The Bet {Editing}

Chapter 18-Old Friend

~Ross

Laura and I haven't really talked about the kiss. But let me tell you. It was AWKWARD when Ryland told our mom about the kiss.

My mom promised me not to tell my dad and Laura's parents as long as we don't do something like that again.

I agreed with it. I didn't really want to. But Laura's dad would probably kill me if we told him, and I don't want to die...

I lay in my bed throwing my basketball up in the air and catching it. I sit up to the sound of knocking at my door. My heart started to beat fast. A part of me wanted it to be Laura but the other part was nervous if it was Laura.

"Come on in." I hold onto my basketball tightly. "Hey Ross, your mom wants you downstairs in a few minutes. It's your turn to do the dishes." Laura's mom, Ellen tells me with her hand still on the doorknob.

I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding. "Alright Mrs. Marano." I nod and set my basketball down in the floor.

"Before you go downstairs, can I speak with you for a moment?" She asks. "Sure thing Mrs. Marano." I scoot over patting the spot next to me.

She closes my door and sits next to me. "So what's up Mrs. M." I try to say as politely as I can.

"It's about Laura." She looks at me. "What's wrong? Is she okay? Is she sick? I'll-" I start to stand up until she grabs my shoulder and sits me back down.

"She's fine." She takes her hand of my shoulder. "It's just..." She sighs. "She's on anti-depressions." She finally tells me.

"Ever since that argument with her sister she's hasn't been the same. She use to be the one to cheer me and her father up. Now we have to cheer her up." She says concerned.

"Not to sound rude. But what does this have to do with me?" I ask. "I know you like her."

I gulp. Am I that obvious? "Y-you do?" I stutter.

"Yes and I trust you with my daughter. Even knowing your past. I know you'll take care of her." She compliments me.

"You know about my past?" I question. "Laura use to talk about you, how you use to annoy her." She shrugs.

That hurt. "Oh." I look away. "So how did you know I like Laura?" I tilt my head.

"The way you look at her. It's the same way Damiano looks at me." She stands up.

"Oh and don't worry, she likes you too." She smiles and leaves.

I lay back down on my bed with my hands on my face. She has to like me if she kissed back, right?

I wipe my face and head downstairs to clean.

~Laura

I'm currently downstairs in the living room with Rydel, we're watching 'Criminal Minds' episodes.

"Rydel come and help me make some dessert." Stormie comes in. "Ugggghhh..." She groans. "Do I have to?' Rydel asks.

"I-I'll help Mrs. Lynch." I raise my hand and stand up. "Are you sure?" She asks. "I don't see why not." I shrug.

"Alright dear." Stormie smiles at me with me returning the smile.

When I walk in the kitchen I immediately regret it. Ross and I have an awkward glance at each other and quickly look away.

"So what are we making?" I ask Stormie. "Chocolate, chocolate chip cookies." She smiles. "Cookies!' I scream.

Ross and Stormie look at me funny. "Ugh, I mean, that's cool." I try to play it off cool.