Red's Family Diner

Chapter 10

April 7th, 1962

Maddie Beloved —

Ever since Elias helped me in the grocery store, the more he's visited my workplace. We would hang out on the weekdays since I felt rather nervous about explaining that I'm still a single mother with a kid, though it could be obvious enough already. However, as of lately, Elias has been rather more fluctuating in his emotions. He's been more present and gift-giving to me, even nonchalantly buying me kid clothes. It was nice watching him spend money on me but it felt more so selfish of me not to return the favor. So, remembering what he always asked—I knew what I had to do. Nova and Glam made it back to town and I might as well show off my new friend.

Elias knocked on my door opening it for him. He seemed rather shocked by my expressive face of mine as I grinned. "Maddie?" He asked as I pulled him to the side a bit. "I'm going to introduce you to some new people okay?" I called out, watching his face shrink. "Really–Maddie I don't think that's needed–" He cried, raising his head a bit to avoid eye contact. I shook my head, clapping my hands on his cheek as he squeaked a bit. I made his face move to face me as I stuck out my tongue. "You gotta! Especially some of my friends you know?" I asked, his face collapsing even further as I frowned slightly. "No, none of them are as bad as Wilbur." His face then lit up as we both laughed. "Good!" Elias cried as we got ourselves ready for the new interaction we were going to experience.

Elias drove us into the neighborhood as I scanned the houses. I made sure especially Wilbur wasn't home–going in the middle of the afternoon during a work week, insisted by Nova since Glam wouldn't be home either. I can't sometimes understand how Glam works. They're quite complex the more I think of it–the more dirt and blackmail they can digest they share like a wind-up toy to a curious child. And I wouldn't want Wilbur to know about Elias, hell knows what he would do. Elias parked just on the side of the road as I leaped out of the car. I smiled as Elias chuckled. "Excited much, hmm?" He said as I nodded. "You're gonna love Nova–she's a girl's gal," I said as I led Elias towards the front door, and before my hand could knock the door flung open. Nova smiled as she squeezed me. "Oh! Maddie! You're alive and breathing–and...Ooohhhh. I see. Who's this handsome fella?" She smirked as I chuckled and pushed Elias a bit forward. "Elias–he's pretty new to Florida and we just...connected," I said as Nova gasped and laughed wholeheartedly. "I see! God, you can grab another man that fast! I'm impressed. Ohh–come in! I'd rather we talk more inside anyway. The heat is getting unbearable again this time of the year."

Hours passed as we all sat around eating a few snacks. I admired how much Elias was able to talk freely with Nova, almost with the same dedication as he does with me. I understood Elias–and why he told me he finds it hard to find friends. In the first step of knowing each other, you gotta casually share your deepest secrets. Just in hopes it won't be used against you. Nova sighed as she smiled. "God, you're really as messed up as her!" Nova joked as Elias smiled softly. "You could only imagine I assume." He said as Nova sighed. "You know–I just came back from a trip to the Bahamas. I wanted to show Glam around to share some sort of similar connection. But I'm starting to assume I'm trying too hard–if all I had to do was go into a grocery store." She spoke as I felt contagious to smiling. "I think it just depends on the time and place you know," I said, secretly grabbing Elias' hand as he froze slightly. I could spot his face slightly redden as I found that small detail adorable. I grinned at Elias as he stuttered a bit, his hand was sweating in my grip. "Yeah...it...it really does, you don't think it's getting too late no, Nova?" Elias managed to speak, before clearing his throat and continuing. I didn't even realize it myself, but it was already 5. Nova's eyes widened before they shut halfway as she lifted her hand to wave off Elias. "They're out drinking, some sort of little anniversary." She said, sighing and then smiling. "Why? Do you want to get out as fast as you can? Run away from me, Elias? Is that really how I'm hearing this?" She joked as Elias laughed awkwardly, shaking his head. "NO! I'm—I'm just rather nervous to meet this Glam and or...Wilbur. Maybe even...Red?" He spoke, his nervous manner exploding in his throat as I rolled my eyes. Playfully slapping his arm. "Ayee, no. You won't. The least you can meet is Nova. I won't put you through that piranha pit Elias dear." I reassured as Nova nodded. Shockingly nodded alone. "Glam themselves is a whole pit. If they did come home early I'd be shocked since they love being the center of attention always." Nova said, smiling as Elias' grip in our locked hands lessened. He eased himself and once again our conversations rolled.