meet me at midnight.

15.

"How long do I set the timer for?" Kenny asked me.

I slid the tray of fries into the oven. He was holding the pan with the chicken in and he flinched when the oil spat at him.

"They need to fry for 3-5 minutes." I said.

"So, 4 minutes is ok." Kenny said.

He set the timer on his phone and laid it on the countertop. We were well into December now and next week would be Christmas. Kenny would be going to see his parents. I was still hoping mom would call and invite Josh and I to hers. She'd since moved back into the house with Austin.

I had seen her a grand total of 3 times and I missed her. I wanted Christmas like we used to have, but it was feeling like it wouldn't happen. As if on cue, my phone started ringing. I quickly washed the flour and garlic salt off my hands and grabbed my phone. I answered it, turning on the speaker.

"Hello, sweet pea." Mom said, her voice sounded happy, but tinny.

"Hey mom." I smiled.

"Hey Daisy's mom." Kenny said.

"Hello Kenny," Mom said. "How are you both?"

"Yeah good, Daisy's been teaching me to cook." Kenny said.

"Wonderful," Mom said, then directed her next question at me. "Daisy, how are you and Josh?"

"We're good." I said, motioning for Kenny to flip the chicken.

He grabbed the spatula and flipped them over, setting the timer again. I reached down to grab the oven mitt, opening the oven and turning the fries.

"So, Austin and I were talking and we think it would be wonderful if you and Josh joined us over Christmas." Mom said, and I could hear the joy in her voice.

"Sounds great." I said.

"You could drive down on the 24th and spend the day with us, then we can have Christmas dinner together," She added. "It'll be just like when dad was alive."

I bit my lip and looked at Kenny. He noticed the trepidation on my face and he reached out, setting a hand on my shoulder.

"T-that sounds really great, mom." I said.

"Wonderful, it'll give Austin a chance to get to know you and Josh better," Mom said, then added. "He's a little unsure about your relationship. He's just concerned since he doesn't speak to his daughter."

I wanted to ask why that was, but looked at Kenny. He shook his head and I sighed. I couldn't ask that. Whatever excuse Austin had given, mom would believe it.

"Ok, well, we'll see you next week." I said.

"Love you, sweet pea." Mom said.

"Love you too." I replied.

I hung up and looked at Kenny. He patted my shoulder again and turned the heat off on the stove. We set up dinner and I heard the lock click and rushed down the hall to greet Josh. I hugged him as soon as he walked through the door.

"Missed you." I said.

"Missed you too, little mouse." He said, hugging me.

I squealed when he picked me up. He kissed me and I giggled. He set me down and took my hand, walking into the lounge. Kenny walked over, holding a plate.

"Chef Kenny has cooked a five star meal." Kenny grinned.

"Will said five star meal give me food poisoning?" Josh asked.