Change My Mind ©

2 | Unexpected Encounter

Exhausting two weeks of school has ended in a blink of an eye. Days had gone so fast that I didn't noticed that Aimee and I and Courtney and her friends became an instant clique.

While Brian didn't ever bother to talk to Courtney and he even acted like he doesn't see or know her at all, which gives Courtney another reason to hate him more.

However, last Friday, she said she had finally moved on from Brian even they had bumped on each other a couple of times and even we always caught her staring at him.

Of course, we all believe that she's not over him yet, but maybe she wants to replace bad memories with good ones. So, she started going on a date with Riley who has been so persistent in courting her since the very first day.

--

Today is Sunday, rest day and family day for us. My parents always try to make Sunday's special. Most of the time, we eat extra special dinner together and we watch movies or play monopoly until midnight.

"I'm home," mom said as she entered our house from grocery shopping. "Baby could you help me cook for dinner? I have a lot to make."

"Sure, mom. You know how good I am in cooking." I jokingly replied.

"Yes, and with that I'll entrust you the chopping only, " she said. "Oh by the way, honey, guess who I bumped into in the grocery."

"Who?" dad said while reading the newspaper.

"Meredith."

"Really? Did you talk?" dad asked.

"Not really, she's in a hurry, but she said they're residing in this subdivision for good. So I gave her our contact number and invited her and her family to have dinner here tonight."

"That's good. We haven't seen them in awhile."

"Mom, who's Meredith?" I curiously asked.

"She's our friend and a former classmate Gabb," mom answered.

I nodded before the telephone rang.

"I'll get it," I said running to the living room.

"Hello?" I asked.

"Hello. Is this Heather?"

"No, it's Gabrielle, her daughter. She's in the kitchen. Would you like me to call her?"

'Mom, it's her daughter. Would you like to talk to her?' I heard on the other line.

"Hello? By the way, who is this?" I added.

"Yes..sorry. It's Brian, Meredith's son. Mom wants to say that we're gonna go accept your mom's invite. What time would you like us to come?"

"Mom said 7 would be alright." I replied after asking mom in the kitchen.

"Okay then. See you later."

--

I just went out of the shower when my phone rang.

It's Aimee.

"Hey, what's up?"

"Can I go there? I'm sick and tired of my sister's shit."

"Sorry Aimee, but not now. We are going to have some guests in about ten minutes. I'm really sorry."

"I understand. Anyway, who is it gonna be?"

"My parents' friends who they haven't seen for long and were now living few houses away from us."

"Ooh, that's nice."

"You think so?"

"Of course. What could go wrong in a dinner with long lost friends?"

"I don't know. I'm just not sure with their son I had talked to on the phone earlier. His name is Brian."

"Really? Oh, so what are the chances of that Brian being Courtney's cad Brian?"

"I don't know but it is possible, right? What would I do if he is?"

"Act normal. You somewhat know him but he doesn't know you at all. There's gonna be no problem."

"You're right. I love you Aimee."

"I am always. Goodluck. Bye!"

I threw the phone on my bed and quickly rummaged through my closet for a clothing that would make me look presentable, at least.

Then I heard voices downstairs that made me move a little faster.

"Baby, they're here, are you ready?" mom knocked on my door.

"One minute mom."

I ran downstairs and to the dining area as soon as I finished putting some lip stain.

"Good evening. Sorry I'm late," I said seeing them already on their seats.

"That's fine, darling." A gorgeously looking woman, who I assume Meredith, said.

I sat beside my mom in our eight-seater rectangular dining table. I swallowed hard as I saw who is seating across me and beside Meredith.

Brian. Yeah. Courtney's ex.

"Gabrielle, this is the Spencer family. Arthur, Meredith and their children Brian and Darcy," mom dictated to me.

I gave Mr. and Mrs. Spencer a lovely smile while I gave little Darcy a playful wave. But when my eyes met Brian's, it seemed that we talked more through the eyes and not in smiles.

"Kids, this is the Tyler family. Andrew, Heather, and their very beautiful daughter, Gabrielle." Meredith said to her children before we started eating.

As we eat and talk, I and Brian always caught each other looking at one another once in awhile. As if we had something really serious that itches us to talk about.

Our parents casually chat on things they really want to know from each other and on what they want others to know. But my mind is too busy to listen to what they're talking about, everything I am hearing were like murmurs.

It was like the longest dinner I've ever had. But still, the night ended fine and normal.

--

Why am I like this? What is it that bothers me so much. It is just Brian and his family eating in our house with us. It is just that I learnt that this guy with caddish behavior has something related to me. What's with that? I am so confused right now.