Racing Andrius

Peter: The Lost Link

I was careful not the drive on the curb while turning into the driveway because I knew Andrius would complain about my driving skills again. We didn't speak to each other as we got out of the car and walked inside. Mother was sitting on the living room couch and when we walked in, she looked up and greeted us with a warm smile. 

"Welcome back dears," she said, "Are you hungry? I made a nice warm soup while you were away."

"I actually bought you a cake for your birthday," I said with a smile

"Awww, you're so sweet! Thank you honey." she said and kissed me on the cheek, "Is it the strawberry tiramisu that you brought last time?"

"Yes, should we eat it now while it's fresh?" 

"I agree with that idea. Besides, I have some great news to share with you." she said with a wide smile. 

We walked to the dining table where I took the cake out from the box and put in several candles and lit it up. Mother sat on the end while Andrius and I sat across from each other. After we sang a quick song, mother blew out the candles and cut us each a piece. We ate silently with only the sounds of forks tapping against the ceramic plates filling the room with sound. 

"Charlie, I have a good friend who's daughter is looking for a boyfriend and I set you up with her. I heard she is quite a sweet girl, perhaps you may even grow to like her." my mom said and I choked on the piece of cake I was eating. 

"Is it too late to say I don't want to go?" I said clearing my throat.

"You're so silly, it's tomorrow night at O'Henry's. You can't cancel the night before. It's rude. Besides, you spend too much time cooped up with your old friends. You need to expand you're network, get to know more people. Maybe even bring more girls home." My mom said with a mischievous grin and I sighed exasperated.  

"I don't have a lot of time for dating since my major is very intensive." I said, "Andrius back me up?"

"I think its a great idea," Andrius said suppressing a smile as I gaped at him in shock. 

"See honey, even Andrius approves." My mother said and turned to Andrius, "Andrius, make sure he goes to the date on time and in something nice. I don't want to receive a comment again on how Peter was late and wearing a rock band t-shirt and shorts."

"It was a science-joke t-shirt..." I muttered under my breath.

 "I will do my best. You can count on me ma'am," Andrius said dutifully as he patted my shoulder.

I sighed and stood up, "I'm going to bed,"

It's going to be a really long day tomorrow...