Poly

Chapter 19

I couldn't find Jackson at school, and he didn't answer his texts. That afternoon I received a call from Holt.

"Firecracker!" he exclaimed when I answered.

"Hi Holt," I greeted back.

"How's my favourite girl?"

"She's doing alright," I said less enthusiastic. I wanted to talk to Jackson about my unfortunate episode with Clair earlier today, but I was happy to hear from Holt too. His good mood gave my bolts an energy boost.

"What's up, Stein?" he asked with a worried tone.

"It's a long story." I sighed. I probably should've told Holt about what was bothering me, but I was afraid he would react the same way as Clair. "I'll tell you some other time. It's really good to hear your voice, though." I added to sound more cheerful.

"You too." he paused. "Frankie, I actually called because I wanted to ask you out."

"On a date? In public?"

"Well, I gathered you still wanted to keep things on the D.L., so I thought maybe we'd hang out somewhere intimate."

"That sounds wonderful,"

"Alright I'm gonna pick you up in about 30 minutes." he said.

"Can't wait," I said ecstatic. I threw my phone on my pillow and ran to my closet. What should I wear? A dress? No, In thirty minutes the sun would've gone down. Jeans and a sweater then.

"Mum! Dad! I'm not eating home tonight. Holt is taking me out, and I'm leaving in thirty minutes." I shouted up the stairs to my parents that were sitting in the living room.

"Uh, alright sweetie. That's a little late you're announcing that. We already got the meatloaf in the oven." Mum yelled back. She left the living room and walked over to the staircase to my room in the basement.

"Sorry mum, I'll just have to grab something to go. He just called, and I really want to go." I said with pleading puppy werewolf-eyes. Mum rolled her perfectly symmetric violet eyes and smiled.

"Fine. I'll make you a sandwich to go then. But you tell that Holt, that he should be better at planning your time together in the future." she said and walked to the kitchen.

"I'll tell him you said that. And thank you!" I yelled jokingly to her, and ran back to my room to finish getting ready.

______

I heard a rhythmic knock on the front door. Holt! I ran up the stairs while fumbling with my shoes.

Dad opened the door, and there was Holt. He wore an orange leather jacket and matching trousers with flames up the legs. He looked scary cute!

"Good evening, young man." my dad said dry and crossed his huge green arms.

"Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Stein." Holt greeted with a relaxed nod. He then turned to me and smiled. "Hey Frankie," he said. His rough voice could make my knees feel like melted wax right there.

"Hi," I said back, and waved awkwardly.

"So where are you taking our daughter?" my mum asked and mirrored dad with the crossed arms. Holt cleared his throat.

"I'm taking Frankie to the drive-in." it was clear in his tone that he was nervous.

"Oh! I always wanted to go to a drive-in!" I exclaimed. Holts face turned into one big smile.

"Have her home at a reasonable time, alright?" dad said. Holt's irresistible charm had apparently no effect on my parents.

"Of course he will, dad. Now, shall we go?" I turned to Holt.