It Started With Hello

Chap. 32

"I'm so excited to get today over with so I can have summer fun!" Alex said as he chewed on a waffle, finishing off his breakfast. His school uniform was already on; he was just waiting for the school bus to come, and it was a little late today. Their parents were rushing around, getting ready as usual, while Blake sat at the table quietly eating.

"I just know you'll pass your EOG, thanks to Emma tutoring you. It was disappointing when she quit, but the time she did teach you definitely made an impact," their mother said with a small grin. Blake looked up from his plate at the mention of Emma. His mom smiled proudly, looking over at Alex.

"My baby is growing up so fast. He'll be going into middle school next year, can you believe that, Andy?"
His dad nodded, taking a sip of coffee. "I knew once he was able to sit down for more than two minutes and concentrate, he would be fine." He tilted the cup slightly in Alex's direction with a smile. He set the cup down and slid on his lab coat.

"Honestly, Emma's parents probably made her stop tutoring him. They really seem a few apples short of a fruit cup." Alex laughed while his mom glanced over at their dad, telling him, "Don't talk about them that way. I'm sure they're... perfectly fine people." Her voice trailed as Blake shook his head, disagreeing. Emma's parents had made it clear that they hated him, from changing her classes so they wouldn't see each other, to forcing her on a date with that nutcase, Jake... James... whatever the fuck his name was.

"Wouldn't it be cool if she came with us on our family camping trip this year?" Alex said as he walked into the living room, looking out the front window. Their parents seemed in agreement.
"Maybe if Blake talks to her, she'll come," Alex said softly. There was no way in the world her parents would let her go on a trip with him.

"Well, if she wants to come, she's always welcome," his mom said while Alex's bus finally pulled up outside. He was about to just sprint out, but stopped a moment to say bye to everyone before running out with his bookbag over his shoulder.
"I'm actually having lunch with her today," Blake said, putting a waffle into his mouth. His mom looked at him with a grin while his dad smiled, sipping his coffee.

"Oh, I wish you would've told me sooner! I would have made her something," she said, taking some leftover spaghetti out of the fridge. Blake watched her with his eyebrow raised. She took a container out of the cabinet, filling it with spaghetti, putting two pieces of garlic bread on top.

She pulled two forks out of a kitchen drawer, putting them into the side of the container before handing it to him. "At least she could eat these leftovers with you for lunch. Does she like spaghetti?"
He took the container, setting it on the table. He shrugged as he finished his breakfast. "I think so. She doesn't eat much; said she has to stay in shape for dance." He walked over, putting his plate in the dishwasher. Emma wasn't even big; she was a normal weight, barely ate anything.

"I'm sure she'll appreciate it," his dad watched him as he slid the container into his bookbag. "You really seem to like her." His mom started to walk toward the door, stopping to hit him on the arm. He rubbed his arm, looking at his wife. "Don't pick on him, Andy."
Blake grinned as both his parents made their way to the door. His dad said bye before walking outside. His mom stopped in the doorway, looking back at him. "I'm just saying, it would be nice to see her around more often," she said, winking.

He shook his head while sliding his hands into his pockets. "Mom, her parents wouldn't like that."
She tilted her head, shrugging. "And they wouldn't like it that you're having lunch with her either... what they don't know won't hurt them~" she said while closing the door behind her.