One Wish For Summer

Chapter 7

Today's finally the day!!!!! Ever since Mrs Allen invited me over I've been so excited for Thursday. At the same time however, I feel a heavy weight on me. This was like officially meeting her mom, I couldn't mess this up. And sure, we aren't exactly dating but I'd at least want to seem like the type of guy Avie's mom approves of; given I don't have to walk on water or fly. I sprang out of bed and quickly dialled Isaac's number.
"Wassup hermano?" "What's new?" He asked
"Dude I'm gonna need a sandwich to go, like right now."
"It's like six in the morning man, c'mon."
I put down the phone for a sec to search for clothes. The city somehow managed to stay at a relatively cool temperature most of the year. Even in summer, the heat seemed almost nonexistent and you would likely be met with a nice oceanside breeze. Putting the phone to my ear and supporting it with my cheek, I cancelled my order and apologized since I probably woke him up. I showered, brushed my teeth and threw the sweater matching my sweatpants on. On my way to Kaia's house I ran into my dad.
"Out this early, why is that?"
"Oh um... I'm heading into town to go get something for Avi-"
I stopped midway and cleared my throat.
"I'm gonna go browse for a while, see if I can pick up a new beanie or something."
He didn't look fooled. Instead he just smiled and shook his head a little
"Okay we'll have fun looking for 'beanies or something '."
Come to think of it, I'm so excited about the dinner, but what about Avie meeting my dad? Sure he knows how to be polite, but he loves to crack jokes and ask embarrassing questions. Dads will be dads I guess. Kaia's house was quiet. Ms Betty was up on the balcony sipping what looked like tea. I waited where I was as she turned to come down. In true old lady fashion, she had her robe on with her comfy-looking bunny slippers and a hot cup of coffee in her hand, a very strong scent of grinded up coffee beans and cream.
"Hey Ms Betty, can Kaia come with me into the city today?"
"Well, that depends.."
There was a short awkward pause
"On?"
"ARE YOU STILL A BAD CRICKETER!?"
She faked throwing her coffee at me, to which I stepped back about a foot or two. Bellowing out in laughter she almost dropped her cup.
"I didn't know if the ball was coming to you, you're supposed to jump away from it, Mr cricketer." She said chuckling. Knowing I wouldn't win by trying to explain how a hot cup of coffee isn't a ball, I laughed it off.
"Don't worry, I'm sure she'd like to go with you." "I'll tell her you're here."
"Thanks I'll be here waiting."
Going back inside she mimicked my stepping away from her fake assault earlier. I couldn't even be mad, it was quite funny. About five minutes passed before Kaia came out, looking as if her mood from yesterday was unchanged. Slowly she approached me and gave me a hug and asked"Where are we going?"
Not actually sure, I was just thinking it would be nice for her to get put of the house and clear her head.
"We could go to the boardwalk, like old times" "actually, no there's someone I'd like you to meet." I replied. My response did nothing to change her mood. It was clear nothing here would help in making Kaia even a little happier so I asked if she was ready to go. Without saying a word she began walking. Before I could begin catching up, I was held back by Rory.
"Please make sure sis is okay."
I was a little surprised that he picked up on how Kaia was feeling. Patting him on the head, I assured him I'd make sure she's alright.
Leaving the yard I could see she was already at the bus stop waiting. Walking briskly, I wanted to reach her quickly. "Is there anything you'd wanna do, when we get there?"
"No" as plain and simple as that. Her reply made me feel real chills. The bus rolled up and we entered. Kaia sat at the window and fixed her gaze outside. I sat beside her fiddling with my thumbs. I was unsure of what to say, she was so far out.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes. I'm fine."
I turned my head away in defeat. How do I help? Brad really has me in a tough spot and I hope for his sake he's innocent. Although we don't speak to each other, I still wish the best for him.
"Brad's a good guy"
"Sure he is." Letting out a sigh, she continued-
"It's been a while since I felt-"
She cut herself off mid sentence, appearing as if whatever she was gonna say would crush her. Unfortunately it seemed even though she didn't finish, the damage had been done.
I placed my hand on her shoulder, reassuring her it was okay. Kaia flung her hands around me, sniveling a little. I embraced her and her grasp grew tighter. The cold feeling from earlier was slowly leaving.
"I miss our hugs like this."
"Mhm,yeah but you've got Brad and I'm sure he gives good hugs."
She said nothing, taking her hands off me she began looking at me intensely. It was clear she was holding back tears. The bus came to a stop and her facial expression was still difficult to read. We exited in silence. I took in the familiar fragrance of the city air. This was a place I frequented after school. Being so close to the ocean was soothing.
"So who did you want me to meet?" Kaia asked.
I explained she'd know when we get there.
"Is it a guy or girl?" she asked. Again I said she'd know when we get there. Out of nowhere I got a phonecall. It was the mystery person, informing me we'd have to change the rendezvous to the boardwalk. After hanging up, I relayed the message to Kaia, who seemed a little happy about the relocation. She walked with a little more pep in her step.
"So Juan, what's been going on with you lately?" She asked.
"Well not much, just the same old same old."
"And you and Avie?" "Are you two dating?"
A little surprised by the question I completely overlooked the rock in my way and nearly tripped.
"No, we aren't." I replied.
"But do you want to?" She pressed. Looking directly at me. I didn't hesitate even the slightest when responding
"Eventually yes, that would be my end goal." Completely ignoring how she might be moving away once summer ends. Kaia looked satisfied with my answers and just smiled. In the distance, I saw the mystery person leaning against a lamppost. As we approached him he stood upright and began waltzing towards us.
In his ever flamboyant demeanour, he came closer.
"Ah, Juan, to what do I owe this pleasure?" "And who is this rose you have brought with you, eh?" He asked.
"Well this is Kai-
"Oh dear me, where are my manners." He sad, cutting me off.
"I am Fernando and it is certainly a pleasure to meet you...."
"Kaia"
"Kaia... Such a beautiful name for such a delicate rose like yourself."
His eyes examined her top to bottom and he seemed to like what he saw.
Quickly informing him that she was taken, he cleared his throat and took a step back.
"Lo siento Kaia, but it was foolish of me to not think someone could have beaten me to you." He took a bow. "That fellow is quite lucky." He added.
Kaia couldn't help but to chuckle. Getting right down to business, I asked if he could take Kaia around town and just let her have fun. I thought it'd do her some good to make a new friend and Fernando is...... very friendly. Kaia looked a little surprised.
"Are you sure about this guy?" "Nothing bad will happen, right?

"Jeez, right in front of me?" "That's cold."
"Nevertheless, Kaia, Ms Rose, I give you my word that we shall have a wonderful day and I'll have you back before you know it."
He took her by the arm and spun her once.
"Let's us make haste!" He exclaimed, giving her a smirk with a raised eyebrow and just like that they were off.
Now I was left alone to find the flower shop from the business card. The address wasn't too far from here so I ran as fast as I could. I was in a part of town I had hardly visited. The air felt thicker and they constant staring from passerbys made me feel a little uncomfortable.
The outside of the store was very flattering. Numerous orchids and daisies lined off the walls and bordered the windows. This was great contrast to the buildings beside it. Upon entering I was blasted with the many fragrances brought on by the flowers. A myriad of brightly colored roses, carnations and many other flowers filled the store to the brim. It was only once I entered the store I realized I had no idea what flowers to buy. "What if she was allergic to what I bought?" "What if she didn't like the ones I picked out?" I have to make the best first impression I can. A wave of nervousness washed over me as I pondered on what flowers to get. My attention quickly turned to a lovely pot of white and purple orchids. I eagerly paid the cashier and had the plant put in a crate. Heading back to the boardwalk noticed Kaia and Fernando coming from the opposite direction. Her face was all smiles, giving me faith that my plan had worked.
"Woah there compadre, what's in the loot box?" enquired Fernando.
"Just some flowers for a friend of mine."
"Ah, I see. Well anyways, I had a lovely time with your friend here, what about you Ms Rose?" He asked, turning to her and smiling.
"It was interesting, you're not as bad as I thought." she teased.
Felling a little deflated, Fernando let out a sigh. Before we left, I pulled him aside for a second, to thank him for his time. He assured me it was his pleasure.
Walking with Kaia back to the bus stop had a different energy from earlier. Whatever they did really made a difference.
"So those are for Avie , huh?" She asked. I almost dropped the crate, but calmly said yes. Kaia went on to say how that's a pretty big gift.
"What's the occasion?"
"Oh, nothing much, I was invited over so I thought I'd bring something." I replied.
On the bus, Kaia spoke about how Fernando took her to a cafe, all the while cracking a few jokes. I smiled, letting her know I'm glad she had fun.
"I didn't really expect to, but today was definitely cool" she said. Hearing that put me at ease and I could now fully focus on getting ready for tonight.
Back at Kaia's house, Ms Betty sat on the porch with a cup of tea in hand. Rory out of nowhere ran to meet us at the front gate, eagerly asking if I'd stay to play Pokemon with him. Ruffling his hair a little, I apologized and told him I couldn't stay today.
Looking a little disappointed, he tugged at his sister's shirt, asking if she had stopped being fussy.
"Yes Rory, I'm fine now" Kaia said. As I turned to leave I felt a hand on my shoulder.
"Thanks for today " Kaia uttered.
"No problem, I guess I'll see you around."
The closer I came to home the more my heart pounded. Tonight would be the night I make my next move.