HIM

CHAPTER 33

I got home and I must admit I couldn't stop smiling at least. Because it's pretty  hard to do that after you've kissed the guy you like, and good thing he likes you back.
I just hoped no one would notice that smile wasn't supposed to be there. Not that it was a bad thing but just that it was a deep smile if anything to go by.
"Look who's here with us tonight Linn," those were Grandma's first words just as I stepped inside the house.
Oh my! It was little Joseph all wrapped up in the embrace of a warm blanket in the couch. He wasn't sleeping because he immediately sprang up and ran to me as soon as he saw me I think.
Maybe it's time I told my Mom I needed a baby sister or brother. But we all know that was impossible at the moment.
"Hello tiny man," I said to him lifting him up high before putting him down.
He just laughed without saying a word. But that felt good. I got the feeling that maybe I should be a Mom soon.
Oh God! I hope you didn't hear me say that.
Grandma told me he'd be there for the night because Joy had to be taken to the hospital, she got sick again.
"That's sad. Is Cindy coming here too?" I asked.
"Am not sure. When her Mum left, she wasn't back from school yet."
"Mind if I go check on her please?"
"Go my child, she shouldn't be lonely."

I changed into my Grey sweatpants and a blue top and my sweater then rushed out. It was just strange how big houses had a lot of hidden challenges.
I always thought that not having my father around was the worst thing, but Cindy's family made me feel like, maybe I was just okay. Not that I didn't need to be loved by my own father, but at least there wasn't a sick child in the house who'd always cause everyone to worry every single day.
And honestly speaking, my life felt better: my father wanted to see me, my mom was OK, and just maybe I had a boyfriend. Thing is, we hadn't defined what happened yet. Because we practically kissed and said nothing about it afterwards. We just walked home with me smiling all over my face, and him just keeping a really cool face.
Do you think that's a bad thing maybe?

I thought I saw two people talking outside the gate; Cindy's home gate. And as far as my eyes could see, it appeared to be a boy and a girl. Then something else struck me, the bicycle!
You remember that night I was off to a sleepover?
Yes, that must be him. Not in a good memory kind of way, but in the sense that I was good at making conclusions. It had to be him.
What was he doing around here anyway?
Guess I should keep walking on and then maybe ask him that.
And oh my! Just as I was almost reaching them, they broke off. Like they stopped talking and were now staring at me, waiting for me more like it. And then I saw my good girl neighbor, it was Cindy!
So I just approached and hugged her and stretched hands for the stranger to greet me.
"OK Linn, this is Allan, my friend. And Allan, this is Linn, my neighbor."
That sounded hurtful. I was just a neighbor and he was a friend, it sure was the painful truth.
But hey, who was I to get hurt because of that.
"Nice to meet you Allan," I projected my smile so broadly.
"Pleasure is mine Linn."
That was good.
"Hey Cindy, if you need me you know where to find me. I'll let you catch up," Allan said so nicely. Then he said a goodbye which am not sure belonged to who specifically, and left.

"Friend? Why do I get the feeling you left 'boy' out of that word?"
"Come on Linn, you are overthinking," she defended, swatting my arms unfortunately.
"I am sure I am not."
"He's not my boyfriend, honestly speaking."
"But you do like him, honestly speaking."
"Oh God, you say it as if you ain't the one who has a crush on someone but refuses to admit it."
I just let out a 'ooh', but then laughed after that.
"Know what Cindy? We should sit down one of these days and do some nice gossiping. I sure have loads to tell you."
"Really? I can't wait to hear all about it."
"So, you staying here tonight or you coming to our place?"
"Given that my brother is with you, I'll be at your place. I will watch him."
"You know grandma does that better than you, right?"
"Am sure she does. How about that gossip you have for me? Could really do me some good you know."
"As long as you promise to tell me about that boy who almost hit me with his bicycle some time back."
"Wait, what? You have met Allan before?"
"Not in a formal way. I was going for a sleepover and I was lost in my phone, so he almost hit me but obviously he didn't. But we never talked really. Am sure he doesn't remember that part either."
"Thank goodness. I almost thought for a second you knew each other before."
"Someone jealous you mean?" I teased her.
"Don't I deserve to be that way over someone I like at least?"
"Wow! Hearing you say it just sounds good really. I almost thought for a while you ain't the dating type."
"Just because I have a sick sister doesn't mean I don't have time for feelings you know."
"Sorry it came out that bad. But hey Cindy, are you okay?"
"Yes I am."
"Not that, about this whole thing about your sister being sick."
She just looked at me and then her eyes gave way.
"No am not Linn. It breaks my heart everytime she has to get to the hospital."
Then I just took her in and hugged her. She needed that.