Page 100 of Fighting the Odds

Colton

It’s Saturday, my turn for a date with Sierra. I wish I could give her the one thing she wants; to see her sister. But Dad said he still hadn’t received the clearance for that, even though the psychologist doesn’t believe that Sierra harmed Sam in any way. None of us do. We saw how much they loved each other the day they came to the house.

Sierra worked last night, and I know she does tonight, too. I just need to know what time she wants to meet up.

I’m nervous as hell.

Me: Good morning.

Me: Shit. You’re probably sleeping. I know you worked last night and I don’t even know what time you get done or when you get home.

Me: I’m already fucking this up. All I wanted was to see what time we could meet today. If you don’t want to, I understand.

Sierra: Can you please stop? Yes I’m still asleep, but you keep messaging and my phone keeps going off. Let’s meet at 12. Is that good?

Me: Yes

Sierra: Good, now I’m going back to bed.

Sierra: Tell Sam I love her.

My fucking heart is racing. She didn’t turn me down. Shit! Now I need to think of something to do.

I can’t help the smile that creeps across my face when I remember I have my very own secret weapon.

“Sam, where are you spitfire?” I call, as I walk out of my room and toward her bedroom. “Sam!”

I can hear her giggles before I get to her door. Stepping into her room, I don’t see her, but as I glance down at the floor, I see her sock covered toes sticking out from under the bed.

“Now where is she?” I ask, pretending like I don’t hear her sweet laughter.

“Is she in the closet?” Opening the door, I yell, “Gotcha!” I pretend to look for her, sliding the hangers across the rack, before shutting the door and turning around, scratching my head.

Sam is eating this shit up and I wish I had her imagination. Her belief that I can’t see or hear her because she’s invisible to me.

I keep up the game, going around her room, until there’s nowhere left but the bed. Then I have two choices left. I can keep up the charade and let her think she’s bested me, or wrap my hand around her ankle and pull her screaming from underneath the bed.

Then a third option pops into my brain, and I think she’ll like it.

I flop down on her bed as I let out a mournful sigh. “If only Sam was here, she could help me plan the perfect date with Sierra.” I let out another dramatic sigh.

It does exactly what I was hoping. Sam crawls rapidly out from under the bed. “You’re going out with my sister. You’re like, her boyfriend?”

I put my hand over my heart and let out a fake scream, pretending like she scared the bejeezus out of me.

“I’m hoping so. That’s kind of why I need your help. I need to know what to do that will make Sierra really like me. The perfect date.”

She taps her finger on her chin, squinting her eyes. “Let me think.” Her voice is so cute, I just want to squeeze her. Her eyes go wide and she jumps up and down, clapping her hands.

“She works a lot. I mean, a lot, and her feet would always hurt. You could give her a foot massage and paint her toenails. She’d really like that. And she likes those fancy coffees.” Her hands fly through the air as she talks.

“That’s a perfect idea. Do you happen to know her favorite color?”

“I sure do. It’s green. We can go pick out some polish. I know everything you’ll need.” She beams from ear to ear. “That’s if you want to?”

“Get your shoes on. You’re gonna help me win the heart of your sister.”

“Yay, we’re going shopping,” she sings as she runs over to the closet and gets her shoes. “Can I go with you when you see Sierra?”

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