Arriving at the movie theater. I see Mel waiting outside. She looks over at me with a huge smile

“Hey, you made it! The guys are inside playing at the arcade” Mel says pointing behind her.

“Mhmm- okay. Then let’s get inside,” I say looking around

I follow Mel inside; She pays for our tickets and buys me a few snacks. We played at the arcade for what felt like an hour and headed over to watch the movie.

“Hey, do you mind if I sit next to you? Hade sleeps through movies,” Mel says arching her back to not disturb those behind us.

“If you want,” I say, regretting it later.

An hour and a half into the movie, Mel would not stop taking glances at me. Which was starting to make me uncomfortable. I got up and made my way to the bathroom to escape.

Another hour passes: I left the bathroom and called Stella since mom is at work to pick me up. While waiting I hear people coming out of the movie theater talking about the different movies they have just watched. I guess the movies are over.

“Hey, Gin! Are you okay? You never came back,” Mel spotting me sitting on the curb outside

“Yeah, my stomach hurts. Ima just head home. Thanks for the invite,” I say faking my illness.

“Okay, do you want me to come with you? I don’t want you to get hurt or anything,” Mel bending down in concern for me.

She just never stops!

“Ugh… no. I just need to go now. Plus, I already called my mom,” I insist, getting up from the curb.

“Gin! I’m here” Stella calls out to me from the car window.

“Well, that’s my ride- Bye!” I say with an instant burst of energy running to the car. Thank god, she got here just in time.

“Oh, um bye,” Mel says standing there awkwardly.

Hopping into Stella’s car, Stella shocks her head watching me buckle up.

“Sir you owe me,” Stella says, raising her eyebrow.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. I just really needed to leave,” I say looking out the window

“Was it that bad?” Stella says driving away from the theater.

“Yeah- Ummm... how’s Grace?” I say not making eye contact

She glances over grinning, “She’s fine. I told her I was picking you up. Soo … I’m guessing she’s waiting for us at home” Stella winks

“What about her boyfriend?” I say trying to hide the jealousness in my voice.

“Don’t worry about him. To me, he’s temporary until she figures out her feelings for you” Stella says laughing

I blushed to a tomato. I can’t even feel my face! “What?! I- Who-” I say flustered

“Sweetheart, I love you the both of you guys and I mean, what do the kids say nowadays ‘I ship it!’” Stella says patting my back with one hand and steering with the other.

“Oh, my goodness!” I say bearing my face in my hands.

Stella laughs “Awe sooo cute!”

With my face still hot and red, Stella makes a few turns and We arrive at their home.

“Are you coming in to say ‘hi’ or going home?” Stella says parking the car in their garage.

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“I think I’m just going to go home. Thank you for picking me up” I say grabbing my things and unbuckling my seat belt.

“Anytime sweetheart, do not forget what we talked about. You go and fight for what you want. I’m rooting for you. Plus, you all are seniors and I do not know where she wants to go or where you want to go. I do not want you guys to miss any chances” Stella gives a gentle smile both sad and warm.

“Thanks, but it’s easier said than done” I state in heartache. Stepping out of the car, waiting and watching Stella getting out.

“True but that’s up to you. Goodnight dear!” Stella says before heading to her door.

“Goodnight,” I say turning towards home.

Walking home I start thinking hard about Stella’s words. It is true I don’t want to miss this opportunity, but I don’t mind where we are in our relationship right now. Right?

-----

Morning rises, and I have not had an inch of sleep. I have been pondering over Stella’s words and clearing my thoughts on what to do next. Grace will hate me if I try to sabotage her current relationship.

“Morning Gin! I just made breakfast. You will have to make your own lunch though. I just got back from an insane night. I’ll tell you about it when you get home. Love you, Ima sleep” Mom yells from my door.

“Okay, Love you too” I yelled back

After breakfast, I lock the front door and make my way to school.

“Hey, Gin!”

My heart skips a beat, stopping in my tracks. I know exactly who that voice belongs to.

“Hey, Grace,” I say, feeling a little bit excited.

I turn around to wave but once I turn, I regret even turning. I take in a deep breath “Hello, you must be the boyfriend” I say looking away.

“Oh, Gin stop I told you about him,” Grace says trying to liven up the atmosphere.

“Hey” Brad says with an awkward silence that follows

“Okay… nice to meet you but we are probably going to be late for school. Ummm… I’ll run ahead. See ya,” I say darting in embarrassment.

Grace's face changes into a frown. Mhmm… I can’t help but want to comfort her, but it is not my place, right?

“Okay, umm… bye,” Grace says

“Yeah,” Brad says, rolling his eyes.

Without looking back, I continue my jog. My heart aches the farther I’m away from her. I cannot change who she is interested in but only admire from a safe distance.

-----

School ends with another painful day passing.

I arrive home, finding mom in the kitchen.

“Hey? No work today?” I question, slowly placing my backpack on the kitchen table, looking around at the mess that has been made in the kitchen.

“Nope! Today is a free day!! Stella and I planned a family dinner,” Mom says, shaking her hips to a beat I can’t hear.

“Mom we aren’t their family, you can’t keep calling those dinners family dinners,” I say grabbing a broom from the hall closet.

“Boy, go get change. I’m almost done with the Mac and Cheese then we'll head over,” Mom insisted, taking the broom out of my hand and pushing me towards my room.

Stella and Mom act like long-lost sisters. Sure, we have been neighbors for years, but man there’s no separating them, they’ll find any excuse to hang out with each other. Truth be told I don’t mind. I don’t enjoy the family aspect of it.

Taking off my shirt I find cheese shuck to the back of it. Thanks, Mom! After changing into a T-shirt and jeans, Mom’s voice echoes the house.

“Gin! Come help me carry this over,” mom yells from the kitchen.

“I’m coming! I’m coming!” I echo back, struggling to put on my shoes.

Once we walk outside, I begin to feel butterflies in my stomach, I have not talked to Grace since this morning. I’m nervous!

“Mom, can we skip just today?” I whine shifting my weight from side to side.

“Boy, you know damn well my off days are not easy to come by. Keep walking! Stop wasting my time,” Mom growls at me.

“Ugh...” My butterflies start getting intense. Ugh... I feel the urge to vomit. We walk through Grace's family’s front door.

“Hey, we’re in the kitchen. Dinner is almost done” Stella shouts

“That’s fine. We brought Mac and Cheese” Mom says ushering me towards the kitchen.

Looking around, I don’t see Grace. Usually, she’s helping her mom. Is she in her room?