Look for Me in Rainbows

Patrick walked in after his hockey practice. He had gotten back into his training routine. Maggie was utterly jealous of him, but she knew she was in no shape to play. She had spent the last week coming to terms with that. Patrick left her alone for a few hours a day to practice. He made her promise that if she even felt the slightest bit dizzy or breathless that she would call 911.

“Honey, I’m home!” He called to her.

“Honey, I’m right on the couch where you left me!” She called back, mocking him slightly.

“How do you feel today?” Patrick asked.

“Good.” She said. “A little tired, but not too bad today.” Maggie had been having less and less energy lately. “Why?”

“Well, I want to take you out tonight.” He said. “Let’s do something nice.”

“I would love that.” She said. “I need to get out of this house.”

“I’ll surprise you with a restaurant,” He said, “You make yourself look nice.”

“I can’t wear sweats?” She put her hands in the pockets of the sweatpants she was wearing.

“No.” He laughed.
........................................................................

“No, you can’t come in!”

“Why?” Patrick groaned.

“I’m not ready!” Maggie had locked Patrick out of her room. She didn’t want him to see her before she was totally ready.

Maggie, unlike many girls in hockey, was good as dressing up. She had done her own hair and makeup, as well as lots of girls on the team’s make up, for the National Championship Gala where the girls received their trophy. Maggie showered and blow dried her hair. She didn’t wear it down often, and she didn’t think Patrick had ever seen it down.

She slid into her favorite summer dress. It was a dark orange dress that was like a tank top in the front, but in the back the straps were braided and crossed in the middle. It was sort and really loose. She matched it with nude wedges and some gold jewelry. She took a deep breath and opened the door.

“What do you want?” She said. Patrick was sitting on her bed. He looked up at her and immediately forgot why he wanted to get into the bathroom in the first place. He had just realized that he had never seen her dressed so nicely. The short orange dress was a far cry from her usual repertoire of sweatpants and t shirts. Patrick ran his hand through his hair and sighed.

“You look amazing.” He said. He stood up and put her arms around her and kissed her. She smiled at him.

“Thanks.”

Notes