The breakup did a lot to me, mentally and physically. I felt horrible non-stop for the first six hours-even though I spent them with Ike watching comedies. The next morning, after our video fest, I was almost certain that I was over Brian-at least mentally. My body didn't agree, however. My energy was practically non-existent and I was experiencing the deepest low of my life. There was no way I was going to be able to survive an aquarium trip with the "little innocent Zac Hanson."
Mom agreed with me. "Sweetheart, I know how you feel. If you don't want to go, don't. I'm sure Keely and Taylor could use a chaperone."
Yuck. I didn't want any of that. "Yeah. That sounds okay." Stupid Annie! Ike must have heard our conversation because he chimed right in.
"I'm doing some light shopping for Mom. Annie is welcome to go with me and unwind."
"Thank you, Isaac. Always so thoughtful. Annie?" My mom looked at me.
"I'd love it. Please."
"All right. It's settled then." My mom bustled off.
I turned to Ike. "Thank you, kind noble sir."
"‘Twas nothing, milady." He bowed and kissed my hand. We processed, arm in arm to his car. "Your seat, your highness." He opened the car door and helped me in.
"Thank you, Lancelot."
"God save good Queen Guinevere!"
I giggled. As we sped off, I turned to him. "So, exactly where are we shopping?"
"I don't know."
"Well, what does your mother require, good sir?"
"Nothing. I lied."
"Oh. Well, where are we going?"
"Anywhere you can get a decent swimsuit."
My gaze spun quickly upon him. "What's wrong with the one I've got now?"
"Normal girls don't wear mirrored swimsuits, that's all."
"Oh, I see. Well, I'll have to go nude then." I grinned.
"Suits me just fine. I wouldn't mind."
I giggled. "You pervert! Fine, fine. The first cheap place you see."
He pulled into the parking lot of a gargantuan "WINGS" superstore. I entered the store with trepidation, almost afraid of what I would see. Ike took immediately to looking for "the perfect swimsuit" for me. I eyed the selections of whole pieces. I grabbed a shiny brown speedo suit off the rack. I entered the dressing room cautiously. When I had the suit on, I stepped out where everyone could see me. Ike frowned.
"What?" I asked.
"Too plain." He handed me three bikinis. I took them reluctantly. My grimace must have said it all because the saleslady whispered, "Hey, honey, listen to the boy. When you've got it, flaunt it." I rolled my eyes and grabbed the hunter green suit.
When I finally put it on, I loved the way it looked on me. The dark green set off my tan and made my hair look reddish. I pulled my hair out of its messy ponytail and shook it out so that it fell in waves over my shoulders and back. I stepped out hesitantly. I was greeted by a shrill whistle. "Damn baby. Work it!" It was a beer-fed hick. The man looked to be about 46 and his confederate flag t-shirt clued me in to his obvious lack of intelligence. I glared at him. He withered and left. I looked around, but didn't see Ike, so I went back to change.
He was waiting when I came out. "I got you something."
I blushed. "Really? Me?"
"Uh huh." He pulled out two t-shirts and a hermit crab cage. He handed me the crab. He unfolded the t-shirt he had gotten for me. I tried to keep from throwing it away. Scrawled across the front in huge pink letters was "Not only am I perfect, but I'm blonde, too!" Then he showed me his, which read, "It's a black thing. You wouldn't understand." I burst out laughing. "Hey! They were three for a dollar! How could I resist?"
"Yeah. Sure." I said. I got in line to purchase the swimsuit. I was at the register when I heard, "Hey Annie! Is it me?" I died when I saw Ike in a fuzzy purple bikini. I bit my lip as a saleswoman came up to him and asked him to leave.
A little embarrassed, he led me to the car. He waited until we were almost home before he said anything. "I'm sorry if I embarrassed you."
"No! Don't worry! I'm completely comfortable with your secret life as a drag queen. It's cool." He laughed. "Besides, it was more fun than I've had in a long time. Thanks." Ike merely nodded, then he smiled. We rode the rest of the way home in silence.

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