Living the Future

Chapter 49 - Getting to know you.

I sat in the meeting room anxiously waiting. My leg bouncing and my arms crossed. I took a few deep breaths and the door opened. Henry sat across from me and both our dads sat at each end of the table.

“Let’s see, who wants to start?” My dad said.

“I’ll start.” Henry said and straighten up in his chair. “First I want to apologize Josh. I think something in me snapped and I became fed up. It was a poor way to prove anything.” Henry said and I continued to take deep breaths. There was silence again.

“I think, you should be apologizing to Daisy.” I said as calmly as I could.

“And I promise you I will do that.” He said and I looked at him. There was silence again.

“Ok, what else would you like to say? Josh perhaps?” Uncle James said.

“I don’t have anything to say.” I said and both our dads sighed.

“Josh, what did you say in my office a moment ago?” My dad said and I shook my head.

“Josh I want us to be friends remember? Let’s get everything out in the open. I’m not sure if you’re trying to protect my feelings or hide your own from everyone.” Henry said and I only focused on how he wanted to be friends.

“Friends don’t kiss each other girlfriends!” I blurted out and Henry’s expression became surprised.

“There you have it son! They are a couple indeed.” My uncle James said.

“Josh if you had told me, I wouldn’t have done what I did.” Henry said sounding more apologetic.

“Why does anyone need to know!? Why does everyone care about my personal life!?” I was starting to get upset and I covered my face. I focused on my breathing.

“People care about you and want to get to know you son.” My dad said.

“There’s nothing to know!” I said through my hands.

“How about you boys use this trip to the college to get to know each other better?” My uncle James said.

“Fabulous idea.” Henry said and I sighed.

“I guess.” I said dropping my hands.

“Now then, does anyone have anything else to add?” My dad said.

“Are you going to give up now?” I asked Henry and he looked deep in thought.

“Well you aren’t mate bonded yet, so maybe there’s still hope.” Henry laughed.

“Henry we talked about this.” Uncle James said in a almost fed up whine. I scoffed and got up.

“Where are you going?” My dad asked.

“To my room to cool off?” I said and he shook his head.

“Sit.” He said and I obliged.

“Now let’s have a nice conversation that doesn’t include tension.” My uncle James said.

“Sounds great!” Henry said with a smile.

“If we have to.” I said and we stared at each other.

“Ok, let’s think of a topic?” My dad said at a loss.

“What’s your favorite food?” My dad shrugged and I rolled my eyes. Henry started talking and I didn’t listen to a single word.

“And you Josh?” He said.

“I don’t know, pizza I guess.” I said as a generic food people often say is their favorite.

“Any kind of toppings?” Henry said trying to elaborate.

“I like pepperoni.” I said and we stared at each other.

“I feel like talking about pizza shouldn’t have this much tension.” Henry said and I sighed.

“Because it’s a stupid topic. Listen, once I cool off, Maybe I will feel more open to talking.” I said and Henry nodded.

“Maybe tonight we can do something together?” Henry said and I shook my head.

“I’m going to Daisy’s for dinner. Aunt Maddie invited me.” I said.

“You didn’t tell me about that. Did you tell your mom?” My dad said.

“Uncle Dec just asked me before Henry kissed Daisy. So I didn’t get a chance.” I said.

“Alright then, let’s shoot for tomorrow then!” Henry said hopeful.

“Fine.” I said and he clapped his hands together.

“Alright! We’ll talk more about it tomorrow?” Henry asked and I nodded.

“Alright kids, let’s go to the dining room and have a late lunch.” Uncle James said. We all got up and made our way to the dining room. I really didn’t want to eat and just wanted to go to my room and relax now. Once in the dining room, we noticed our moms and Barion sitting there.

“Everything good now?” My mom asked.

“Yes, they’re going to try harder to get to know each other.” My dad said kissing my mom and going to his seat. Uncle James sat next to Hermia and kissed her cheek.

“We are going to have a guys night tomorrow.” Henry said.

“Sounds fun. Can I come?” Barion smiled.

“Sure, we can invite Liam aswell!” Henry said and Barion nodded.

“Sounds perfect! His mom is already driving him crazy.” Barion said as I sighed.

“Please don’t tell me you’re going to invite our dads next?” I asked.

“If they want to come, the more the merrier.” Henry said.

“But aren’t we trying to get to know each other? Not everyone.” I said and Henry nodded.

“Ok, just Barion and Liam.” Henry smiled.

“Alright, I guess I agree.” I said as the food was brought out.

“This will be fun Josh! Just wait and see.” Barion said with a smile.