Friday, February 15, 2008

How I Became A Sheets: Part 3

Second Impressions

Guy and I left the devotional that night on pretty bad terms. He didn’t quite understand why I was so mad for being left alone, and after he pleaded his case, I realized that I slightly overreacted. None the less, I was still mad at him, and I was looking forward to spending time with just the girls as he was going out of town to visit family for that coming weekend. I spent that Saturday morning doing what all college students try to do on Saturdays- sleep! B and I decided around 1 pm to go to Wal-Mart to get some groceries, and of course we were still in our sweats. I remember this part vividly- get ready for the romance!
B and I were purchasing our toilet paper for the dorm room (The dorm provided toilet paper, but it was not ‘angel soft’ or ‘quilted’ or ‘charmin ultra- less is more’, so we would purchase our own in order to reward our hineys)…anyways….we were in the toilet paper isle trying to pick out our favorite for the week when it happened. I could see out of the corner of my eye a guy running down our aisle toward us. I tried not to stare, but this person looked seriously ridiculous! He was wearing tall navy blue dress socks with athletic sandals. His shorts had holes where some sort of cargo pocket should be, and his long sleeve hoodie looked like a Goodwill purchase gone wrong. B and I got silent as we tried not to laugh or stare at this person we thought probably had a mental disability since he was running…not jogging, but a serious sprint…through our Wal-Mart aisle. I could sense that this crazy person was staring at me, so I was doing my BEST not to look at him. As he got closer, his sprint began to slow down to a jog in place as these words came out of his mouth, ‘Hey, you’re Kara right?’ I could feel myself getting really embarrassed! I had NO idea who this crazy person was, and somehow he knew my name! I realized that I had to look him in the face to answer his question, but I didn’t know how to answer him. Do I say yes and reveal my identity to this crazy man I don’t know? Or do I say no and lie for no good reason? I chose the third option- to smile and stay silent. As I looked him in the face, I realized that he looked vaguely familiar, but I couldn’t place it. He was still jogging in place and staring at his watch every few seconds. After a few seconds of silence he hurridly said, ‘I’m Zach Sheets, we met the other night at the devo. What are you doing tonight? You should come to the chili cook-off we are having at my place! Bring your friends- it’s gonna be fun! See you there. I have to hurry and get back to the register. I told the lady I forgot these (holding up poloroid film), and that I would be back in seventeen seconds.’ And with that, he ran off toward the front of the store. B and I BUSTED out laughing and carried on with our shopping. She was curious about who he was, but I just told her the truth- he is some guy I met on Wednesday night at a devotional.
Since Guy was out of town, I didn’t really have plans for that night. So, I gathered the girls and we decided to head over to the ‘First Annual Chili Cook-Off.’ As soon as we entered the house, I felt like I made a mistake. The only people I knew were some of Guy’s roommates, but they were busy flirting with other girls there. I didn’t want to interrupt those awkward conversations, so I decided to walk around the house in search of someone, anyone, that I knew! Kitchen- nope, boy room #1- nope, boy room #2- nope, fish tank room- nope, livingroom- nope. I had made it through the whole house, and knew not a soul! I was about to walk outside to rejoin my girls (who were busy talking to some upper classmen they knew from their hometown), when I saw the crazy guy. If I thought Zach looked funny that morning at Wal-Mart…
Enter the scene: old ratty tennis shoes, worn out jeans, a baby blue wool sweater, and a royal blue and yellow striped tie.
Despite his problem finding matching clothes to wear, I found something very comforting in his presence. I was excited to see him, but I really had no clue why! At this point in the night, I was kicking myself for not dressing up a little more. I was wearing my old jeans, clogs, and a hoodie. It was a staple in my wardrobe, but as I looked around at the other girls, I felt…slightly…blah.
I found a spot on the couch, and Zach pulled up a chair across from the couch to face me. It was a nice gesture that made me instantly feel comfortable at this party. We began to talk about the surface level things- where I was from, what I was majoring in, things I enjoy, etc…
Then he asked me about my family. I told him I was the youngest of 3 kids; I had two older brothers. I asked him about his family, and he said that he was the oldest of 10 kids! Whoa! I remember being shocked, but at the same time, something stirred within me. You see, in 8th grade I convinced myself (somehow) that I was going to marry someone who was the oldest child in a big family. In High School, I dated a guy that was the oldest of 9 kids, and when that didn’t work out, I thought my quest for the ‘oldest child of large family’ was over. He talked about his family for a little while longer, and then he went into his room to show me a picture of his whole family. After I looked at the picture, I realized that two of the beautiful girls who were in the picture were also at the Chili Cook-Off. I think I made it through the whole night without meeting his sisters, but I was totally OK with that. They were older and pretty and one of them was tall! (Tall girls intimidate me.) Our conversation then turned to music. We shared some of our favorite bands and songs, and overall the conversation was very enjoyable! After about 30 minutes, I realized that he and I had been talking one-on-one without any notice of the 100+ people surrounding us. It just felt good.
About that time, one of Guy’s roommates joined our conversation, and I felt bad. I felt bad because for the first time I found myself more intrigued with a guy other than Guy. (maybe I should have chosen another name for him…)

TBC........

is anyone enjoying this??? or am i just retelling this sweet story to myself....


post signature

25 comments:

Laura Webb said...

I love it!! I didnt know you at this point, so it is all new to me!! I love a romance story!! I do remember you telling me about your engagement when I used to deliver your mail to your office!! Man the good ole days!!! I want to know how it ends!! And I don't know who "GUY" is?? I want to know it's killing me!!

Daniela said...

I love this story and I don't even know you. How does it end? Ok, I already know the ending, but this is way better than cracking a book. Can't wait for the next chapter. Ok, I really do love to read, but his is fun.

courtney said...

i don't even know you and i'm enjoying this story! continue on.... ;)

Hollie Reese said...

I am one of your "blog stalkers" and I am loving it! I can so see Zack doing all these things!

Anonymous said...

I am enjoying your story. I also enjoy your blog. You have sweet stories about your family. Keep up the good work on your blog!
Kim

katie and matt said...

I'm loving every minute of it!!! Please continue soon!!!

love, katie

Kate said...

I love hearing how the story unfolds! And I laughed out loud at the part about Zach sprinting up to you in Wal-Mart as he was timing himself to make it back to the register. Hilarious...and you always leave us with an ending that makes us want to read more!

Blake and Moriah said...

I love the story! Although, I am patiently waiting for my name to enter the story... It's sad, I know. I miss you!

Terah said...

Pha! I love it! I've never heard the Wal-Mart story in its entirety. I laughed so hard at the image of Zach sprinting around in tall socks and sandals. Hilarious! I remember that chili cook-off...I had no idea you were intimidated by me...I hope that didn't last long!

laura said...

love it! i do remember being in U100 with you and only knowing "surface-level Kara" if you know what i mean. And then years later, I heard you were getting married and I was like, what? i didn't know she was dating anyone! so this is fun.

JENNY said...

I love this! It's so fun to read. Can't wait for the next part.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
summer said...

Unlike Jason, I don't know about making extra cash, but I know I'm loving this story!!!

Anonymous said...

Kara,
I just randomly checked your blog today and found myself going back and reading all of the "How I Became A Sheets" series! Haha. I LOVE it. I wish I had a written copy of how every single one of my friends became a Mrs!

It is so sweet and fun and interesting to read what you were thinking. I was at that Chili Cookoff and didn't even know there was a blossoming romance between you two happening right then. You two are perfect together.
Erin Faubus

Kim said...

I'm listening. Go on...

Heather said...

Having known the Sheets family for over 20 years, I'm thoroughly enjoying how you came to join this wonderful family!

Wendi75 said...

I am also a Blog stalker of yours and am loving the story!!!! How sweet;) Your boys are adorable!

Staci said...

LOL! I love the Wal-Mart story!

Jen said...

well i was going to affirm that i love reading your stories but then i realized that 20 other people do too so i don't think my comment will have the same impact that i wanted it to.

Nicole said...

Are you kidding? I am loving EVERY moment of this stuff. You are a great writer, so I feel like I am right there with you. Keep 'em coming! :)

McKenzie said...

Loving the story!!! Keep telling...

JKMeeks said...

Kara, I think you and I could be great friends. We apparantly have the same sense of humor. And I love this story so please continue. It has inspired me to maybe tell mine! :) You know if Chloe were to marry Will or Levi- her middle name is Grace and we could say that she is going to "Grace the Sheets" AHH! Maybe this has gone to far!

Emily said...

I'm enjoying it! What a fun story!!