guys were easier to be with when we were discussing the worst boy band.”

  “Just open it,” said Amy with widened eyes. “You’re killing us here.”

  “Fine,” I finally complied.

  What had Luke sent me? One of those mean, soul destroying letters about what a horrible person I am?

  If so, I totally deserved it.

  18

  Inside the envelope I found a homemade CD labeled “The Best of Requisition Believer” and a note. All of a sudden, I realized I shouldn’t have eaten so much pizza as it swirled around in my stomach.

  Amy took the CD from me. “Requisition Believer? Who’s that?”

  “Luke’s favorite band. We listened to some of their music the other day.”

  “It’s from Luke?” Alisha beamed a bright smile. “He can’t be mad if he sent this.”

  I almost returned her smile, but I held back. I had to keep my emotions in check. Unfolding the note, I started to read.

  Hi Andrea,

  While you aren’t feeling well, here are some of my favorite tunes to help pass the time. Hope your recital goes great.

  See you in school,

  Luke

  I felt an emotional lump in my throat. It quivered and I thought I might just well up with tears right then, but I couldn’t. Why was I getting all teary-eyed, anyway? It was a nice note. Just as friendly as ever. It was just that—friendly. I’d broken up with Luke after going out for like a day, and he still wanted to be friends?! He even remembered my recital again. Luke Ryan was way too perfect.

  “What did it say?” Amy interrupted my musings.

  “Maybe it’s private,” said Alisha.

  “He just hoped I was feeling better and sent over some of his favorite tunes.”

  “How sweet,” said Alisha.

  “Totally,” added Angie. “What’s wrong with the guy? Shouldn’t he still be ticked?”

  “He should be,” Amy broke in. “Which just shows what a great guy he is. As I always believed he would be for you, Andrea.” She smiled in that diabolical way of hers. Had this been a great conspiracy of hers from the beginning?

  I jumped on the bed and had to restrain myself from grabbing her around the neck. “I believe it is now Amy’s turn to spill or I might have to squeeze it out of her physically.”

  Amy got up on her knees and raised her hands to separate us. “OK, OK. The truth is…well, I knew you and Luke would be good together. So, I talked with Dion and we came up with a plan.”

  “A plan?” My eye started to twitch and I knew this was not good. “With Dion?”

  She blew out a deep breath. “Remember I did this for your own good.”

  I crossed my arms and glared at her. “Uh-huh.”

  “I just figured I’d talk Luke up to you, and Dion would do the same to Luke to kind of nudge you both in the right direction.”

  “And what about you and Dion? Are you really going to the banquet together?” My blood started to boil at this point.

  “Well…uh, yeah. I thought if you saw me going it would encourage you to go, too.”

  “But you two aren’t really going out?”

  “Of course not,” Amy scoffed. “He’s a football player. Do you know the last book he read?”

  “Amy, I don’t want to hear it.” I fell back into the pillows at the headboard of my bed. “So, this really is all your fault.” I laid an arm over my face.

  “Andrea,” Amy broke into my pity party. “Just because things didn’t go as well as planned doesn’t mean they won’t.”

  I sat up straighter. “And just what makes you think that? Luke is at school right now decorating for homecoming with Stephanie Ruiz. She’s probably got her hands all over him as we speak. How can I compete? Besides my parents already told me no.”

  Alisha approached the bed and knelt next to it. “From what I’ve seen, Luke is totally not interested in Stephanie.”

  “I wish I could believe that,” I moaned more than spoke.

  “Hey, Andi, don’t doubt yourself compared to mindless Steph,” said Angie. She cracked a sarcastic smile.

  “The thing is,” Amy said as she moved closer on the bed and sat next to me. “You need to accept yourself for who you are because Luke already does.”

  “He does?”

  “Of course, do you not have eyes?” Angie rolled her hazel ones at me.

  “Here’s what we’ll do,” Amy began. “How about a little make-over.” I started to protest, but she raised her hand to dissuade me. “Nothing major, just a confidence booster for you. I’m pretty good at cutting hair, Alisha is a wiz with makeup, and we’ll all help you pick out an outfit.”

  “For what?” I asked dryly. “I’m not going to ask to go out anywhere tonight.”

  “Why not?” Amy asked. “Are you officially grounded?”

  “Well, not exactly. Instead of grounding, and to help me focus on others more than myself, I agreed to work at the food bank at the shelter every Saturday for a month starting next week. But I don’t want to push my boundaries.”

  “Hmm,” said Amy. “And this is because you didn�
�t tell them about Luke? It sure seems that Patricia and Mark are being more uptight than normal? Why is that?”

  They were going to be mad.

  I’d known about this for days and kept it to myself. “Well, the truth is that I have a chance to get into this performing arts high school in Chapel Hill and…”

  “Wait…” Amy held up her hand as she interrupted me. “Rewind. Are you saying you’re going to another school? Is that why you’ve been so cracked lately?”

  “Possibly.” I shrugged at her. “The admissions committee is sending a representative to my recital. They have an opening for the second quarter which starts in another week.”

  Alisha and Angie looked astonished, but they didn’t say anything.

  “How could you not tell us?” Amy looked so annoyed. Her little round nose scrunched up.

  “I don’t know. It wasn’t for sure so I didn’t want to upset anyone. Then this whole thing with Luke started, and it was just too much to process.” My ears heated up, and I knew I’d start crying soon and I didn’t want that. I’d already become the biggest baby ever.

  “OK,” Amy said calmly. “We’ll totally miss you if you switch schools, but we’ll still see you after school and weekends and everything.”

  “And,” Angie added, “then maybe we can TP the houses of some of the drama geeks you’ll be going to school with.”

  “Angie!” Alisha and Amy said in unison.

  “What?” Angie asked. She so totally wasn’t even ashamed.

  Then I just started laughing at them all. “You guys are crazy. I don’t know what I’m going to do without you.”

  “Well, maybe you won’t get in,” said Alisha. She’d meant it as a thoughtful comment, but for some reason the rest of us found it funny and we all started laughing again.

  “And what about Luke?” Amy asked.

  “At this point there is no Luke.”

  “Trust me, my friend, there is a Luke. You work on your parents. We’re going to start your make-over because you are going to make an appearance at Dion’s bonfire tonight.”

  “What? No way!” She was crazy. I didn’t do make-overs. Heck, I wore very little makeup, period. Did I really want to risk putting myself into the hands of my friends? Who knew what kind of a freak I’d look like when they finished with me? And then there was the whole parent thing, and there was no way they would allow this, right? Even if it all worked out, I’d have to see Luke. I wasn’t sure if I was ready for that.