It's My Life - Melody Carlson [60]
Jenny seemed slightly upset, but she smiled to see us coming toward her. And we both hugged her and gave her the book.
“Thanks so much for coming,” she said. “I suppose you saw my parents leaving just now.” She shook her head then sat down. “Now I sure could've gotten by without that little visit.”
“Jenny,” exclaimed Beanie cheerfully. “You look so good! Are you feeling better now?”
Jenny nodded. “Yes, I've actually been able to eat, not to mention keep down real food this week. My shrink is so pleased with me.”
“Caitlin told me that you've become a Christian,” said Beanie quietly. “I think that's so cool.”
“Yeah, me too. Unfortunately, my mom thinks I'm totally losing it.”
“But isn't she glad you're eating again and getting better?” I asked. “I would think she'd be so relieved that she'd be glad you're a Christian.”
Jenny laughed, but her eyes looked sad. “Well, you'd think so. But according to my shrink, my mom is a real control freak, and anything I do outside of her wishes will probably upset her.”
“What did your shrink think about you becoming a Christian?” I asked with real curiosity (thinking about the project I'm doing with Trent).
“He's not a Christian himself, but he thought it was great because it was helping me to get better.”
“Good for him.”
We talked until about five-fifteen, and then a nurse came and told us it was time to leave. We hugged Jenny again and told her we'd try to return tomorrow for a longer visit. Then I asked if I could bring her anything.
“Remember that chocolate cheesecake?” she said as the nurse was shooing us toward the door.
I laughed. “You bet! I'll bring enough for all of us.” I glanced over to where that same strange girl was sitting, then added, “and then some.”
“Thanks,” she called as the door shut behind us, the lock bolting into place.
Beanie seemed in much better spirits after that, and I even told her about my plans to meet Trent in the library this evening. She gave me a curious glance, then said, “I've seen him around school. He's not too difficult to look at, if you ask me.”
“Want to come join us?” I offered, unsure of whether I wanted her there or not, and just thinking that thought trouble me a little.
“Yeah, it'd be fun, but I promised Steph I'd watch Oliver tonight. The two lovebirds are going out to celebrate their secret engagement.”
“Well, they might as well enjoy their secrecy now because it sounds like it'll be all over with by tomorrow.”
So now I'll get to the part of my day that's a little confusing, to me anyway. I met with Trent as planned. We worked on our project for a little while, but the main librarian kept telling us to “Shhh!” so finally we just left and headed over to Starbucks where we could make as much noise as we liked. We ended up just talking. And I must admit it was fun. I refuse to lie about it–something about being in a coffee shop and talking to a good-looking guy is an altogether enjoyable experience. Yet at the same time, I feel guilty for enjoying myself. Like, did I think I was out on a date? No, not really. We drove separate cars, I bought my own café mocha, and we never touched. So, is that a date? I don't think so. But I'm not totally sure. And the reason I'm not sure is because I really like Trent. I like talking with him. I like his laugh. I like looking at him. And that's what got me worried.
And I can tell he likes being with me. In fact, when it was all said and done, he says, “Too bad you don't like to date, Caitlin.”
To which I say, “It has nothing to do with liking to date. I just choose not to date because I believe that's what God has shown me is best for me.” Now, I'd already explained this whole thing to him once before, and he seemed to understand, but I think what he meant now was that he wanted to ask me out. So I think I made myself