The (Not so amazing) adventures of Max

Twenty-Fourth Entry: Family, Awkward Jokes, and Homecoming Thoughts

Saturday, September 30

Family functions are a weird mix of free food, bad jokes, and that one cousin who never stops bragging about their latest "accomplishment." Today was no different. We were at Uncle Joe's place for some birthday celebration that involved too many people crammed into one living room and too much shouting over each other.

I was minding my own business, trying to make a tower out of the leftover chips on my plate, when one of my uncles—can't remember which one—suddenly decided to make me the center of attention.

"So, Max," he said with this grin that told me I was doomed, "got a girlfriend yet?"

I felt my ears go red. "Uh, no," I said, trying to laugh it off, but it came out more like a cough. The adults erupted into that knowing, chuckling way they do, as if I'd said something hilarious. Meanwhile, I just wanted the floor to open up and swallow me whole.

The thing is, I didn't really care what they thought. But it got me thinking about Homecoming again. The dance is just two weeks away, and suddenly, "Do you have a date yet?" seemed like the question of the month. Leo already had his pick narrowed down, and even Ben and Lo were making casual plans to go stag.

But what about me? Did I want to go alone? Did I want to ask someone? And more importantly, could I even get through asking without sounding like a complete idiot?

By the time we got home, I'd run through about a hundred imaginary conversations in my head, all of which ended with me chickening out or getting laughed at. I know Homecoming is supposed to be fun, but right now, it feels more like a pressure test I'm not sure I'm ready for.

Guess I'll just have to figure it out soon, one way or another.