The next day at school went by incredibly quickly. Before I knew it, I was walking into English class with Amy. Mr. M decided to lecture today, so class dragged. Despite the recitation of boring facts, I was glad for the delay. I was freaking out about meeting Brian's parents. I had no clue what I would say in the least. Finally, the last bell rang, releasing us for the day.
"Are you ready?" Brian asked as we walked out of English.
"Hell no," I replied. We made our way towards the parking lot. I was following him home in my car and then I was driving him to my house. I followed his Jeep back to his house. I hopped out of the driver's seat of my car and met him at the front door. Brian turned and looked me in the eye.
"My parents have been really looking forward to this, okay? They haven't fought in a whole week out of excitement. I just really want you to be yourself. I know they'll love you." He takes my hand and squeezes it reassuringly. He opens the front door and says, "Mom, Dad, I'm home."
Immediately, a tall brunette woman runs out into the front hall and hugs me. At first I stiffen up, but then I get used to her. She pulls away, saying, "Hi, I'm Brian's mom, Noel. You must be Cassie." I nod.
"It's so nice to meet you, Noel. I've been so excited! " In reality, I'd been panicking, but she was really nice. I just had to meet his father. If that went well, I was in for life. I heard footsteps on the stairs. A man came into veiw, lanky and tall like Brian. His hair was dirty blonde though, not brown. His eyes were the same piercing green as Brian's, I noticed.
"Hello, young lady, I am Adam, Brian's father. You must be Cassie. We've heard a great deal about you." I shook his hand and introduced myself. Afterwards, Brian's mom invited us to stay, but Brian cut in.
"We actually have to go work on a project, and it's worth 3/4 of our English grade, so we're gonna go now."
"Don't stay out too late, it's a school night," Noel says. We say goodbye and get into my car. Brian drives to my house and we get out. My father isn't home yet, which is slightly disconcerting. I unlock the door and find a note on the front table from Dad.
Hi, honey. I went out to Sheila's again, I won't be home until late. Anyone can come over, just fend for yourself on the dinner front. Love you. Daddy.
I take the note and put it in the trash. I have the house to myself tonight... Oh, well. Brian and I venture into the kitchen and pull snacks and drinks out of the fridge. We go to the living room and rehearse one last time.
At the end, we both realize the predicament that has occurred. With no English project as a cover, would I ever see Brian again? And then he started speaking.
"Cassie, I think we both realize the issue with this project ending. I want to be around you. I don't know if you feel the same way, but I like hanging out with you." It takes me a moment to process what he just said.
"I want to be around you, too, Brian. What I said... a while ago... it's like that but less extreme. I really like hanging out with you, and I want to keep that going, even after we finish this project." We both take a deep breath and then the weirdest thing happened.
"Will you go out with me?" We both said it at the same time! It was so weird. We looked at each other for a while and then laughed a little.
"Yes, I would love to," I said.
