Darkstar

Chapter Five: Dinnertime

Alex sat at the dinner table, the familiar aroma of his grandma's cooking wafting through the air. His grandparents were both seated across from him, their expressions warm and welcoming as they asked about his day. "How was school, Alex?" his grandpa inquired, his voice filled with genuine interest.

"It was great," Alex replied, a practiced smile on his face, but inside, his thoughts were elsewhere. As they chatted about the weather and local news, he found himself distracted, his mind racing back to the invite he had received from Ashley. The party on Friday night loomed in his thoughts like a cloud, casting a shadow over the otherwise pleasant dinner.

He pictured the vibrant scene at Ashley's house, filled with laughter and music, and then contrasted it with the peaceful solitude of his own backyard, watching the lightning bugs dance under the stars. It would be easy to stay home, to retreat into the comfort of his familiar routine. But a part of him longed to step outside of that safety, to take a chance and be with Ashley and her friends.

As his grandma served up her famous homemade lasagna, he forced himself to focus on the conversation, nodding and smiling in all the right places, but deep down, he was wrestling with the decision of whether to take a leap of faith or stay nestled in the comfort of home, letting the lightning bugs be his only company.

After a few moments of silence, Alex took a deep breath, summoning the courage to speak up. "Hey, Grandma, Grandpa," he began, his voice slightly shaky. "Is it okay if I go to a party at Ashley's house on Friday night?"

His grandparents paused, glancing at each other with curiosity. His grandma smiled encouragingly, setting down her fork. "Ashley? The girl from down the street?" she asked, her eyes lighting up with recognition.

"Yeah, that's her," Alex replied, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. "She invited me, and I thought it might be fun to go."

His grandpa leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful look on his face. "Well, it's nice to see you wanting to spend time with your friends," he said slowly. "Just be sure to let us know where you'll be and what time you'll be back."

Alex's heart raced with relief. "I will, I promise!" he exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face. His grandma chimed in, "Just make sure to have fun and be safe. We trust you, Alex."

With their approval, a wave of excitement washed over him, making the prospect of the party feel more real. It was one step closer to being with Ashley again, and for the first time, he felt a thrill at the idea of stepping out of his comfort zone.

As the conversation shifted back to dinner, Alex's grandpa looked at him with a serious expression. "Before you head off to that party on Friday night, make sure you put the cows up for the night," he said, his tone firm but kind. "It is important to keep them safe and secure. We cannot have them wandering around after dark."

Alex nodded, feeling a sense of responsibility wash over him. "Of course, Grandpa. I will make sure they are all taken care of before I go," he assured him. The chores on the farm were always a priority, and he would not dream of neglecting them, even for a party.

His grandpa smiled, satisfied. "Good. I know you will do the right thing. Just make sure you give yourself enough time to get ready afterward."

"Yeah, I will," Alex replied, grateful for the reminder. He appreciated the balance between his responsibilities at home and the chance to have a bit of fun at Ashley's party. With his grandparents' support and the promise of the evening ahead, he felt a sense of anticipation and nervousness building within him as he finished his dinner.

After dinner, Alex headed upstairs to his room, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves for the upcoming party. As he stepped inside, his gaze was drawn to his desk, where a photo stood framed among his books and knickknacks. It was a snapshot from their middle school days, capturing a carefree moment with Ashley and Zack. They were all smiles, arms wrapped around one another, the innocence of youth clear in their bright expressions.