describing picture packages for seniors and confirmation of my chosen scheduled date for picture day, which Alicia and I had settled on earlier in the summer when we had sent our appointment requests in to the photographer. Along with one of the picture packages, I was also set on ordering two tassels, one for me and one to put on the rearview mirror of my truck, along with a senior key and a keychain tassel. Purchasing a class ring was out since I didn't really have a reason to wear one.
Looking at my watch I realized only five minutes had passed. Jensen had only been gone for about forty-five minutes and I didn't expect him back for at least another thirty. I got up and decided I would call Dad to tell him the news. As I dialed his number, I had half a mind to hang up and just wait for Jensen so we both could tell my dad, but I figured if I waited I would lose my nerve. After three rings, he answered.
"Hi, Dad!" I said exuberantly.
"Mia, hi! How are you?" He sounded genuinely glad to hear from me.
I'm doing well, thanks for asking. I called to tell you some big news … Jensen and I are engaged! I had played out what I'd say to Dad in my head, but as he was still greeting me I forgot everything and instead just beat around the bush. "Things … things are good. I register for school soon."
"They're still making you register as a junior?"
I made a face, not fully comprehending that he couldn't see it. "Yeah, but at least I get to take my senior pictures."
"Who are you sharing a locker with? Krissa again?"
"No, I'm actually going to share with Nate." I could almost see his eyebrows rise at my mention of sharing with a guy.
"What about Jensen?"
"Jensen is fine with it. Dad, you know Nate and I are friends. Besides, it's more of a favor to Aria. She and Nate wanted to share, but Krissa and I talked her out of it in case they break up. I was the consolation," I explained.
"So how is Jensen? He leaves for college soon, right?"
I sighed with sadness at the mention of Jensen going away. I just can't catch a break! "Yes, in a few days."
"I know that will be hard for you, but I assume you have plans to visit him and he'll be back for the major holidays, right?"
My dad knew me all too well. I smiled at the thought. "Yes, of course."
"So, how are things with the two of you? Sounds like you're definitely jumping in with both feet and doing the long distance thing."
"Things are great with us, actually. Um, regarding that—" I paused for a moment.
"Yes?" my dad asked, almost too cautiously.
I urged myself forward. "Well, I did have a reason for calling."
"Do you need money to visit him or something?"
"No, no, nothing like that." I almost heard Dad sigh with relief on the other end, even though I usually didn't ask for much. "I was calling to share some news. Some big news, actually."
"Go on," Dad encouraged.
Before he could ask the same question Jessica had, I blurted it out. "Jensen asked me to marry him last night and I said yes! He proposed in front of his family at dinner."
Silence followed by … more silence. I almost wanted to tell my dad to say something, but decided to fill the silence with more babble. "It will be a long engagement since I'm still in high school, but we are planning to live together after I graduate. That is if I get into Stanford or go somewhere close to him…" my voice trailed off and I waited for my Dad to say something.
Finally, after a few moments he spoke. "Wow. That is big news.” He didn’t sound happy, but then again he didn’t sound mad. “You two are so young, are you sure you’re ready for that step?"
"Dad, you know I don't enter into anything lightly. I love him and he loves me—what more is there?"
My dad sighed. "I just worry—it's my job as your dad. Don't get me wrong, I like Jensen a lot. In fact, I can't think of anyone else I'd rather see you with, but you two are awfully young. Even if you were older, I’d worry that it's so soon in your relationship."
Although my dad had never met Jensen in person, the two had closely been in touch when Dad wanted to buy me a nice vehicle for my birthday. Jensen left quite an impression on my dad at that time.
"Dad, we've been together for almost two years now," I pointed out, ignoring the length of time Jensen lost his memory and thought he was still dating his ex-girlfriend, Alyna, which he never would have done so had he been in his right mind.
"I know, I know … but he's going off to college. Sometimes long distance relationships don't work out." Dad was probably shaking his head on the other end of the line.
My stomach churned while disappointment came over me. A lump began to form in my throat and I wondered if Dad would have been this transparent had Jensen been sitting next to me.
"Don't you think I've thought of that?" I whispered, afraid if I used my voice it would betray me and share that I was on the verge of tears.
"I'm sure you have, but you know I'm a realist. I'm not saying you two will break up; I just want you to be prepared in the event it does happen." My dad fell silent again and then he cleared his throat when I didn't say anything. "What do his parents think of the news?"
"They seemed a little surprised like you, but overall they're supportive. They know we love each other."
"Hmm, well, that's good, I guess."
"Thanks," I said, wishing that Dad was at least a little bit more as excited as I was. "I'm really happy with him, Dad. He's my soul mate, OK?" I didn't mean it to sound like I was trying to gain his acceptance of the situation, but that's how it came out.
"I know, I know. He's a really great guy, he really is. Tell him I said congratulations and we'll have to plan a dinner when I'm up for your graduation next year. OK?"
"OK, I'll tell him. Thanks for being supportive, Dad. I know it's big news and I'm sort of springing it on you."
"Speaking of springing the news … did you tell your mom?"
"No way! We haven't talked since the whole emancipation. I'm hoping she'll just hear it through the grapevine."
"Really? You don't think she'd want to hear it from you instead? She is your mother after all. Don’t you think she at least deserves that much?”
"Are you and Jensen on the same wavelength or something?” I felt like I was re-living the conversation I’d had with Jensen. "No, I don't think she'd want to hear it from me. She hasn't made any effort to contact or have a relationship with me, so I don't want to have one with her. I might mention it sometime, but right now I don't want to." I was being what my mother referred to as huffy.
"Alright … OK … don't get excited. I was just asking a question."
"I know, I'm sorry. It's a personal subject, is all."
"It's alright, I understand."
"Dad, listen, I need to get going. Thanks again for being supportive. I'll be sure to tell Jensen you said hello and congratulations. Love you!"
"Love you, too, Mia. Talk to you again soon."
I hung up and placed the phone back in the cradle. In all honesty I didn't have to get off the phone, but the conversation had turned awkward and I realized I probably wouldn't have been able to turn it around. Looking at my watch again I began to wonder where Jensen might be. I grabbed my coat and decided to take a walk on the beach. Before I locked the door, I left him a note on the door:
Jensen,
I went for a quick walk while I waited for you.
Please come in and wait for me to get back.
I love you,
Mia
The sun was barely peeking out from the