Roofs, Rain, and Stolen Shirts

Chapter 2- What are Friends for?

I got out of my test with results of perfection.

I don't believe it. All I could think about was that guy, not road safety, I wonder if mom liked him.

I walked back into the lobby to find he was missing and mom was reading on her kindle. I guess I'll just have to ask her.

"How'd it go?"

"Oh it was fine. I passed so now I can drive by myself!"

We walked out to the car and I tossed the keys over. "You want me to drive?" My mother questioned.

"Ugh, I'm tired of driving for the moment."

We got into the car and mom turned toward McDonalds. Ordering a Filet-O-Fish with a sweet tea. "For your driving success!" She did know what I liked, and it was great since it was about lunchtime.

"Thanks, so... Who was that guy you were talking to earlier?" She had her thinking face on before she had her moment of realization.

"Oh! Him? He was so nice and such a gentleman, and he just started talking to me. Asking how my day was going..."

"Mooommmmm..."

"He even asked about you too and-"

"Wait, what! He asked about me?"

"Yeah, he wanted to know if I knew you since you looked back at me. Do you like him?"

I got caught off guard by her sudden question. "Like him? Whhaaatt?"

She chuckled at that. "I guess you're lucky he asked for my phone number. I think his exact words were, 'I loved talking with you Miss Kapner. Would you mind giving me your phone number so I can talk to you again and meet your family'."

I was shaking with laughter because of the ridiculous voice she used. "First off, did he really sound like that? Second, did you give him your number?"

"Okay, he may not have sounded like that but, hey, give me credit. I did give him my number and I have his too."

"Mom that's amazing! I love you so much!"

"Do you want me to call him?"

"Are you crazy! You can't right now!"

We drove home in silence because I was stuffing my face with fish and salty fries. God I was starving!

When we got home I said my quick hellos to the family and threw away my trash. Making a quick explanation that I was going to hang out with Al and Beth.

I went out the door and ran down the road about half a mile to Al's house.

I don't normally run but I need to talk to him. He's the athletic one, plays basketball.

Anyways, I knocked on his door and, to my surprise, he answered himself.

"Hey Steph, what are you doing here?"

"Hey, I need to talk," I looked in the doorway and saw his mom. "Is it okay if I take Al, Miss Darcley?"

"Of course sweetie, just have him back by supper!"

"Will do! Come on Al, let's go get Beth."

We ran to Beth's house which was just down the road from Al's. I proceeded to knock on her door and her mom opened it.

"Well hey Stephanie, Altair. Are you here for Beth?"

"Yes please, if you don't mind we take her for a little bit."

"Oh its fine, I'll get her. You can come inside if you want."

"Thank you."

Me and Al walked inside of the Stersans house. A few seconds later Miss Stersan and Beth came out.

"Hey guys, are we going for a walk?"

"Yeah, I need to talk with you both."

"Okay Steph, let's go then."

We proceeded to walk until we got to a grassy hill a little away from Altair's place.

"So Stephanie, what did you drag us out here for?" Al always just went out with his questions. I loved that about him.

"Well..." I told them about the whole story of seeing that guy when I went to get my license. "Anyways, I think I might like him."

"Oh that's so cute! Love at first glance!" Beth was like me and into all those love and romance stories. Al didn't seem so amused though.

"Why did you bring me into this? You should have just had your girl talk with Beth!"

"Because Al, I need you by my side as well since you're my best friend."

"Okay, so why did you tell us all this? Do you want advice, concerns, what?"

"Just advice. My mom has his number and she's going to invite him over sometime soon and I'm freaking out!" I could barely breathe just thinking about it! No, seriously. I think I'm hyperventilating.

Al and Beth were on either side of me. Beth was holding my one hand and rubbing my back, while Al held my other hand and attempted to calm me down with words.

Eventually I did.

"Thanks guys."

"Sure thing." They said almost at the same time.

We laid in the grass for awhile longer before Beth walked back home.

"See you guys later!"

"Bye!"

Al turned to me. "Its pretty late, you better get back home now."

I checked my phone and realized it was almost 7 o clock. "My God! Do you think I could crash at your place tonight? I can text my mom."

"Yeah, I'm sure my mom wont mind. Let's go."

We walked to his house in silence.

When we walked inside we were greeted by Al's older brother Devon.

"Hey little bro bro, hey Stephanie."

"Hi Devon!" I greeted.

"Hey, wheres mom?"

"I'm right here Altair, what do you need?"

"Is it okay if Stephanie stays here tonight since its already dark out?"

"Of course. Its homemade tuna caserole." Man I loved Miss Darcleys cooking!

"Its like you already knew I was staying Miss Darcley, you know I love your tuna casserole."

We went into the kitchen and had an almost peaceful supper until Devon tried to steal Al's food. In which they engaged in a fork battle.

When it was time to settle into bed I was almost forced to take Al's room, even though I insisted upon sleeping on the couch. "Your sleeping in my room and that's final Steph!"

"Fine, fine. I give up!"