Breakfast

August 11, 2002

I get a call from Justin this morning around 11 AM. He invites me to breakfast, and I pick up Alex and Elissa en route. Everyone else was up until 4 or 5, I think… and Justin is surprisingly perky. Everyone is talking about going to the beach, white dunes in Indiana or something like that. I’ve never been, and Justin is excited – he wants me to go.

I’ve plans to meet with a friend from Columbus, Shari, who’s in town for a wedding. As it turns out, directions to the beach are really difficult, as they’re hitting some non-tourist out-of-the-way part. I’m excited to go, but think that maybe I could drive on my own, after meeting Shari. Though I’m reluctant, talk of beer and frisbees and swimming are making me slightly interested.

As we leave, I pick up the check, figuring I’d charge the whole thing and keep the cash people have thrown in. Turns out… they don’t take cards of any kind at this diner. Suddenly… I have to ask Alex for money, as I only have $3 cash left. Instantly, my mood sours. I hate asking people for help, and having to beg for cash to cover a $5 breakfast shames me, even though I know it shouldn’t. Because of the money thing (and, I’m sure, due to the fact that I feel like I’ve been around people a lot), I have this great urge to just be alone. I don’t want to be around anyone right now.

The timing of the whole beach thing is complicated and rushed. People are splitting off to go do different things, and I’m heading home to call Shari. Along the way, I stop off at Stanley’s and help Elissa and Alex pick out some fruit.