How To Save A Life

Chapter 16

Instead of staying with Sean for the rest of the day, I decide to drive home and inform Mavis of my new relationship status. Sean agrees that this is important news for me to share with her, but insists he come over later to take me on a date. A real date, not a gas station date. I don't know what to wear on a date or really even what goes on during one. Mavis will be so excited to help me.

"Mavis!" I call out as I walk into the house. "I have exciting news for you!"

"June? Hi, I didn't expect you back so soon." Mavis says as she walks down the stairs. Her eyes are slightly puffy and I can tell she's been crying, but I don't know why.

"Are you okay?" I ask gently.

"Yeah I'm fine. Mom made me tell her about Scott and I got upset again is all. But really, why are you home so early?" She persists.

"Well Sean asked me out again and I said yes. I wanted to tell you right away." I explained.

"You came home early to tell me? That's really thoughtful of you June. Thanks for telling me right away, I'm so happy for you." She replies, but I can tell her heart isn't in it. She must be really torn up about this Scott thing.

"Thanks Mav, but that's not even the best part. He's taking me on a date tonight and since I have no idea how those go or what to wear, you get to hell me! It's gonna be so fun. I'll be like your Barbie doll. You always wanted to dress me up when you were I high school, now is your chance."

"Okay! This should be fun. Where are you going?" she replies with sudden interest.

"Well I don't actually know. He's having his mom drop me off here, but then I'm driving. I just don't know where I'm driving to. He said he's giving me directions."

"Well that's vague. I don't know what to put you in then. Maybe a skirt? That could be dressy or casual. I'll put you in a skirt. With a simple v-neck, you can't go wrong with that. Flats too, in case you do a lot of walking. Oh this is so exciting!" Mavis squeals.

An hour later I'm dressed and made up to the nines. Okay not really, but I look a lot better than I normally would. I text Sean to let him now he can come over now, then turn to Mavis to learn date etiquette.

"Well the first thing you should know is that Sean is so insanely into you that there is nothing you can do to turn him away. You honestly have nothing to worry about. Other than that, kiss him at the end of the night and you're set." Mavis tells me.

"What if I can't talk to him though? What if I get awkward." I ask.

"You won't. You've been good friends for over a month now. Talk to him like you always talk to him. You'll do fine." Mavis soothes.

Before I can't worry any longer the doorbell rings. This is it, my first really date. I take a deep breath and open the door. The look on Sean's face immediately calms all my nerves. He doesn't look anxious at all, just happy. Happy to see me, happy to be here, and happy to be taking me on a date. If he can be calm about this I can too.

"Hey, uh come inside." I say awkwardly, just now realizing I've been staring.

"Hey. You look beautiful. I can't believe this is actually happening. I'm so lucky." Sean gushes, then blushes after he realizes what he said.

"Um, yeah. I'm really excited for this too. And you look great. I feel a bit over dressed though. Where are we going?" I ask, he's wearing jeans and a polo, much more casual than my skirt.

"I can't tell you, it's a surprise. Oh hey Mavis, I didn't see you there when I first came in." Sean says, noticing Mavis for the first time.

"Oh yeah, I've been here the whole time." Mavis says quietly. Since when is she shy around Sean?

"Well don't worry, I'll take care of your sister. Nothing's happening to her on my watch." Sean says confidently.

"Oh I'm not worried. I trust you." Mavis replies slightly more enthusiastically.

"Good. Well if that's all, Juniper and I should probably get going. I'll see you later Mavis" Sean says as he opens the door.

"I'll be back soon Mavis, don't get into any trouble." I joke as I let Sean lead me out the door.

The door closes behind us and Sean walks me to my car. He opens the drivers side door for me, then closes it behind me. I'm surprised by how much of a gentleman he is, but I'm sure why. He's only ever been kind to me and he did take care of Scott for Mavis. He really is pretty great.

"So, where are we going?" I ask him after he's settled into the car.

"How many times do I have to tell you, it's a surprise."

"No not that type of where. Left or right where. You have to tell me how to get there."

"Oh right. Take a left out of your driveway."

"Okay. So how are things going with your parents?" I ask, just to make conversation.

"Well they don't want me going back to school, but they know I have to stay on track for graduation. Right at the stop sign, then drive straight for a while."

"So what's the plan then?" I say, while taking the right turn.

"Well, if it's still an option, they agreed to let me homeschool with you." Sean replies sheepishly.

"Really? Of course it's still an option. This is so exciting. I don't remember the last time I had an actual class mate. We can do group projects together!" I say excitedly.

"My parents will want to talk to your parents though. They're worried because you never seem to be doing school work. To be honest I'm kind of worried cause I never see you doing school work. You do learn things, right?"

"Of course! I'm just really ahead of the schedule because I do classes all summer. I was actually planning to graduate this semester, but if you're planning to join me I'll keep going."

"Take a right up here. But really? If you don't have to take classes anymore I don't want you to for my sake. I can take online classes or something."

"No. You're joining my class. Our mascot can be a nut. You and I can be the stars of the football team." I say with a laugh.

"Yeah, right. It's a plan. Take a right into this parking lot." He replies

"Wait, is this? Oh my gosh I've always wanted to go here! How did you know? I'm so not dressed for this. You should have told me to change." I gush.

"I didn't want you to change, you look too pretty." He replies before exiting the car.

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Hello!! Just so we're clear this is supposed to be a cliffhanger, I didn't just forget to say where they went. This chapter was never in the plan for this book, but then I decided it needed some fluff before the serious part started. So here's the first half of fluff. The next chapter will be all about their date too. Please vote and comment!! Thanks for reading!