"Hello there beautiful,"she smiled at the familiar voice,"did I wake you?"
"Yes you did Nick, how can you call so early in the morning?"
"Um...Jess...it's noon."
"Noon?!?!" She said jumping up.
"He laughed, "yeah noon." She ran down stairs, phone in hand, and saw a note on the table.
"Still there?" he asked.
"yeah, just a minute." She said and read the note.
Jessica,
You were asleep when I left and I didn't want to wake you up. Ive gone to work but I wont be home until 8 or so. Ive decided to get help. I will be at a new class every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 6 to 8. The number is on the fridge. I have hurt you in the past and this is my way of saying sorry. Thank you and I love you very much.
Your ole-Dad
Tears came to her eyes and she cried softly. Nick heard her.
"Jess you ok?" he asked. She sniffed and laughed.
"yeah, Im ok. So, whatcah doin today?"
"Well, I was wondering if you would like to spend the day with me?" he asked.
"Sure, when do I need to be ready?" she asked.
"Well...."just then the doorbell rang.
"Just a minute Nick, someones at the door." She opend the door to find Nick with cell phone in hand. She smiled and hung up the phone.
"Very clever Mr.Carter."
"Yes I know," he said as she let him in, "nice pajamas." She suddenly blushed and said, "sit down in the kitchen, I will be right back." She ran upstairs to get dressed. Nick went into the kitchen and sat down. He saw the note on the table and read it. "Wow," was all he could say. 10 minutes later, Jess rushed down the stairs. She was wearing flared jeans and a red tank top. Her hair pulled up into a messy bun.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Yep," she replied. They walked out to the car and he opened the door for her.
"Thank you," she smiled. As they pulled out of the driveway, she asked "so, what exactley are we going to do?"
"Well, it is now around lunch time so how about some lunch?"
"Sure," she said.
"Where should we go?" he asked.
"Well, my faveorite place is Cracker Barrel," she said.
"Good choice." The arrived at the restaurant and ordered their food.
"Thank you Nick," she suddenly said.
"For what?" he asked.
"Fore everything. Last night, today, I never really do anything but stay at the club. I mean my only friends are those 50 year old waitresses that work there."
"Don't you go to school? I mean, not now but during the school year?"
"Well yeah but most people try to avoid me. My father has been arrested so many times I guess people are just scared of me."
"Well, Im not scared of you. I know you probably have had it ruff."
"Yeah," she said quietly.
"I, um, read the note from your dad." She smiled.
"Im so glad he's gettin help. I don't even remember the last time he said he loved me."
He took her hand. "Well at least you know it can only get better from here right?" he asked.
"Right," she laughed. After they finished eating they left to a park. They walked around for 3 hours just talking and laughing.
"So, what time do you want to be home?" he asked.
"Well, dad said he'd be home around 8 so I guess by 8."
"Well, would you mind we go somewhere out of town?"
"Like where?" she asked.
"Nope, it's a suprise," he said.
"Ok, lets go. I like suprises.," she smiled.