THE INBESTIGATORS (EZRA'S LOVE STORY)

(4) MALL FUN

It's been a long time since Kyle and I hung out.

Kyle is part of our school's soccer team, and since he wants to go pro someday he's working really hard on it.

Maudie and Ava are busy today so Kyle and I are going to hang out.

We're going to the mall to get new shin-guards for Kyle and paper sheets, we ran out because I printed too many advertising flyers.

Kyle: Hey Ezra, what color should the shin guards be red or fuchsia? Red is a classic color but fuchsia has more pizzazz.

Me: I think it should be blue so it matches the uniform of our school.

Kyle: Oh yeah, that's right. Thanks.

He grabs the blue shin-guards and goes to the cashier.

I went out of the store and played games on my phone.

While playing on my phone I happened to see Mario and a girl holding hands.

I thought of Maudie and my heart was pounding.

Kyle: Is that Mario? Wait isn't that the girl who was always cheering for him on our soccer matches?

Me: Yeah, I think that's Mario, and I'm pretty sure that's his girlfriend.

Kyle: Girlfriend? Gross.

Me: When are you going to outgrow your dislike for girls. I mean most of your friends already have girlfriends and I see a lot of girls that have a crush on you.

Kyle: I don't dislike girls. I just think that people should focus more on important stuff like sports or studying.

Me: Says the person who rarely studies.

Kyle: I just really want to focus on soccer. And I don't want to start a relationship unless I know I'm going to put effort into it. It would be rude if I dated someone but I don't really spend time with them. I like being an Inbestigator, it's different from sports but it's fun.

Me: Aren't you just here for the occasional food?

Kyle: Well that's one reason. And speaking of food, let's go to the food court I'm starving.

I laughed.

Me: Let's go.

The two of us walked to the food court.

Kyle: I'm going to Burger Duke, want some?

Me: Nah, I'm going to get some pizza.

Kyle went to stand in his line while I went to stand in mine.

While in line I heard someone yell out Kyle's name.

It was Ava, she was with Maudie.

I should just ignore them.

I'll get my pizza first and then talk to them.

When it was my turn to order I was really nervous and couldn't say my order.

Me: Umm can I have, err. Wait, I mean two uhh.

Maudie: Make that three slices of pepperoni and two cans of soda, please. I'm with him.

I was surprised by her sudden appearance.

Pizza Cashier: Hey kid, you have a nice girlfriend.

Maudie: Thank you, but I'm not his girlfriend.

Pizza Cashier: Oh, sorry. My mistake.

He handed us Maudie's order and I paid with cash.

We walked towards the table Ava and Kyle were sitting at.

Me: Thanks for helping me out.

Maudie: No problem.

Me: I didn't expect to see you and Ava here.

Maudie: You must have heard us when Ava yelled Kyle's name loudly.

Me: I did. That girl is way too energetic.

Maudie: Yeah, but that's what's great about Ava. She cares a lot about everything, and she always looks on the bright side of life.

Me: That's true. By the way, why did you order three slices?

Maudie: I wanted some pizza too, I'll pay you back later.

Ava: Hey, Ezra. What are you guys doing at the mall?

I couldn't notice it from afar but Ava has a couple bags full of clothes.

Me: I'm here to buy paper sheets, Kyle...

Kyle: I bought shin-guards and then we saw Mario with his girlfriend, gross. And then we came here cause I was hungry.

Ava: Are you talking about Jessica? She's my friend from the netball team. Also did you know that Pixie started dating Jacob, he's the soccer captain of our school.

Maudie: Do you ever get asked out Ava?

Ava: Sometimes, but I don't really have time.

Kyle: Ewww.

Maudie: I got asked out yesterday.

I nearly choked on the pizza I was chewing on.

I was coughing but Kyle thought I was choking so he slapped my back really hard.

I drank some coke to wash down the pizza.

Maudie: Are you okay?

Me: I'm fine, continue the story.

Ava: Maudie did you say yes?

Maudie: No, I told him that I didn't know him and that I didn't want to go on a date with a stranger.

I was relieved but I don't know why.

Kyle: I might not know romance but I'm sure your rejection was brutal.

Ava: Does that mean you prefer to go on dates with someone you know?

Ava looked at me for some reason.

Maudie: I think so.

I felt happy but also nervous after hearing her answer.

To be continued