*[ ] Indicate Spanish is being spoken *

We arrive at the shop and order our froyos. Caitlin got her abomination while I got a simple strawberry one. We grab a seat as we wait. Our conversations flowed with ease, it was like we’d known each other for years. 

“Wait, so like, you know how to speak Spanish??” Caitlin awes, leaning her chin on her hand. 

“I understand it more, it’s a little difficult to speak it for me,” I tell her with a smile as she’s still struck. 

“I mean, it’s still amazing. And you’ve only been friends with Mateo for five years you said?” She hums, as I nod to her question. 

“Wait-wait, so tell me what I’m saying to you,” she continues, “[I’m having a lot of fun on this date.]” 

I redden at her words, clearing my throat, “[I’m having fun, too]” I watch as her smile widens, but she covers her face with her hands. 

“Kian, you’re killing me. That was so cute,” Caitlin confesses. I’m flustered over how bold she is! I don’t mind it at all, but it’s catching me off guard. I’m not used to compliments like this…

All I can do is smile with my cheeks aflame when our froyos arrive. We both dig in, Caitlin makes me try the mint and chocolate combination and as expected, I didn’t like it. It's just…no, I can't have it mixed.  

We chatted some more when suddenly my phone vibrated.  I look to see it’s…Mom? 

“Hello?” 

“Kian? I need you home this instant,” she exclaims. 

“What? What happened?” I ask, lowering my voice. 

“We’re going to your grandma’s for Thanksgiving, it was planned last second so we need to leave by 4,” Mom explains. I look to see it’s almost 3. 

“Okay, but I’m in the city right now, it’s going to take me–” 

“I don’t care. I just need you home and ready by 4,” she huffs and hangs up the phone. I look at my phone, dumbfounded. 

“Is everything alright?” Caitlin asks, cutting my train of thought. I look up at her realizing I have to cut this date short. Crap. 

“...Um, something came up. I’m really sorry,” I hesitate, I notice her expression slowly soften. 

“Oh…it’s alright, should we get going now?” She says, getting up from her seat. I nod, the rest of the way back home was awkward. I mean, she just told me she was having fun on this date and I suddenly cut it short? It’s a dick move! 

We get off the bus stop and walk home. Sometime during the walk, I grab her hand. 

“I’m really sorry, I know it’s happened twice already–” 

“Don’t worry about it, Kian,” she cuts in, “We still had fun, right?” I get a sense of relief, however, I don’t think she’s being truthful. 

“I’ll make it up to you,” I smile when we reach her house. 

“Thanks for walking me home….and I’ll take you up on that offer,” she smirks. She lets go of my hand, only to run it up my face. Our eyes lock, and I hold my breath knowing exactly what’s to come. She gets on her tippy toes which makes me chuckle. 

“Oh, shut up! Do you want me to kiss you or not?” She scowls. 

I put a hand around her waist, whispering, “Definitely.” As I anticipate the kiss, she swiftly kisses my cheek.

She pulls away and coys, “Gotta earn the rest, lover boy.” I watch as she walks to her house. I’m, once again, a new shade of scarlet. The only thought running through my head is “Holy fucking shit”. 

***

“You’re late–” 

“I told you, I was in the city. I was going to be late no matter what,” I scowl at Mom. She shoots me a glare.

“Pack your clothes for the night and fix your attitude, you hear me?” Mom orders harshly. I click my tongue as I’m already heading to my room. 

“I said “you hear me” ?!”  She shouts from downstairs. 

“Yes, I heard you,” I tell her with my teeth gritting. I don’t understand why she’s so pissed, it’s not my fault this was planned last minute! I grab a small suitcase from my closet and throw all the stuff I need. It’s for one night, I won’t need much. While packing, I heard a knock at the door. 

“What?” I huff, I don’t need to hear more of Mom scolding me.

“Am I coming in at a bad time?” Dad hums. I quickly open the door, 

“Sorry, I thought you were Mom,” I tell him.

He ruffles my hair. “Ah, so that’s what all the commotion was about earlier,” he chuckles. I roll my eyes as Dad takes my suitcase. “Let’s get going before your Mom gets angrier.” 

I groan, “Why are we even going to this dinner?” 

“Your grandma insisted, and it’s been a while since we’ve been together for dinner,” he explains. I can’t argue with his reason but I don’t get along with anyone on Dad’s side. They are all older than me! I only get along with Nana! Man, I can’t believe I cut the date with Caitlin short to have dinner with family I barely know! Yay me...