And Our Parents

Part 3 ( It Only Takes a Taste)

"So do you think you're back home for good?" Kenny asks. They're sitting in a small café on the MIT campus, sipping coffee and catching up while Kenny has a break in between classes and his tutoring job.

"The next three months, at least," Becky says. "Past that, I don't really know."

"I don't want to force you, but it'd be really cool to live in the same place for a while," Kenny says, then mutters quietly, "I miss you, and all that."

"Don't get soft on me," Becky jokes, then adds. "I missed you too. And maybe I will stay in Boston, if that's what it takes to get an occasional update on your life..."

Kenny blushes in his classic shade of pink. "I already said sorry–"

"I'm not mad. I just want to know why you felt like you had to keep your girlfriend from me? From me, Kenny."

"I wasn't sure... The timing, and all that," Kenny says, "I know you're going through a bit of a rough patch..."

"Lord," Becky groans.

"Wasn't sure it was in the best taste," Kenny says, looking down at the table. "Didn't want to gloat."

Becky sighs heavily. "I know I can be a sullen bitch with Carolyn sometimes, but of course I'm happy for you. I'm so happy that you're happy. And now that your big secret is out, I demand to meet this famous Elena."

"Yeah," Kenny says sheepishly. "Soon. I think you'll like her. She's also–"

"A sullen bitch?"

"I was going to say 'acerbic', but..."

Then Becky's phone buzzes on the table. A text message from F.F sits on the screen."Still on for shopping? x future sis".

Becky's disdain must be evident on her face, because Kenny asks, "What is it?"

"Just an annoying Thai woman who won't leave me alone," Becky grumbles, flipping her phone back over.

"Why'd you agree to plan this party with Freen if you don't like her?"

"Like there was any room for me to say no," Becky scoffs.

Kenny frowns. "I think she's nice."

"She just gets under my skin a little," Becky says.

"How so?"

"The way she was sucking up. Offering to plan that party. Jumping on the bill as soon as it came."

"Oh, I see," Kenny says with a smile.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"Spit it out," Becky says. Kenny stifles a giggle, and Becky kicks him under the table.

"Ow!" He yelps. "What are you, four?"

"Are you?" Becky says. "I'm trying to have an adult conversation. What are you giggling about?"

"You're jealous," he says, the pitch of his voice rising as he struggles not to laugh.

"I am not!" Becky gasps.

"It's alright," Kenny says. "I would be too. She's really making a case for herself as the best...future stepchild? Offspring? Member of the younger generation?" Kenny furrows his brow. "What ought we to call ourselves now?"

"First of all, very charitable of you to think there's some kind of contest between the four of us. Second of all, I have never once been the favorite child and it's never bothered me before."