I wake up the next morning to the buzzing of my cell.

“Hello?â€? I say, blindly grabbing and answering my phone.

“Hey!â€? Chris’ voice washes through me.

“Hey.â€? I respond, a little more awake.

“I’m sorry if I woke you…â€? He says solemnly.

“No biggie.â€? I tell him, in my most awake voice I can muster.

“So… I was wondering if you wanted to hang out today… It’s a beautiful autumn day… warm enough for a tee shirt and jeans!â€? He goes on excitedly.

“Sure.â€? I laugh.

“Pick you up in 10?â€? He asks.

“Twenty.â€? I counter.

“Deal. See ya!â€? He says, hanging up.

I drag myself from my covers and grab some clothes before heading into the bathroom to shower. I take a hot, short shower. The water wakens my muscles and my mind. I feel much better as I leave the bathroom. I bound down the stairs and into the kitchen.

“I’m going out.â€? I say, kissing mom on the cheek.

“With who?â€? She demands.

“Chris.â€? I tell her. She nods and I head for the front door. “Bye!â€?