Something Different

Chapter 1

"What if I did this? No, that wouldn't work..."

I was in my mom's basement, tinkering with my newest invention. A pen that could translate what you write to any language! It was my greatest invention yet.

My former inventions had included the solar-powered coffee mug, the compact able washing machine, and the non-flammable cotton shirt, but this triumphed over all of them. Mainly because the solar-powered mug boiled the coffee, the compact able washing machine was still the size of a large cardboard box, and the non-flammable cotton shirt was itchy (and it, ironically, caught on fire). But I was sure this one would work.

"Jackson, come out for a little bit! I made you a grilled cheese!" Still living with my mom seemed to make her think I was still ten. But I have to admit, I do like grilled cheese.

"I'll be up soon!!!" I closed my sketchbook and powered down my laptop and headed upstairs. My mom was waiting for me in the kitchen, with a hot grilled cheese waiting for me on a plastic plate. She had a salad for herself. I sat down, and took a bite.

"Jackson, what have you been working on down there? More paperwork?" Oh. She still thinks I'm a person-who-has-a-desk-job-but-the-desk-is-at-home. My mom is a wonderful person, but she's a little gullible.

"Yeah. More paperwork."

"You should get out more. You're always down there. Go get yourself a girlfriend, Jackson." Uh-oh. She wanted me to get a girlfriend again. The thing is, I don't care for girls. I'm gay. But I don't want to tell her, at least not yet.

"Alright, I'll go out. Just give me thirty bucks and I'll be fine."

"No, actually, I've arranged for you to go somewhere this time. Our old neighbors have a daughter your age. She's very pretty. I think you should meet her. You'll be going to the fancy restaurant on the corner at eight tonight." What?! My mom had arranged a date for me?! This won't go well.

"You arranged a date for me?! You arranged a date for me. Okay, I'll go."