{Latin ^ meaning setting up} Friday, January 28th 2011 {Day 20}
{Words: 4834}
A little while later...
Allison enlists Scott's help in setting the table. She gives him a reassuring nod. "He doesn't despise you. He's only trying to protect me."
Scott clenches his teeth and says, "He despises me."
Allison sighs and says, "I wouldn't call it hate."
Scott nods, pondering, "Could this get much worse? Do you strongly dislike something?"
Allison nods and smiles. "That's closer to it."
Scott gulps. "Should I stay quiet?"
Allison smiles and shakes her head, saying, "No, I want you to say something. Just make sure you don't say something dumb. But I believe in you. Just keep being the charming, sweet guy you are. Be confident, and he'll like you."
Scott sighs. "Do I appear confident?"
Allison sighs and says, "You will when you stop sweating."
Scott mutters, "Oh God." He wipes his brow with the palm of his hand.
Allison smiles and nods. "I'm telling you that you'll be fine. I'm not worried." Her face suggests she is terrified as she walks toward the kitchen. Scott steals an anxious glance at Argent, who is sitting next to Allison. Mrs. Argent and Kate silently eat their food. The vibrations of Scott's phone are audible. Stiles is calling once more. He presses the Ignore button. Morwen is calling. He selects the option to ignore again.
Mrs. Argent grins and says, "Would you like something else to drink, Scott?"
"No," Scott says, "I'm fine. Thanks."
"We could get you a beer," says Argent deadpan to Scott.
"No, thank you," Scott says, shaking his head uneasily.
With the same deadpan expression, Argent asks, "Tequila shot?"
Allison sighs, wondering to herself. Could this really get any worse or less awkward? "Really, Dad?" She says aloud.
Argent nods. "You don't drink, Scott?"
Scott swallows hard, a lump in his throat, and says, "I'm not old enough."
Mrs. Argent shrugs. "It doesn't seem to stop many teens."
Scott instantly responds with a nod. "No, but it should."
Kate grins, somewhat astonished by the response. "Good answer. Scott, you played it perfectly. You might make it through the night." Scott reciprocates Kate's smile, quietly thanking God for her.
With the same deadpan expression, Argent asks, "Have you ever smoked pot?"
Kate sighs. "All right, let's change the channel to something less conservative... Scott, Allison tells me you're a member of the lacrosse team. I'm not familiar with it. How do you play?"
Scott squints his eyes and says, "You know hockey? It's similar to that, but instead of ice, it's played on grass."
Argent nods. "Field hockey is the name for hockey played on grass."
Scott quickly realizes something. "Oh. Oh, yeah."
Allison instantly helps him out. "It's like field hockey, but with sticks that have nets," Allison explains.
Scott nods and says, "Exactly." The vibrations on Scott's phone are audible. He takes it out and examines it under the table. Stiles has texted: Call me!!
