Do not neglect to meet together

Chapter 1: Pick up

"Text me when you guys get to the library so I know you get there safely, ok Milo?" 13 year old Milo looked up from packing his back pack to look up at his mom, Christine.

 Milo was packing his bag for his bi weekly bible study with his 18 year old cousin Philip and Philip's friends, siblings Maverick and Piper. 

"Of course mom, I'll text you as soon as we get there." Milo nodded. "Thanks hun." The woman smiled as she ruffled her son's hair.

*DING DONG*

 Milo grew the biggest smile at the sound of the doorbell. "Coming Philip!" Milo called out as he ran to open the front door for his older cousin. The young teen opened the door to see Philip standing there, bag on his shoulder and a smile to greet his young cousin.

 "Hi Phillip!" Milo grinned as he gave Phillip a running hug, causing the wind and a fond chuckle to be knocked out of him. 

"Woah hehe, hey there little cuz! I'm happy to see you too." Philip smiled as he returned his cousin's hug. "All ready for the study, Milo?" Milo pulled out of the hug and nodded his head. "Yep, I'm all set. Come on in while I grab my bag." 

Philip followed Milo into the house, waving at his aunt in greeting. 

"Hi Aunt Christine, how are you and Uncle James?" "We're doing well Philip, thank you. Are you sure you guys don't need to be driven to bible study?" "No, we're fine. We're gonna meet up with Piper and Maverick on the way so we'll all be together on our short walk to the library. Plus it's a nice day, might as well enjoy it with a walk. We'll be ok." Philip assured with a smile. 

"Ok, if you say so. You know you guys can call us if you need to." "We will, mom." Milo hugged his mom goodbye. The young teen started to walk towards his cousin before he paused.

 "Are you SURE that you and dad don't want to come to our study?" Milo turned to his mom. Christine sighed and shook her head. "No honey, you guys go and have a good time." "You know, we would love to have you guys-" 

"Milo, I said NO." Christine said sternly, making both Philip and Milo jump a bit. Seeing this reaction, Christine frowned and signed; walking over and giving her son and nephew a hug. 

"I'm sorry for snapping. Thank you for the invitation Milo, but you know that your dad and I aren't interested in bible study. Not that we don't want to spend time with you doing something that is really important to you, but...you know your dad and I aren't religious." 

Milo sighed and nodded in understanding, looking down at the floor. Christine gently tilted up Milo's chin to make him look up at her. 

"You can tell me and your dad all about the study when you get back, ok?" Christine smiled. 

Milo managed a small smile as he nodded yes. The young teen grabbed his backpack and followed Philip out the door; the both of them waving at Milo's mom as they walked away.