summer in st. louis

Chapter 3 - Rise of the Pi

Chapter 3

Rise of the Pi

When the flight ended, I quickly walked into the new terminal. I couldn't be near that guy any longer. He even tried pulling my hair! Talk about a baby.

When I went to baggage claim, I retrieved me small suitcase, and looked for Aunt Delilah. Really, there is no way that you can miss her.

Aunt Delilah is crazy for a couple of reasons. One: Her brown hair is always shaped to look like a bird's nest. Two: She drives a car that looks like a tiny beetle. Three: Aunt Delilah has been dating her boyfriend since high school, and he's proposed about four times. She always refused, but they're still dating.

"Claire, my baby!" a high-pitched voice yelled. I turned in the direction and winced, everyone staring at the bizarre lady.

"Hi....Aunt Delilah..." I said, my voice cracking. I can't go anywhere with her. Today she had on bright yellow jeans, a 'Save the Seals' t-shirt, and a cartoon jacket. Aunt Delilah looks like she came out of a 60's movie.

She moved forward to hug me, and I sighed. She isn't that bad. But she is crazy. "Oh, sweetie, when was the last time you were here? I mean, you are eighteen, right?" she asked, her wide grin scaring me.

"Yeah. It's been six years," I mumbled. Aunt Delilah dragged me to her car (yes, its still the size of a beetle), and during the whole ride she talked about her new garden. Yay. Didn't I get the best chauffeur. 

* * *

"We're here!" 

I opened my eyes, and instead of seeing her apartment building, I was looking at a pizza place. It was called Pi Pizzeria.

"Why are we here? I hate pizza," I looked at Aunt Delilah, and I swear to God her jaw literally dropped. She closed her eyes, took in a quick breath, and then opened them, the blue piercing through my skin.

"You. Hate. Pizza," she mumbled slowly. I nodded, and then she yanked me out of the car.

"Hey! I already told you, I don't wanna go in--" 

"--there," I stopped, a wonderful smell reaching my nose. Pizza. I have to admit, I do love pizza. I just didn't want to agree with Aunt Delilah. But this is probably the best smelling pizza I've ever smelled.

"Come on, let's go sit down," Aunt Delilah said, noticing my smile. We sat at a booth in the corner, and I looked at the menu. It was all pizza.

"Hi, what can I get for you?" I looked up to see a waiter standing next to our table. Aunt Delilah ordered a pizza, and I stayed quiet. Finally the girl left.

"So, there are some changes at the apartment," Aunt Delilah announced, not looking at me. I took a sip of water and brushed my blonde hair out of my face. 

"You see....my neighbor's son is living in my house."

I'm pretty sure I choked on the sip of water. "No. No no no no no. Please don't tell me it's a little boy," I muttered. Having babysat before, I've dealt with little kids. They're a pain. A real pain.

"Well, no. He's you're age, actually. His name is Tucker Watson." Aunt Delilah smiled, and the pizza arrived. Oh God, I thought I would go on a diet. But it was too beautiful. I took a bite, and closed my eyes, savoring the tomatoes and warm cheese.

"Do you like it?"

"Oh my God, yes. How come I've never heard of this place before?" I asked.

"It's famous down here, but normally people don't eat much pizza in St. Louis. But soon Pi will be on the map," said Aunt Delilah.

"Why is Tucker living with you? I mean, I have to admit, that's kinda weird," I remarked.

"His mother was my neighbor. I've known the boy for years, and he's so sweet. Such a gentleman. They lived in the apartment next to me. Tucker's dad had moved out, because he married another woman. Tucker's mom, Marie, couldn't deal with the pressure of having two jobs. So I offered to take care of Tucker, so she could go to New York and get a new job without having the burden of supporting Tucker."

"How long is he gonna stay with you?" I asked, feeling bad for him.

"Well, it's been a year. Tucker is gonna stay down here for college, and Marie will be moving back in August," she said.

"Can't wait to meet him," I smiled. Then I continued to eat my delicious cheese pizza. Mmm....rise of the Pi....