Girlfriend

10. It's a Date

I love how Michael called when my Mother decided to come bother me. People these days have awful timing.

"What do you need?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"I just wanted to check on you. Everything got weird after my sister walked in. I'm sorry about that," he said.

"It's okay. I had fun."

"You seemed pretty upset, though," he countered. "You can tell me."

"No...it's nothing. I promise," I assured him, glancing at my mom.

"Okay then. Maybe I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Maybe."

"And, Cathy Jean?" Michael stuttered.

"Yes?"

He was silent for a very long time. I waited patiently for him to say something.

"Hello?"

"Nevermind," he said. "I'll see you later."

"Bye."

I hung up and turned to my mom. Her eyes were wide. "Who was that?"

"No one," I responded.

"Was that a boy?"

"No."

"Was it David? He's cute, isn't he?" she gushed.

"No, he isn't. And it wasn't David either. It was nobody, Mom. Trust me."

"Come on, Cathy Jean! You don't necessarily have any friends," she muttered.

"It was nobody. You can leave now. You were never welcome in the first place. I told you to knock," I said, rolling my eyes.

"Well, I'm your mother and you're living in my house so I can come in your room whenever I please," Mom informed me.

"You could at least knock."

"You could at least try to be respectful."

"Maybe I would if you'd stay out of my business," I snapped.

"Cathy Jean Jones. I'm so tired of your attitude. I should ground you for this," she growled.

"Well, I'm over eighteen so I'm my own person."

"I don't see you with a job, missy."

"Dancing is my job," I suggested.

"Mmmhmmm. Good night."

She finally left, taking all the tension with her. There's no way I'd tell her anything about Michael. She'd probably tell him that I like him.

I was thrilled that he called me. Knowing that he really cares about me makes everything better. I need someone like him in my life right now. Someone stable.

Michael cluttered my thoughts as I tried to get some sleep. Our moment was the best moment I've had in a really long time. He's so warm and gentle. I didn't want to leave him.

I love his smile. It almost makes me want to smile. But not quite.

***

The next morning, I'm up and ready for dance practice. I drive myself this time. The tension between me and Mom is still thick.

"Hey, Cathy Jean," David chimed when I got out of my car.

"Hi," I grumbled.