Girlfriend

5. Dinner Time

Mother immediately prepared for dinner right when I told her that Cathy Jean would be coming over. My sisters were so happy I had made a friend and Randy couldn't believe my prophecies about her beauty. The whole household was brimming with joy. The best part is Joseph wasn't here to judge her or me.

At around 6, we dressed up and awaited Cathy Jean's arrival. Randy and I wore a nice button up shirt and a jacket while the girls wore dresses. Janet forced LaToya to put some makeup on her face because she had to look "absolutely perfect".

"Is there anything we should know about her so we don't offend?" Mother asked adjusting a fork on the dinner table.

"She doesn't smile and whatever you do, do not talk about her family," I said, checking my watch.

"She doesn't smile?" Janet asked furrowing her brow.

"She doesn't smile. Don't ask her about that either. She's really nice though," I reassured them.

"And pretty right?" Randy asked.

"And pretty," I replied.

The doorbell rings and LaToya claps her hands in delight. I take one last look around the room to make sure everything is perfect.

"Don't mess anything up. I'll only be one second," I assured my family.

One of the maids had already answered the door and was leading Cathy Jean to the dining room. She gave me a small wave when she saw me.

"You look great," I said dismissing the maid.

"Thanks. Your house is...big," she gasped.

"Yeah," I giggled. "Follow me." I led her to the dining room.

Every mouth was agate when she walked into the room. Randy was the first one to close his mouth. His lips curled into a smile.

"Wow. You were right," he said. "Girlfriend can sit right here." He gestured to the seat next to him.

"She'll sit next to me but thanks for the offer. That's Randy," I said pulling out a chair for Cathy Jean. "And those are my sisters LaToya and Janet and that's my mother, Katherine."

"You can call me Kate," Mother said, smiling.

"Don't you have more siblings?" Cathy Jean asked scooting closer to the table.

"Yeah but they're all old and out of the house," LaToya stated putting her napkin in her lap.

"Do you have any brothers or sisters?" Janet inquired.

I immediately shoot her a dirty look. She shrugged and waited for Cathy Jean to answer. I specifically told them to avoid that topic.

"They're all old too. They don't come around a lot though," she responded.

"Why not?"

Janet!

"My mom's crazy. When I get old enough I'll be just like them."

"What's wrong with your mother?" Mother asked, slightly concerned.

Did anybody hear me?! I literally lectured them 2 minutes ago!

"She's just...crazy."

"Obviously she doesn't want to talk about it. Can we please move on?"

I almost snapped at them but they were showing zero sympathy.

"Yeah...sorry about that, honey," Mother said.

"So, Cathy Jean, do you have a boyfriend?" Randy asked sitting back in his seat.

Cathy Jean looked at me for guidance but I showed no emotion. My family was really embarrassing me which is something they usually don't do.

"Oh! You're with Michael! How did we not see that?" LaToya laughed tossing her dark hair over her shoulder.

"We're not together!" I cried, accepting my salad.

"It's nothing to be ashamed of! Liking girls is normal," LaToya assured me.

"You were the one talking about how beautiful she was! Cathy Jean this and Cathy Jean that-"

"Janet, please just eat." My face burned with embarrassment. Cathy Jean was probably laughing at me on the inside.

"So where do you live, dear?" Mother asked finally making relevant conversation.

"Around the corner. I just moved here a couple months ago." Cathy Jean took a sip of her sweet tea.

"Wonderful!"

"Eh." Cathy Jean curled her lip. "It's tolerable here."

"How old are you?" LaToya inquired.

"19. I'll be 20 in a couple weeks."

"Weird. I'll be 21 in a couple weeks too," I said.

"We're having a party," Mother told announced.

"No we're not."

"Yes, we are," Mother assured the table. "You're more than welcome to attend, Cathy Jean. And if you and your mother are on the same page, she can come too."

"Not likely but okay," Cathy Jean scoffed.

Mother slowly nodded and concentrated on eating her salad. Everyone else followed. Conversation was scarce after that. I could tell my family absolutely adored Cathy Jean...right?

"Thanks for the night," Cathy Jean stated walking down the steps of Hayvenhurst. "And you can come over whenever you want. Just make sure a Camaro isn't parked outside my house."

"Oh wow...great! It feels nice to have a friend," I said, rocking on my heels.

"I agree." Cathy Jean rubbed my forearm. "See you." She turned and walked away.

I watched her walk through the gates and out of my view. It was sad to see her leave even if the evening hadn't gone as planned. Cathy Jean isn't a total wreck, she just needs a little help. I will make her smile. It'll be beautiful, I know.