I’ve done any kind of exercise at all. I need some happy endorphins to kick in. I could do with a bit of that now. I could get despondent about the way my life has turned out with what has been handed to me over the years, but I have my health, I have my friends and a good job that I worked really hard to achieve. I’m young and a huge part of my life is still mapped out in front of me. Who knows where I’ll be in five to ten years' time. Part of it is exciting, but another part of me is thinking that this all just scares the shit out of me.
I run past Walmart noticing a nice path alongside it. It looks like the perfect running spot, as there are a few runners and dog walkers using it. The path has trees either side and I can already see a hint of the beautiful fall colors taking shape. It looks magical.
I push myself on for another thirty minutes before winding back round to Jessie’s apartment . When I get through the door—panting and sweating—I can hear Jessie’s landline ringing. I run to the phone and answer.
“Hey , Ana, what have you been up to? You’re breathing heavily,” Michael laughs.
“Hi Michael, I’ve just been out for a run. You’re lucky as I only just got through the door when you rang.”
“I hope you don’t min d but Jessie gave me her number? I hear it’s someone’s birthday today.”
Oh G od, I want to die of embarrassment. Damn Jessie and her big mouth. “Please don’t make a fuss, Michael. It’s just a normal day like any other.”
“Don’t be silly. If I could , I would take you out for dinner before the movies, but I can’t make it until eight, is that okay? I’ll come pick you up once I’m done here.”
“Y ou can still come, that’s great. I’m looking forward to it. I’ll see you then.”
We hang up and I quickly feel another shower is in order. I wouldn’t have had that one earlier if I’d known I was going for a run, but it can’t be helped. I wasn’t to know that Jake was going to text me those stupid messages of his and get me all wound up.
I get myself dressed again and notice the time. It’s already after three o’clock, so won’t be long before Jessie’s home. I make my way to the kitchen to grab some fruit when the doorbell rings. It’s like Grand Central Station here all of a sudden. I quickly turn my heels and make my way to the door. I take a look through the peep hole and notice it’s Matthew. I swing the door open and see Cindy there with him. She’s holding some flowers.
“Hey guys it's great to see you. Come in.” Cindy hands me the flowers and gives me a hug.
“Happy Birthday , Ana!” she shouts.
We make our way through to the living room and I quickly grab an empty vase sitting on one of Jessie’s display cabinets. “Thanks , Cindy. I hope you’re doing okay? I’ll quickly put these in some water and be right back.”
I rush to the kitchen and fill the vase with water and put the pretty pink flowers in the vase. I come back out and place them neatly on the side cabinet.
“They look beautiful. Thank you, Cindy.”
They both sit down on the sofa and hold hands. They look happy and it makes me smile.
“You’re welcome. I had to get Matthew here to bring me straight round after school once I heard it was your birthday. I hope you don’t mind? We weren’ t disturbing you or anything were we?”
“Of course not, I’m glad you’re he re. All I’ve done is sleep in, lay around the place, and I’ve not long been back from a run—so nothing major. I’m actually looking forward to going back to work tomorrow as I’ve been a little bored, I must admit. I need something to keep myself occupied.” Cindy looks at me brandishing a sympathetic smile. Matthew looks curious.
“Dad will be interested to hear that. He’s a jerk, but I know he’s missing you.”
I try to fight back