Tutoring for Eternity

Chapter 29: Bad Presents

Danni

 "So," Rachael says from her seat across from me. "There's this Christmas party that Aaron and I were invited to go to tomorrow night. However, Aaron won't be here so maybe you and Zak can go in our place. The dress code is fancy so for you a dress and Zak a tux."

 We're sitting in the food court at the mall feeding Cowen.

 "Why?"

 "Carlos Garcia will be there."

 "How do you get invited to these things?"

 "We're popular in the north." She shrugs.

 "Yeah, now why would I even want to go to something like that?"

 "So you can talk to Carlos."

 "Aaron gave him my phone number."

 "Yeah, Aaron actually can't legally do that so you're gonna have to go talk to him."

 "Do it illegally. I don't really care. I don't want to go to some pretentious ass party with people who are fake towards you."

 "Majority of them don't even know you."

 "Okay, but I still don't wanna go."

 "Why don't you ask Zak if he wants to go?"

 "Alright, we'll see what he says."

Me: Rachael and Aaron were supposed to go to some pretentious Christmas party tomorrow but since Aaron's not here she wants us to go. Do you want to go❓

Zak 🙈💙: what's even at this party?

Me: I have no idea 🤷‍♀️ she said it's 'good for our relationship' or something like that

 "Make sure you tell him Carlos Garcia will be there."

Me: Also a famous football player from Jersey will be there. 🏈

Zak 🙈💙: wait fr? who?

Me: Carlos Garcia

Zak 🙈💙: no fucking way! holy shit we have to go.

Me: why?

Zak 🙈💙: he's a wide receiver for the Giants, please danni, please

Me: I hate parties 🙅‍♀️

Zak 🙈💙: it's not a real party it's just preppy people who think they're better than everyone else

Me: y'know there's a dress code 😑

Zak 🙈💙: what is it?

Me: formal, meaning you have to wear a tux 🤵‍♂️

Zak 🙈💙: im cool with that and I get to see you in a dress so... win win for me.

Me: you really wanna go? 🤨

Zak 🙈💙: yes!

Me: okay 🙂

Zak 🙈💙: yay, tomorrow night right?

Me: yep 😌

 "And?" Rach asks.

 "He wants to go." I sigh.

 "So you're gonna have to be alone when you talk to Carlos about Zak's present."

 "I'll just wait till he goes to the bathroom."

 "I'm a great sister, I know."

 "I didn't say you were."

 "You didn't have to."

***

 We finished our Christmas shopping. All I have to do now is shop for Rachael.

 For my mom, I got a vase cell phone charger for the nightstand.

 For my dad, I got a wildlife camera since he loves wildlife.

 For Lucas, I got a VR headset.

 Obviously, for Zak, I'm getting a puppy and the signed football.

 For Amina, I got a board game called Relative Insanity because that girl is insane. I got her a necklace the board game is just a joke.

 For the twins, I got two onesies that say womb mates and then I got ketchup and mustard onesies. I got them a personalized children's book and a few stuffed animals.

 Right now we're on our way back home and Cowen is screaming crying.

 "He's probably hungry. When we get home we'll feed him." Rach says to me. I nod.

 "I can't listen to this anymore. I'm going back there." I unbuckle my seatbelt and climb to the back seat. "Hey buddy, it's ok. Sh sh sh." I tell him in a whisper. I hold his hand and he calms down a little but he doesn't stop.

 "We're here now anyways," Rach says.

 We all get out and head back inside.

 "So what'd you get me?" Amina asks as soon as I enter the door.

 "Duct tape."

 "Duct tape?"

 "Yeah, so I can tape your mouth shut."

 "Guess you don't want my gift."

 "Knowing you, you probably got me like a dildo or something."

 "No, never..."

 "You got me a dildo?"

 She just smiles.

 "Amina!"

 Rachael starts laughing hysterically.

 "That is hilarious! You two are gonna have a lot of fun on Christmas night." Rachael says. Zak's cheeks go red.

 I ignore her.

 "Return it," I tell Amina. "And get me something good."

 "That is good."

 "No, it's not."

 "Well, what'd you get me?"

 "I'm not telling you."

 "I'll tell you," Rachael says. "She got you a party game called Relative Insanity because you're insane."

 "You two being in the same room is going to be the end of all of us," I say shaking my head.

***

Amina is probably one of the best characters I'll ever write

771 words.