You Never Walk Alone

14

Tee had screamed thrice already. Why again did I have a brother who was such a gossip? I couldn't get a single story out without a gasp or a giggle.

“So why didn't you kiss Hanson then? I mean he's cute and nice and it's so obvious he likes you."

I stopped drying my hair in front of the mirror and turned to face my brother. “Likes me? Hanson likes me?"

“It's so obvious. While you were inhaling pancakes, Elliot and I looked so disgusted. Hanson looked at you like you were the most precious thing in the world. It was low-key creepy."

A blush crept up my cheek. Someone actually liked me. It was too good to be true. “You're kidding. You must've seen wrong. Go get another glasses prescription."

"Fine, believe me if you will.“ He got up from his air mattress and threw on the shirt he had laid aside." Hurry up with your mascara, were going to be late. “

" It's just lunch Tee. Why do we have to dress like we're from 1960 Spain. “

" That's called dressing up you fool. You and your 259 pairs of sweatpants won't get it. We're meeting an important client today.“

I rolled my eyes." Yes, you've told me that a hundred times already but we don't have to dress like that. “

" Dress to impress fool. Now hurry else we'll be late. It's rude to make others wait. “

I was surprised there was a huge line of people waiting to get into this restaurant. It was in the higher class part of town - the part where Jake lived - and man was I glad Tee pushed me to wear what I wore. I may have looked like Angelina Ballerina, but I looked like a pretty Ballerina dancing rat.

Tee did the most disrespectful thing by cutting the line and going up to the man in charge of the guest list. "Reservation for Theodore Thompson. “ A quick scan of the list and someone else was leading us to a booth located somewhat in the centre of the place.

Most of the lighting were dimly lit yellow lights to give it a romantic feel. If that didn't do it, the violin playing in the background or flowers on every table did." You told her your name is Theodore. I thought you're ashamed of it? “

" There are many things to be ashamed of and right now, using a name I hate to get a deal isn't in the top 20.“

A waiter came with two glasses of water and later with a bottle of champagne." I hope we're not paying for this? This bottle is half the mortgage on Theodore's house. “

" My client is. Left to me, we'd have gone to a 7/11 store and gotten microwave oven Mac and cheese. “

" Where are they anyways?. “

" Uh, over ... there. “

I crane my head to where Tee is pointing. A middle aged woman is walking up to us with a bright smile. So much for expecting a cold hearted woman.

" Hey. Theodore, nice to meet you again. And you've brought your girlfriend with you. “ She turned to me. " Hi, I'm Frida. I own Club Pristine.“

I took the hand she stretched out for me. It's quite warm. “Nice to meet you Frida, I'm Lisa and we're siblings. Not dating."

" Oh. I apologize for my mistake. Let's get down to business shall we?“

Tee went into business mode not long after Frida was seated, leaving me feeling like a moron. My opinion wasn't asked for anything so all I could do was wondering when the damn food was getting here.

“So, I'll see you on the signing day Theodore. It was nice meeting you Lisa. I'll see you soon. “ Tee smiled at her till she was completely out of our sight.

" So, do we go or what? I have no idea how business meetings work. “

" We order food. What do you want to eat. “

" I wouldn't recommend the popcorn shrimp though. “I raised my head from the menu in front of me and was surprised to see Hanson and Elliot standing there. They're all dressed up in fancy jackets and expensive shoes. Nothing new from their usual school attire.

" Oh hi guys. What are you doing here? “

Elliot decided to answer my question." Our parents have meetings here all the time. It's unfortunate we're being dragged into one of them. “

" It's boring I guess. That's how I felt when Tee was discussing business with Frida. Glad that's over. We were just about to order. “

Apparently Hanson still wasn't talking to me because he refused to look me in the eye even once. He excused himself and I took that as an opportunity to chase after him.

“Hanson. Hey, wait up." I almost tripped on the obnoxiously long tablecloth on the banquet table. I followed Hanson through the restaurant and out back. I didn't know I was suffocated till we were outside and my lungs received a fresh taste of oxygen.

“I don't think I understand why you're mad at me."

I could see guilt on the little ahole's face. He looked at me,the pavement then at me again. “I felt guilty okay?"

“Guilty?" I stammered. “Why on earth did you feel so guilty you couldn't talk to me?"

“The party. Your stupid dare to kiss me. I didn't want you think I was in cahoots with Jake. That's why I didn't try to save your face."

My cheeks heated and I had global warming to blame for that. “You were actually thinking about that? And here was I hoping you didn't think I was in cahoots with Jake."

“So we can only say Jake is the demented mastermind in charge of this?"

I smiled and I didn't look stupid because Hanson was smiling too. “Random as hell but can I hug you." I was nervous as I slowly spread out my hands. What if I hugged him wrong? Imagine he wasn't satisfied with the way I hugged him. Drowning all my doubts, I hugged Hanson. And yes, he smelt so insanely good.

“You look very beautiful today. It's not your usual style but it fits you." His face wass inches away from mine. A little craning of either's neck and we'd be kissing. Unfortunately, neither of us could pucker up because my stupid brother and Elliot interrupted us.

“We want to watch a movie. Save the smooching for later." Who is more bashful? Hanson or me? He looked cute being shy and everything. I didn't. I looked like a hen.

***

We arrived at the theatre and in that moment I realized it was a spontaneous decision. They had zero ideas of which movies were airing it even what they wanted to watch.

“How many times will we watch a robot's film? I'm sick of it." If there was anything I was sick of, it was their back and forth. I decided to walk a bit to clear myself from all the toxicity. I bumped into someone and just my fricken luck.

" Fetus. What's up with you. “ Jake had in his hand a large tub of popcorn, a huge bottle of soda and what I was pretty sure was gin. I just couldn't prove it.

" I should be asking you that. What's with all the food? One will think you want to live in there. “

Jake rolled his eyes a bit. “It's a PowerPuff marathon. I'm gonna come out for refills. Who are you with?"

I could sense his question was answered when he saw the three boys arguing over what to watch. Again, I must've been misinterpreting his facial expressions.

“I have to get seated. Bye."

“B-" He ran into the theatre before I get a word out. I shook my head and went back to the boys. In the end, we watched The Conjuring.