Delaney

I remembered a few short months ago, when I woke up feeling dead to the world. Not the normal, tired and not wanting to wake up, death. I was physically tired. My brain couldn't seem to function the way it used to. My nights filled with reliving trauma over and over drug on into the mornings. I was tired constantly, even if I had slept 15 hours. My days drug on and were bland, filled with nothing to live for except the time I spent with Xavier.

Today, April 18, 2018, I woke up feeling refreshed. But, somehow, I still wound up heaving my guts out in the toilet of the Thomas'. The smell of last night's dinner hit my nose, making me throw up again.

When I was done, I laid on the dirty toilet seat, completely drained. I don't know how long I laid there, or what time it was.

I must've dozed off again, because I was re-alerted of my position by a knock on the door.

"Laney, you okay in there?" A voice asked. I lifted my head and mumbled something that even I couldn't understand.

The door was pushed open and I felt a presence beside me.

"Oh, honey. What's wrong?" I recognized the voice as Scott's. Things were slowly going back to normal between us, but I was still shocked by the level of concern for my well-being.

I whimpered in response, unable to form whole words through my nausea and exhaustion. I felt his hand hold my head up lightly.

"You don't feel warm." He muttered.

He sat my head back down on the toilet so that he could pick me up bridal style.

After setting me down on my bed, he went back to the bathroom. He returned with a wet cloth and a glass of what I assumed was water.

"Take sips, honey." He ordered, holding my head up along with the glass so that I could.

I felt the cool rag against my forehead as I closed my eyes, slowly falling back to sleep. But not before I whispered,

"Thank you."

•••

I woke up a few hours later. The sunlight was low, meaning it was probably early in the morning.

I must've been up in the middle of the night.

I felt noticeably better. No nausea or exhaustion. Deciding it was only a one time thing, I played it off and went on with my day. Prom was coming up. The girls freaked out at school last week when they found out I wasn't planning on going. So now I was under strict orders that I had to go. Xavier was on bored. He may look like a giant tough guy, but he was really easy going and kind.

Today, given there were no other days we were all free, the girls were taking me dress shopping.

I slid into the bathroom, not wanting people to see me with vomit breath and a rats nest on my head.

Washing my hair and body, I made sure to shave, since people would see my legs. I brushed my teeth, getting rid of the disgusting taste from earlier.

I put on a light blue turtle neck top. My boobs, although minuscule, looked nice in this.

The skirt I chose was a black and white plaid one, with matching blue lines running through it. It was tight and hugged my body nicely.

I put on foundation, but tried to keep my freckles. I added mascara and eyeshadow, along with sharpening my eyebrows.

I pulled my Daddy's dog-tags out of my shirt, showing them off for the day. Now this is cute. Says sexy and classy.

I was feeling extra confident lately, which my therapist was proud of.

Feeling good about my whole look, I slipped on my black heals and grabbed my phone.

I sent a text to the group chat that I was ready and about to leave.

Oh, I also got my drivers license early last week. So, with the help of Mikey, I used my savings to buy an adorable white Jeep. It wasn't the newest, but I was proud of my baby.

I skipped down the stairs and made my way to the kitchen. Walking in, I noticed Scott and Dakota sitting there, talking. Luke was at the table doing schoolwork. I swore he was going to drown in those books.

"Hey, Laney. How are you feeling? You look better." Scott stated.

I gave him a small grin, happy and eager to get my girls-day on.

"I feel all better. Must've been something I ate. I'm going shopping for a prom dress with Cara and Maria. That's okay, right?" I asked him carefully.

He returned my grin, and that's when I knew everything was good between us.

"Yeah, have fun. Here, buy the best one you can find. Don't hold back." He handed me his credit card.

I took it hesitantly.

"Are you sure? I don't really need to." I said quietly.

He gave me a large smile and nodded happily.

My phone dinged with a text from the group chat.

Cara:
Meet you there in 15.

Maria:
Yep, sounds good girly.

I closed my phone and grabbed a bagel, kissing each boy on the cheek.

"Have a good day!" I yelled out before closing the door and making my way to my car.

I started her up and played my music loudly. Instantly, I smiled and sung along. I loved music.

•••

The mall was crowded when I got there. So, I parked and walked the distance to the entrance where the girls said to meet.

I made out the faces of the two girls, joining them instantly.

We walked through store after store not finding the perfect dress. Some were alright, but I wanted to feel confident and pretty.

With only a few more stores left to go through, I was quickly losing hope.

We turned into a small shop. I gauzed at the dresses, seeing lots of beautiful designs. I was instantly drawn to a light blue one.

I decided to take a chance on it and try it on.

I zipped the dress back up and looked in the mirror. I assessed myself along with the dress design.

My figure didn't look bad. It was long and flowed at the end, with a slit down the side off my hip. The back was cut out which left me nervous. All of my scars were on display.

I decided that, even though I was nervous, the dress looked too beautiful on me to pass up. I want my dress to be a surprise so I quickly changed back into my outfit and payed for it.

I was nervous to use Scott's credit card so I needed up buying it with my own money.

I haven't bought anything with other people's money before. I always feel indebted to them.

I met the girls wandering around and showed them the garment bag that held my new dress.

"You already paid for it? We didn't even see it!" Maria exclaimed dramatically.

"You're not going to show us?" Cara asked.

"I like surprises. Good ones, at least."

"We should move this party back to my place." I suggested.

The girls were quick to agree. Apparently, my room was amazing.

With that in mind we headed out of the mall. The girls went to their cars and I went to my own.