The Prince and the Frog

The Patio Swing

Peter:

"Does that make her my tia too?" Alex had asked me. I did not like the sound of Lynn being called tia, because I did not consider her a sister. Especially considering that she meant much more to me once upon a time. But I couldn't explain that to my 7 year old daughter now could I?

"Uhmm I'm not sure Ally, maybe if y'all got to know each other more and miss Lynn is okay with it then you can ask her." I answered, feeling really uncomfortable.

I stood up straight as I heard someone snicker besides me.

"Ah look who's back with a band-aid already," said Lupe.

Lynn was back with a few band-aids and an ice pack in her hand, but she wasn't looking at me she was focused on Ally. "My mom has a few different sizes so I thought you might wanna pick?" She got down on her knee's so she was eye level with Ally. "I also got you an ice pack so it can keep from swelling up," she said to my daughter smiling.

Alex smiled brightly as she observed which band-aid she wanted, once she picked one out Lynn quickly put it on her knee and handed her the ice pack. "I think you'll survive, just keep the ice pack on and you'll be running around in no time." Lynn said getting off her knees, standing straight.

I was so amazed by Lynn, but I quickly snapped out of it "What do you say to miss Lynn, Ally?

"Thank you miss Lynn!" she said smiling at her.

"You are welcome Ally Cat."

Ally Cat? Lynn gave her a personal nickname, she says she likes giving people nicknames no one else can use. I could not help smile at the thought of my daughter having a special nickname only between her and Lynn. 

"Well Alexandra lets go inside and find your brother so we can get some of Lynn's birthday cake," suggested Lupe grabbing Alex's hand. 

Alex waved to us and quickly left with Lupe leaving Lynn and I alone. It again became awkward, I began shifting from side to side. Lynn was the first to speak between the both of us "Wanna sit down on the patio swing?" 

Answering quickly I said. "Yes that would be great."

Lynn led us towards the swing and sat down while taking a swing of her beer I did not notice her carrying. Sitting down next to her brought back so many memories. Hearing her sighed I looked over to her, she was staring straight ahead looking at her family. "Do you remember the first time we sat here?" she asked while still looking ahead.

"How could I forget?" I answered. She may think I forgot but I remember everything about her.

*****

FLASHBACK:

Peter:

"Chipmunk what are you doing here?" asked Lynn using her private nickname for me. 

I had come over to her house wanting to talk to her parents. Lynn was already in 6th grade and I just started 7th and ever since I saw her on the first day of summer we became attached at the hips. I made all types of excuses to come to her parents house all summer. It was obvious Lynn felt the same feelings I was having for her. Today I wanted to ask her parents something important, I respected them too much not to ask them what I was about to.

"Umm I'm just here to talk to your parents real quick." I answered her quickly. 

Looking at me questionably she asked "Why?"

"Just need to talk to them about something." I responded. I really wanted to stay and just talk to her, but I reminded myself that I needed to do this. I've waited all summer for this, I'd waited until she started school, I'd waited until she turned 12 just a few weeks ago. It was time.

Walking past her into the house I saw her parents and Celeste sitting in the living room watching tv. Great they are already here waiting like I asked. 

"Lynn go outside and watch Sabrina for a for minutes while we talk to Peter," George Lynn's step dad said.

Lynn gave us all a curious look but obeyed.

"Well Peter what did you want to talk about?" asked Carmen with little bit of concern in her voice.

This was it, no going back. "I would like asked your permission to please date Lynn?" I asked quickly looking at the ground.

I was scared to look at them, everyone kept telling me we were to young, that she was too young but the way I felt about Lynn felt like a lot more than a crush. Forcing myself to look back at the people I myself considered parents I saw them smiling at me. 

"Good luck, she is a handful." Laughed George.

"Hopefully you can deal with it mijo." Carmen stated agreeing with her husband. 

Yes! Two down and one to go. Celeste was my best friend and she meant a lot to me, if she was to tell me no then I would walk away. It would hurt but I would not have Celeste upset with me and ruining our friendship. Looking nervously at Celeste I forced myself to keep eye contact with her. She was staring at me with no expression, "I don't care, do what you want to do Pete. Just don't hurt my sister." She answered flatly before her and her parents went back to watching TV.

Great they all gave me there blessings, now I just needed to ask Lynn.