But I Can't Lose Her

what comes then - 12

when it's clear that everything will never be the same again - anna, frozen

It's been a few days since me and Michael made up. Mom was grateful for it, although she was still upset about my outburst. I apologized to her that night, hugging her from behind outside, while she was watching the sunset.

"I'm sorry for being short with you earlier." I sigh, my chin resting on her sun-warm shoulder.

"It's okay." She reaches behind her and scratches my head with her nails. "I just want to make sure you're okay," she says, and I nod.

That was the extent of that apology.

She was happy when she noticed the shift between me and Michael when we started to talk again. It's as if the house of cards were glued together, unable to fall. And it was only a day of us fighting, but we all knew that was a big deal since we only got in little, stupid spats normally.

"So, Kyleigh." Mom looks up to me over the dining table during lunch as I raise a brow at her. "When are we inviting Brody over to meet everyone?"

I steal a glance at Michael on my left. His head is whipped up, staring straight at mom in disbelief. My face feels flushed as I think of the idea, and I try to steady my breathing.

"Um, I don't know, Mom. I didn't know you wanted him to come over." I give her another look.

I love my mom, but she doesn't always know what conversations to have and with who. She thinks we should all be an open book, always saying whatever comes to our mind. That's why she tried to have a sex talk with us all when Becca got into seventh grade, since she was starting to learn about it. Let's just say that was a meal I could not finish.

"Well, I think we should." She shrugs, eating her grilled chicken simply. I look at her with wide eyes like 'What the hell, Mom?' but she just gives me a look of confusion.

"Yeah, maybe that would be a good idea." Michael speaking surprises me. First off, his voice is steady, not projecting any anger. Second off, he seems like he really just wants to meet him.

"Maybe." I shrug, distracting myself from the conversation with the spicy chicken.

"How about tonight for dinner? We can all meet and go out for dinner," she offers, and that thought further lurches my stomach. At least if we had it here, I could take him away from the conversation casually, but it would be more tough being out somewhere I don't know.

"Well, I don't know if he's gonna be free," I say, clearing my throat and looking over to uncle J and aunt Maxi. They both look like they're trying to back up my mom, but I can still see they obviously understand I don't want this happening in front of the whole family.

"That would be nice." Aunt Maxi nods, wanting mom to know she's not stepping over their boundaries.

"Yeah, I would want to meet the boy as well," uncle J speaks up, and I sigh. Not only do I have to deal with Michael's approval, but now Uncle J's?

"Okay, I guess I'll ask him then." Every sentence I've been speaking has practically been a question.

"Good." Mom smiles at me like she's helped so much and I smile back, even though it's forced.

Lunch ends with only the three adults talking, deciding where to go to dinner. I remind them again, more so mom, that he might be busy. Oh, God, please be busy.

I slip into my room, going into my phone to find Brody's contact in my messages. For a moment I debate on not asking him at all and just saying he's busy, but then I know my mom will just insist for another night.