Moonsland (EN)

James (VI)

  I drive home with the radio off so it doesn't interrupt my thoughts. I spend the journey thinking about what an incredible day I've had. I can't stand people's touch, but today was different. I managed to kiss Emily. It was just a kiss on the cheek, but I consider it an achievement. It was as if something had changed, but I don't know what or how. I was simply myself, so much so that I wasn't ashamed to sing next to her.
  I drive the rest of the way through the window-lit streets of the city. It's fall, so it gets dark very early. It's nice, I like the night, but it's dangerous to drive in these conditions.

  When I get home, I see Betty sitting in the kitchen looking at some supermarket flyers and writing what looks like a shopping list.
- Have my parents cut back on their shopping allowance? - I ask Betty seriously, but jokingly.
- This list is for me, James. - Answer me. - I don't bathe in money.
We started laughing and I corrected her. - I'm sorry. Not yet.

  I go to my room and lock myself in the bathroom. I take off my clothes and get into the shower with the warm water. I close my eyes and think about alternative realities in which I am 'normal'. Where I go to parties, go out with friends, have a girlfriend and parents who pay attention to me. It feels so good to escape reality. To be perfect or simply to have a good life. I come back to reality when I instinctively think of Emily. That girl who makes me be myself without feeling bad.
  Shortly afterwards, I come out of the bathroom, get dressed and write in my notebook under "Being a normal teenager!" everything that has changed since Monday. When I've written about four pages, someone knocks on the door.
- James, come and eat. Your parents are here. - Betty tells me calmly.
- Have you arrived? I'm coming. - I reply, surprised. I look at the clock and it's actually almost nine in the evening. Time has flown by and I haven't even noticed.

  We spent most of dinner simply listening to the light tapping of cutlery on plates. The shortest time we spoke was when my mother asked me how the day had been, and seemed to be in the mood to talk, until I mentioned that I'd been out with a friend and had left her at home in the suburbs. At that moment, they both looked at me with such a disgusted expression that I felt like getting up and leaving, but I stopped myself and continued with my meal. This is one of the reasons why I don't eat with my obnoxious parents. However, no matter how much I feel like it, I can't bring myself to disrespect them because, after all, they are my parents.
  After dinner, I say goodbye to Betty and go to my room. I lie down on my bed (which is three times bigger than I am) and turn on my cell phone. I see a message from Emily and I'm so startled that my eyes almost pop out and my heart does a little flip.

Emily- Good evening! (20:51)
James- Good evening! How are you? (21:38)
Emily- Also! The moon is beautiful... (21:40)
James- Are you on the street? (21:40)
Emily- Roof (21:41)
James- Of course, obvious haha! Sounds like fun (21:42)
Emily- It's incredible! You have to come here sometime!" (21:43)
Emily- My house, of course! My roof needs a bit more. (21:43)
James- Combined.... More? (21:44)
Emily- Of course! It's not enough to be handsome and charming. (21:45)
James- Always good to hear that. You're not bad yourself. (21:45)
Emily- Not bad? That's all? (21:46)
James- I don't want to boost your ego before the third date. House rules ;) (21:50)
Emily- That's right... I enjoyed today, we have to do it again. (21:55)

  I didn't really know what to say, so I didn't say anything and went to play the piano, happy to hear that Emily liked what we did and wants to go out again. What's more, she invited me to her house. I'm not good at this whole colorful friendships or flirting thing, but I thought meeting the parents was a bit advanced. Maybe she just wants to be friends and I'm overthinking things in vain. Either way, I've managed to improve my social skills.