Never Signing Off

“I’m so nervous!” Liz complained, covering her face with her hands. Hayden laughed from the bus seat beside her. They were meeting Rob & Brent at Golden Palace. They were celebrating their birthday with a bunch of extended family. “Why? Do you think they won’t like you?” Hayden questioned. Liz shrugged. “You didn’t like me at first.” She reminded. Hayden shrugged. “Then I got to know you. You just have to let them get to know you.” She assured. Liz nodded. “You know everyone already, right?” She followed up. Hayden laughed. “There are some people I won’t know either. I only know the immediate family members. Like, Uncle Al and Aunt Kara.” Hayden corrected. Liz was bouncing up and down in her seat. Hayden had never seen her so worried about anything. She was normally care-free. Apparently, meeting Brent’s family was a big deal to Liz. Hayden definitely had an unfair advantage. “I’ll help you keep everyone straight.” She offered. Liz nodded excessively. “Yes please.” She begge...

Hayden & Liz had the same birthday, so it was tradition to spend it together. This was something their families had come to accept. This year would be different with Brent’s attendance and the lack of any other guests. Hayden was excited and terrified. Then Liz made the suggestion to get a late lunch at Johnny’s. It meant taking the bus across Carling to the Westgate Mall, but it was worth it. Rockin Johnny’s was everyone’s favorite place to get a bite to eat. It was affordable food with great service, a relaxing environment and the best milkshakes in the world. The doors were retro and metallic. The interior of the restaurant was red, black and white. It brought the 50’s style diner to life. To Hayden, it felt like stepping into an Archie’s comic strip. There was even a jukebox by the counter. The girls chose one of the booths against the wall, with the boys just following along. The boys had no involvement in planning. No one ever did. Hayden and Liz would decide on something the...

A few days later, Hayden and Rob were sitting in the basement doing their homework. Rob had a lot of school work he had to catch up on. Although Anne would be a teacher when he skipped school, that didn’t mean anything to the school itself. He still had to catch up by their standards. “Was there any truth to what you said?” Hayden asked randomly. Rob looked up, raising his eyebrow. “When?” He asked. Hayden was quiet. “That you’re curious, about kissing Liz.” She mumbled. Rob pulled himself up and moved to sit beside her on the couch. He took her pen out of her hand and wrapped his hands around hers. “No.” He insisted, making direct eye contact. Hayden nodded. “Okay.” She sighed. Rob shook his head. “I was just being passive aggressive. I’ll watch it in the future.” He assured her. She let out a deep sigh. “You know, I would let you. If you really wanted.” She offered. Rob laughed. “I’m still adjusting to the idea of kissing you. I’m in no rush to kiss someone else.” He reminded...

Hayden waited until Saturday morning before braving her conversation with Liz. Hayden figured the easiest way was to wait until they were at hockey. Then Liz would be somewhat distracted and maybe wouldn’t have a bad reaction. Hayden didn’t really know what to expect from Liz. She wasn’t overly dramatic like Jessica, but she was going to have a reaction. Anyone would. Hayden knew to expect something. Liz didn’t ask why she wanted to tag along. She seemed happy to have the female companionship. Hockey was something her dad and brother did. She only went along because she had nothing better to do and wanted to know more about her brother’s hobby. That’s when she started talking to Brent. Liz told Hayden all about their first awkward conversation. They already knew each other, so it was hard to transition from strangers to friends to a relationship in less than a week. Hayden wondered if normal relationships were easier to manage. Even though she didn’t know much, she had a feeling h...

I met you many years ago, Communication doesn't always flow. I lose you for a couple years, Blinded by insecurities, fears. Feeling like I don't have enough to offer. That I'm not as worthy as others. I hold back from expressing myself, Afraid that people will think I'm weird. But with you, I never have to worry. I know you're always there for me. We have a connection that can't be explained. It's not just because we have the same birthday. There is something about the way we think That has been an everlasting link. You've shared so many of my insecurities. I know you must think like me. When I'm afraid to reach out to you, I should ask myself what you would do. I know that your door is always open. You're just waiting for me to walk in. But I'm scared to let anyone get close. I'd rather just exist as a ghost. You should know I'm always thinking of you. I hope that message makes it through. I always hope you're happy, and doing we...

Hayden was excited to see Rob back at school on Monday morning. He was unusually quiet, but at least he was showing his face again. Hayden took that as a good sign. She sat with Rob on the bus, like usual. The teacher gave Rob a lecture about his attendance. He promised he’d pull it together, but it was too late to impact the current semester and Rob knew it. He was making false promises, but at least there was an attempt on his part. It was another victory as far as Hayden was concerned. When her and Rob met back up before lunch, she didn’t think to warn him of the new seating arrangements. When they got to the cafeteria, Rob was confused that Hayden immediately went to sit with Brent and one of his friends. Rob cautiously approached the table. “Liz will be here any minute. I’ve been sitting with her in your absence.” Hayden joked. Rob nodded. “She’s been around the house a lot too.” He agreed. Brent looked over and raised his eyebrow. “I thought you liked Liz.” He sighed. Ro...

Luck... Or Something Hilary Duff's Luck... Or Something Album Review This whole album has a raw emotional energy. You can feel what she feels with each song.  This is a musical journey through the last 10 years of her life; mom life, marriage, maturing... She put this together with a lot of care and thought. That is quite audible. Despite the insecurities she feels in herself, you can hear her confidence in Matthew. 1. Weather For Tennis I think this is my favorite song from the album. It's catchy, like your average pop song. But the lyrics are anything but. I can relate on a deeply personal level to this particular song. I could have written this song. I have many similar I'm sure. 2. Roommates I feel like we've all been in this situation. There are few people who can't relate to this one. It happens at some point in every relationship.  3. We Don't Talk It must have been hard for her to write this particular song. She was always incredibly close with her sist...

Hayden was sitting alone at a table in the cafeteria when Brent dropped down beside her. “I tried talking to him.” He started. Hayden nodded for him to continue. Brent shook his head. “I don’t know that I made anything better or worse. I couldn’t read him at all. It was like talking to a wall. I’ve never seen him that way.” Brent rambled. Hayden kept nodding. “He’s defensive. His trust was breached.” She simplified. Brent let out a deep sigh. “I didn’t mean anything by it.” He groaned as he dropped his head backwards. Hayden half-smiled. “I believe you.” She assured. Brent put both his hands on top of his head and looked over. “What do we do?” He asked. Hayden shook her head. There was no instruction manual for moments like this. They both sat in silence for a few minutes. “I think I need to tell Liz. In case he tries to.” Brent blurted. Hayden raised her eyebrow. “Do you really think he’s that petty?” She questioned. Brent shook his head. “Not petty. Hurt.” He corrected. Hayd...