Jarrod

"That was the worst night's sleep ever," I mumble to myself as I roll out of bed. I check the clock; it's 9. Ten hours until the party. I take a deep breath, hit the bathroom and then go downstairs for breakfast.

"Mornin' Jarrod," Mum greets me.
"Yea, good morning," I reply, sitting down. Dad hands me a plate and I fill it from the bowls and plates of food from the table.

I'm silent through most of the meal, letting Mum and Casey do most of the talking, with Dad looking up from his paper and commenting here and there. Finally there's a somewhat awkward silence over the table and I know what Dad's going to ask without reading his mind.

"So, um, Jarrod… Are you, uh…" he takes a breath. "Am I still driving you to the party?" he says finally.
"Yea," I simply reply.

"And, uh…" he stutters, trying not to upset me.
"Yes, Kate and I are still going together," I calmly state.
"Ohhh! Jarrod has a girlfriend!" Casey taunts and my parents shush him.

I wish, I think to myself, and get up to clear my plate. "I'm taking a shower," I call to them as I head upstairs.

After my shower, I do pretty much nothing all afternoon. I feel so restless. I tried reading, but I can't concentrate. Same with the computer. Finally I just channel surf until it comes time for me to get ready. I do so quickly, trying not to remember either of the times I've worn the clothing. Finally as I finish getting ready, my dad knocks on the door, and I tell him to come in.

"Hey, you look great," he says, checking me out. I forget that my family has never seen these clothes and quickly think up an excuse in case he asks where I got them. Thankfully, though, he has other things on his mind, and doesn't ask.

"We we're going to save these for Christmas, but it seems tonight would be a good time to give them to you," he pulls out an already-wrapped box. It's small and not real heavy, wrapped in pretty green paper with my name on a card taped to the box. I can't even imagine what's in the box as I begin to open it. But as soon as all the paper's off, I read the box. Contacts! They bought me contact lenses so I don't have to wear these stupid glasses anymore.

"Thanks Dad, thanks," I say, hugging him.

"Don't mention it," he smiles. "Now go put them in so we won't be late!"